Surf music pioneers known for "Mr. Moto" prove that it was best at the beginning.

28 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Surf Rock, ROCK: Instrumental Rock

Show all album songs: The Origins Of Surf Music Songs


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The Belairs were there at the beginning of the surf wave phenomenon, and they didn't even know they were part of it until their fans told them! Formed in 1960 by guitarists Paul Johnson and Eddie Bertrand, The Belairs were the premier surf instrumental band along California's South Bay. The original band was completed by drummer Richard Delvy, sax player Chaz Stuart and keyboardist Jim Roberts.

In 1961, The Belairs signed with Arvee Records and went on to score a major local hit with their debut single "Mr. Moto," written by Paul Johnson. This success enabled The Belairs to hit TV and live performance circuit with full force. Their follow-up single "Volcanic Action" was doomed by their label's indifference, but The Belairs went from strength to strength by developing their skills and original songwriting. The Belairs influenced their contemporaries, as new bands covered their tunes.

The Belairs carried on with some personnel changes until 1964. This newly remastered collection covers their earliest demos, both of their singles, and numerous studio and home demo rarities. Two additional tracks have been added to the original CD release: an edit of Paul Johnson's "Bedlam" and "Giggling Girl," the proposed B-side by the novelty R&B vocal group The Initials which features The Belairs as their backing band.

The influence of The Belairs continues to this day, with "Mr. Moto" recognized as an all-time classic.