Beach Boys – Surfin’ USA

“Surfin’ U.S.A.” – Single by the Beach Boys from the album Surfin’ U.S.A.
B-side “Shut Down”
Released March 4, 1963
Recorded January 5, 1963
Label Capitol
Songwriters Chuck Berry,Brian Wilson
Producer Nick Venet
Charted No.3 in US; No.34 in UK; No.2 in Canada.

This is a very early Beach Boys song, following up their first hit “Surfin’ Safari.” Brian Wilson was gaining confidence as a producer, and this song marks the emergence of what would become the Beach Boys signature sound over the next few years. Wilson got the most of 1963 studio technology, and managed to create a sound with bright guitars and sophisticated background vocals – something he accomplished with double-tracking. Brian also used his falsetto vocals in the chorus to offset Mike Love’s lead.

In the song the following surfing spots are mentioned, mostly in California, as well as one in Hawaii (possibly two) and one in Australia:

“Del Mar” – Del Mar, San Diego County, California
“Ventura County Line” – County Line Beach in Ventura County, California
“Santa Cruz” – Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California
“Trestles” – San Onofre State Park, San Diego County, California
“Australia’s Narrabeen” – Narrabeen, Australia
“Manhattan” – Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County, California
“Doheny” – Doheny Beach, Dana Point, Orange County, California
“Haggerty’s” – Palos Verdes Estates, Los Angeles County, California
“Swami’s” – Swami’s Beach, Encinitas, San Diego County, California
“Pacific Palisades” – Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County, California
“San Onofre” – San Onofre State Park, San Diego County, California
“Sunset” – Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii – or – Sunset Beach, Orange County, California
“Redondo Beach, L.A.” – Redondo Beach, Los Angeles County, California
“La Jolla” – La Jolla, San Diego County, California
“Waimea Bay” – Waimea Bay, Hawaii

The song “Surfin’ U.S.A.” is part of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll list.

The Beach Boys
Mike Love – lead vocal
David Marks – backing vocal, rhythm guitar
Brian Wilson – backing vocal, bass guitar, organ
Carl Wilson – backing vocal, lead guitar
Dennis Wilson – backing vocal

Additional musician
Frank DeVito – drums