The Kustom Kings - Kustom City U.S.A.

A hi-octane mix of revved up vocal tracks and charging hot rod instrumentals!

Led by Bruce Johnston, featuring the Kustom Kings — Glen Campbell, Tommy Tedesco and Hal Blaine

Before becoming a full-time Beach Boy and prolific songwriter, Bruce Johnston was a key member of the West Coast music scene. In 1959, while still in high school, Johnston played piano on friend Sandy Nelson's hit single "Teenbeat." This set Johnston up to record with the cream of California session personnel.

By 1964, Johnston was already a proven veteran. Following up the success of The Rip Chords collaboration with Melcher and its hit single "Hey Little Cobra," Johnston revved up The Kustom Kings. With a mission statement "to present the most authentic hot rod album on the market," the Kustom City U.S.A. album brought together an all-star team. Bruce Johnston wrote and co-wrote much of the LP's material, as did producer/arranger/saxophonist Steve Douglas. Rounding out the band were guitarists Tommy Tedesco and Glen Campbell, Ray Pohlmann on bass, Jay Migliori on second sax and Hal Blaine on drums-WOW! For added authenticity, car designer George Barris, "The King of the Kustomizers," jumped on board as a special adviser. He, along with several of his rolling works of art, is pictured on the album's artwork. Looking at the full-color front cover slick, you can practically smell the burning rubber and fresh coats of paint!

The too-cool visuals are just a bonus, however, because the REAL story is the music! A hi-octane mix of vocal tracks and charging instrumentals, there is not a second of filler to be found among the twelve tracks. Tedesco and Campbell lock in gripping guitar duels while Douglas and Migliori wail over the timing belt beat of Blaine and Pohlmann. Johnston contributes superb vocal and piano work and together, the Kustom Kings jam the accelerator down to floorboard! And now, just when you thought the tank was on E, Sundazed roars in with a maniacally marvelous reissue!

Sourced from the original stereo masters, Kustom City, U.S.A. has been tuned up and restored to showroom condition.

 

1. In My 40 Ford

2. Asphalt Eater

3. Stick Six

4. Fireball

5. Jive Driver

6. Tuck and Roll

7. Super Fine 39

8. Firecracker 400

9. Hey Little Cobra

10. Clutch Rider

11. Hotty 32

12. Speed Shifters

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