52: The Surfaris, “Wipe Out” (no.5, 1963)

Because I can’t seriously get away with including the Animal version, and not the original and best. Originally released as the B-side to the far less dynamic “Surfer Joe”, this is one of those great records apparently made up in the studio: the frenetic guitar and drums are those of born surf dudes itching to get back out in the sunshine, while the manic laughter at the beginning was provided by the band’s manager Dale Smallin, clearly realising just what a smash he had on his hands.