Post #238750 by lemonsqueezer on Tue, Jun 20, 2006 10:56 AM

Thanks for the info! The Surfaris still play the tune live. I had the pleasure to see this group
http://www.surfariswipeout.com/
(And not that one: http://thesurfaris.com/)
live two month ago and can easily say it was the best Surf Concert I ever saw. (Better than Dick Dale as his heavy metal drummer didn't fit in) They did play with THREE guitarists, bass & drums. Extremely great and powerful with a clever & good tracklist incl. some vocals for the perfect alternation. Highly recommended!

A short look at allmusic.com does answer my question about early similau versions (before Denny 1956)

Edmundo Ros 1948 or 1949
Peggy Lee - 1949
Desi Arnez - 1951
Gene Krupa & His Orchestra 1949

& this lyrics are from the www:

SIMILAU (Arden Clar / Harry Coleman) in 1948

(I Similau, I Similau, I Similau, I Similau)

Spirit in the wood beat the hollow cane
Spirit in the wood take away the pain
Make the body ripe and alive again
I Similau (I Similau, I Similau)

Spirit in the heart make the blood flow fast
Spirit in the heart make the beauty last
Keep the hope alive when the youth go past
I Similau (I Similau, I Similau)

When my lover comes upon the scene
Drop a petal from the tree
Fling the mountain up into the sky
Fill the river with the sea

Spirit in the wood let the hollow cane
Echo in the afterglow
Waiting for the flame to burn again
I Similau (I Similau I Similau)

(Transcribed by Mel Priddle - September 2003)
(Additions by Nigel Hunter - February 2004)

[ Edited by: lemonsqueezer 2006-06-20 10:57 ]