Record of Surfer[s] Pyjama Party

Maker Bruce Johnston Surfing Band

Date1960s

Object number00015455

NamePhonograph record

MediumPaper, vinyl

DimensionsOverall (Diameter of vinyl record): 300 mm,
Overall: 0.15 kg

ClassificationsSound communication

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThe vinyl record of The Bruce Johnston Surfing Band's album 'Surfer's Pyjama Party', prodcued by Del-Fi Records. Record contains a separate record cover, 00015454.HistorySurf music was an extension of 1950s Rockabilly and Rhythm and Blues compositions, and was largely introduced by musicians that were not themselves involved in America's popular surf culture. Beginning with instrumental compositions, surf music later incorporated vocal harmonies. In their lyrics, vocal groups like the Beach Boys and Jan and Dean attempted to capture the essence of being a teenager and living in Southern California. Slightly behind developments in the United States, surf music reached Australia in 1962. The genre took hold in the form of a dance style known as The Stomp. Though there were unique elements in Australian surf music, much of it was influenced by the Californian scene.SignificanceSurf rock grew out of the 1950s emergence of rock and roll. Short-lived, it was intrinsically tied to the freedom and spirit of West Coast USA surf culture and captured youthful energy of a coastal lifestyle. Its popularity had diminished by the late 1960s as the reality of the Vietnam war, political activism and civil rights emerged.