Surf rock

Surf rock is a style of music that mixes elements of surf music and rock music. While in the 1960s surf music and rock and roll were distinct styles, associated with competing dance styles and representing distinct and competing youth cultures, the development of rock music since then has built upon both styles. Many authorities now retrospectively classify all surf bands as rock bands, and surf music therefore as a subgenre of rock music.

Subgenres

Spy Rock is a subgenre of surf rock featuring similarly complex melodies, usually set in minor keys, evocative of film noir. Examples include the bands Double Naught Spy Car and the Twenty-Twos.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Surfabilly is a subgenre often featuring traditional surf melodies played over rockabilly chord structures. Examples include the bands the Red Elvises and Southern Culture on the Skids.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hot Rod Rock (also called Drag Rock) is also a subgenre of surf rock. Traditional surf rock sounds are applied to lyrics about the also rising hot rod culture. For a few years it gained mass popularity. The Rip-Chords, Ronny and the Daytonas, and The Hondells are good examples of this subgenre. The Beach Boys and Dick Dale produced songs in this subgenre such as "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Mag Wheels".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Space Rock is a subgenre of surf rock. It contains many of the characteristics of the "true" surf rock sound, but it also contains many elements from pop and rockabilly. The lyrics also deal instead of surf with the space race. The album The Ventures in Space is a good example.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~