by Cub Koda
With the recording of &Three Window Coupe& and its subsequent album and follow-ups, producers Terry Melcher and Bruce Johnston started singing on the Rip Chords sessions as well. This move effectively forced original members Phil Stewart and Ernie Bringas into touring-group-only status. On this album, only Stewart appears anywhere, and even then, it's only on two tracks, &Bonneville Bonnie& and &Old Car Made in '52.& But as another Bruce and Terry production, this is top-notch stuff, with all the L.A. session heavyweights and the best hot rod-surf production this side of Brian Wilson and Jan & Dean. No matter who is actually singing this stuff, this is top-notch California surf/hot rod material and a welcome addition to anyone's rock & roll collection.