The Packards were to the surf-revival of the '80s what the Belairs were to the “first-wave” in the '60s — a pioneer band that played a major role in defining the form. As you will hear on these tracks from five different Packards albums, we sought to make surf-instro music that was true to its roots, yet relevant to a new day

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'82  
Beach City Bop
The Packards
a PJ original  A nutty little tune that´s a lot of fun to play. That´s Randy Mitchell playing the cool solos that break up the verses.
The Packards / Beach City Bop
'87  
Day Tripper
The Packards
Turbocharged ska/surf version of the Beatles´ great tune, complete with horn section...
California
'86  
Armor of Light
The Packards
a PJ original  a slice of solid Americana that blends the progressive with the traditional.
Guitar Heaven
'86  
Baja
The Packards
The punch we gave to the Astronauts´ hit comes through despite this crude cassette recording made at a band rehearsal
High Energy
'80  
Andele
The Packards
a PJ original  We update a tune I wrote in ´64 for PJ & the Galaxies...
The Packards / Pray For Surf
'82  
Scratchy
The Packards
Randy Mitchell and I had a blast trading licks on this quirky ´65 hit by Travis Wammack.
The Packards / Beach City Bop
'87  
Squad Car
The Packards
a PJ original  This version features my sis and her husband - she´s a real dispatcher and he´s a real cop... and dig the cool horns in the second half!
California
'80  
Tally Ho
The Packards
a PJ original  An updated version of a tune I wrote in ´64 and recorded that year with PJ & the Galaxies. Some "British Invasion" influence here.
The Packards / Pray For Surf