Sundazed brings back to life three rare surf and hot rod sessions recorded in 1964 by
the Super Stocks, a studio group masterminded by producer
Gary Usher.
Usher utilized the best studio players of the day, who also worked with
the Beach Boys and
Jan & Dean, including
Billy Strange,
Glen Campbell,
Leon Russell,
Ray Pohlman,
Hal Blaine, and
Jerry Cole. Originally issued on Capitol in early 1964,
Thunder Road was the first full-length LP by
the Super Stocks and includes 11 cuts loosely based around car themes, specifically the title track, which had been a 1958 hit for actor
Robert Mitchum from the film of the same name. The remaining ten cuts are similar high-speed hot rod anthems, including "Trophy Run," "Draggin' Deuce," "Hot to Trot," and "Custom Caravan." As usual, the folks at Sundazed have done excellent work with all three of the
Super Stocks LPs; they have restored the original album artwork, featured meticulous mastering from the analog tapes, and included new liner notes by author Stephen McParland. This is an enjoyable, fun reissue recommended to both collectors and casual listeners. ~ Al Campbell