Post #491508 by The Granite Tiki on Mon, Nov 2, 2009 12:39 PM

I faced a similar decision with my band's set list.

Since I advertise us as "Exotica, Hapa Haole, and Surf" and there was already plenty of Surf music being represented at "OHANA" (the gig we were playing) and we have horns, the song I went with to include some surf was "Hawaii 5O"

So obviously I think it's okay.

I'm beginning to wonder why Slack Key Guitar music is never even considered. I know the general theory is that it's much more Hawaiian than Tiki, but an argument could be made that Surf is more California Beach than Tiki. I always like to make a bigger case for Hapa Haole as well, since I bet it was played in home Tiki Bars as much or more than Exotica. Sorry if this is all off topic.

So all that aside, and back to the point, I think it's the song itself that matters, especially on a compilation album, not the performers. And those songs you chose to represent Surf certainly ARE Tiki Surf.