Album Review: Surf Me Up Deluxe Longbox by Various
Released in 2008, Surf Me Up Deluxe Longbox is a genre-bending compilation that takes listeners on an eclectic journey through Folk, World, Country, Pop, and Rock. With styles ranging from Pop Rock to Grunge, Aboriginal rhythms to Indie Rock, this French album—courtesy of the Naïve label—is as diverse as it is ambitious. Curated by Alain Gardinier, who also penned the liner notes, the project feels like a labor of love, with artwork by François Lartigau adding a vibrant visual layer.
The album’s tracklist reads like a mixtape for global wanderers and surf enthusiasts alike. Standouts include "Ocean Size" and "Wipe Out," both of which leave a lasting impression for very different reasons. “Ocean Size” kicks things off with a dreamy yet gritty vibe, blending Alternative Rock with hints of surf guitar riffs. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re cruising down a coastal highway at sunset—windows down, wind in your hair. On the flip side, “Wipe Out” delivers adrenaline-pumping energy with its iconic drum beats and raw intensity. Even if you’ve heard covers of this classic before, this version feels fresh, almost daring you not to tap your feet or air-drum along.
Other tracks like “Bikini Beach Party Tonight” lean into kitschy fun, while deeper cuts such as “River Song” offer introspective moments grounded in Folk Rock traditions. The inclusion of songs like “Surfin’ USA” adds nostalgia, but it’s clear the compilers wanted to create something more than just a retro playlist. They succeeded in crafting a mosaic of sounds that reflect both timeless appeal and modern sensibilities.
What makes Surf Me Up Deluxe Longbox stand out isn’t just its variety; it’s how seamlessly these disparate elements come together. Sure, some transitions between tracks can feel jarring, but maybe that’s part of the charm—an auditory collage rather than a perfectly polished gem. Credit goes to Alain Gardinier for pulling off what could’ve easily been a chaotic mess.
In the end, this album feels less like a straightforward listen and more like flipping through a scrapbook filled with memories you didn’t even know you had. And honestly? That’s kinda cool. Who would’ve thought a French compilation could make you wanna grab a board and hit the waves—or at least crank up the volume in your living room?
