Surf

Surf began with early 1960s beach music from Southern California. The fast-paced, trebly, rolling sound of songs like "Miserlou" by Dick Dale & the Del-Tones served as the perfect soundtrack for riding the waves. Although Dale is the acknowledged godfather of the form, the Surfaris' "Wipe Out" is by far the best-known instrumental Surf tune. Like Dale, a few artists such as the Ventures managed to make a career out of Surf instrumentals, but the majority faded into obscurity. Nonetheless, the music's cinematic, impressionistic nature has influenced guitar players worldwide. The pristine harmonies of the vocal Surf sound -- best defined by the early work of the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, who sang choir-like hymns to sun and uncomplicated fun -- has been equally influential.