Great Divde

Other great ‘surf rock’ bands

It’s hard to pick one soundtrack that’s broad enough to speak to cruiser bicyclists everywhere, but who doesn’t love surf music? These are the tunes that’ll make you think you’re riding your fat-tired sweetheart on a sandy beachfront sidewalk, a cool ocean breeze blowing through your wig, somewhere near an ocean.

Messer Chups

Sure you can drool over the gorgeous bassist, but there is so much more to the Messer Chups, but the Messer Chups music is perfect for cruising and feeling good in general.  This trio of quirky Russians infuses samples of American B-level horror flicks and the beautiful sound of theremins with their post-communist surf rock.  Ride your bike to your local record store and pick up a re-released vinyl copy of their album “Hyena Safari.”  messerchups.ru

Satan’s Pilgrim

After taking a hiatus in 2000, Satan’s Pilgrim is back touring the West Coast. The Portland, OR, instrumental group even minted an album “Psychsploitation,” which was released in June, 2009. Their music meshes three distinct guitarists and a crazy rhythm section that’ll have you dancing your ass off, assuming you can pry yourself from your comfy cruiser seat. satanspilgrims.com

Man or Astro-Man?

Blending ’60s surf and ’80s punk, Man or Astro-Man? produced a ridiculous 10 albums between 1993 and 2000, cementing their status as of one of the great New Wave surf rock bands. The band claims they are extraterrestrials sent to Earth to play surf music—as such, they have never publicly released their names. Martian- and alien-themed cruiser ride anyone? astroman.com

5, 6, 7, 8s

For more than 20 years, this smokin’ hot Japanese trio has been touring the globe. Haven’t heard of them? Check out “Bomb That Rocks,” a 27-song album released in 2003, a compilation of every single the band released between 1989 and 1996. Or just watch “Kill Bill” and listen for the “Woo Hoo” song. They are Chuck Barry on speed, filled with distortion and wasabi attitude. the5678s.net

The Ventures

Inducted into the 2008 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Ventures defined the Instrumental Rock genre, also known as surf rock; and while they were at it, produced one of the most popular and readily identifiable singles in rock history, “Walk Don’t Run.” While the band has continued to tour, founding member Bob Bogle died in June, 2009. So pour out a swig of your tasty beverage in memory of Bogle, and cruise along to some of The Ventures classic work. theventures.com

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