Gary Usher - Barefoot Adventure: The 4 Star Sessions (2008)

This collection encompasses the first incarnation of Gary Usher's multiple studio projects recorded between 1962 and 1966 focusing on surf, sun, and hot rods. During that four-year span, numerous LPs and singles were released using a core of studio musicians who were under contract to Challenge/4 Star: Dick Burns, bass and vocals; Dennis McCarthy, keyboards; Randy Thomas, drums and organ; and Usher on guitar and vocals. As collectors of the genre are well aware, not all of the material waxed has withstood the test of time. Usher, however, had talent that went beyond simply cranking out generic tunes to capitalize on a passing fad. Across the board, he produced superior recordings that continued after the surf and hot rod era evaporated. His post-1966 work with the Byrds, Sagittarius, Chad & Jeremy, Curt Boettcher, and many others is highly favored. Among the 38 tracks are 17 -- minus the interviews -- previously unreleased demos and alternate takes issued under the monikers the Four Speeds, the Sunsets, and the Competitors. Most fans will already be familiar with standout tracks like "R.P.M.," "Cheater Slicks," "Four on the Floor," and "My Little Surfin' Woodie." The extra treats are the two cuts by the Honeys, which are straight outta the Phil Spector girl group sound, and the Bobby Fuller Four-like "Harder and Harder." As usual, the folks at Sundazed have done excellent work. The four-part audio interview segments with Usher will satisfy anyone who is more than casually interested in surf and hot rod music. Also included are several rare photos, label artwork from the singles, and informative liner notes by surf author Stephen McParland.

Tracklist:
1 01. Gary Usher - R.P.M. (The Four Speeds) (02:34)
1 02. Gary Usher - My Little Surfin' Woodie (02:02)
1 03. Gary Usher - Barefoot Adventure (01:44)
1 04. Gary Usher - Four on the Floor (The Four Speeds) (02:25)
1 05. Gary Usher - Cheater Slicks (The Four Speeds) (01:58)
1 06. Gary Usher - C.C. Cinder (The Sunsets) (02:09)
1 07. Gary Usher - The Chug-a-Lug (The Sunsets) (02:20)
1 08. Gary Usher - Gary Usher Interview, Pt. 1: The Four Speeds and the Sunsets (01:33)
1 09. Gary Usher - My Little Beach Bunny (The Sunsets) (02:03)
1 10. Gary Usher - Playmate of the Year (The Sunsets) (01:59)
1 11. Gary Usher - Lonely Surfer Boy (The Sunsets) (01:58)
1 12. Gary Usher - Soul Stompin' (02:41)
1 13. Gary Usher - Nifty '50 (01:39)
1 14. Gary Usher - Power Shift (02:00)
1 15. Gary Usher - Mag Wheels (02:16)
1 16. Gary Usher - Gary Usher Interview, Pt. 2: Drag Racing and Hot Rod Songs (02:53)
1 17. Gary Usher - My Sting Ray (The Four Speeds) (01:55)
1 18. Gary Usher - 426 Super Stock (The Competitors) (01:52)
2 19. Gary Usher - Wax, Board and Woodie (01:48)
2 20. Gary Usher - Draggin' Deuce (02:02)
2 21. Gary Usher - '54 Corvette (01:54)
2 22. Gary Usher - My Little Surfin' Woodie (02:02)
2 23. Gary Usher - Gary Usher Interview, Pt. 3: In the Studio (01:13)
2 24. Gary Usher - R.P.M. (02:41)
2 25. Gary Usher - Barefoot Adventure (The Four Speeds) (01:52)
2 26. Gary Usher - Cactus Juice (02:25)
2 27. Gary Usher - Coney Island Wild Child (02:01)
2 28. Gary Usher - Sugar and Spice (02:41)
2 29. Gary Usher - Twins (02:21)
2 30. Gary Usher - Milky Way (01:40)
2 31. Gary Usher - Quicksand (02:10)
2 32. Gary Usher - Gary Usher Interview, Pt. 4: Writing and Producing (00:56)
2 33. Gary Usher - You Made a Believer Out of Me (With the Honeys) (01:52)
2 34. Gary Usher - Waiting for the Day (With the Honeys) (01:49)
2 35. Gary Usher - Tied Down (02:07)
2 36. Gary Usher - Harder and Harder (01:46)