Dale is revered as one of the pioneers of surf rock and one of the most influential guitarists of the early 1960s. His technique influenced future guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix and Eddie Van Halen. He experimented with reverberation and made use of custom-made Fender amplifiers. Among Dale's most well-known songs are "Misirlou", "Surf Beat", and "Let's Go Trippin'". He also released music under Dick Dale & His Del-Tones.
Born Richard Anthony Mansour to a Lebanese father and a Polish mother, he soon learned to play the drums, the ukulele, and finally the guitar. Among his early musical influences was his uncle, an oud player performing belly dance music. A plethora of Dale's early material contains middle eastern musical influences. Dale's professional career began in 1959, playing with his band The Del-Tones for surfers at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa, California. With authorities concerned about the mix of young people and guitars, one of the requirements at the Ballroom was that every male patron wear a tie, so the audience was often made up of barefooted guys in surfer garb wearing ties that were handed out at the door.
Dale is often credited as one of the first electric guitarist to employ exotic scales in his playing. When Dale started surfing he became so fascinated that he began seeking ways of channeling the energy and power of the sport through his guitar playing. While he is primarily known for introducing the use of guitar reverberation, which has since become a staple of the surf sound, it was Dale's fast staccato picking that was his trademark. Due to his left-handedness, Dale was initially forced to play a right-handed model. However, he did so without restringing the guitar, leading him to effectively play the guitar upside-down (while Hendrix would restring his guitar). Even after he acquired a proper left-handed guitar, Dale continued to use his reverse stringing.
Discography:
Albums:
1962 - Surfer's Choice (Deltone)
1963 - King of the Surf Guitar (Capitol)
1963 - Checkered Flag (Capitol)
1964 - Mr. Eliminator (Capitol)
1964 - Summer Surf (Capitol)
1965 - Rock Out With Dick Dale & His DelTones: Live At Ciro's (Capitol)
1983 - The Tigers Loose (Balboa)
1993 - Tribal Thunder (HighTone)
1994 - Unknown Territory
1996 - Calling Up Spirits (Beggars Banquet)
2001 - Spacial Disorientation
Take It Off
Dick Dale Lyrics
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Take it off
Take it off
Get it off
"Dick Dale’s "Take It Off" is an exciting and rhythmic instrumental piece. The lyrics, simply repeating "take it off, get it off," clearly convey a sense of urgency, with a strong command for the audience to take something off. This could be interpreted as a call to action, encouraging people to shed their inhibitions and embrace the moment. It could also be seen as a sexual invitation or encouragement to strip away whatever is holding them back.
The powerful guitar riff in "Take It Off" is notably reminiscent of Dick Dale’s earlier hit "Misirlou," which many will recognize from its use in the opening credits of the film Pulp Fiction. Dale’s snappy guitar work and driving rhythms perfectly capture the energy and excitement of 1960s surf rock music. The song features a lively call and response between the guitar and drums, with each instrument pushing the other to greater heights.
Overall, "Take It Off" is an excellent example of Dick Dale’s mastery of surf rock music. The composition is tightly constructed, with a clear message and driving instrumental work that keeps the listener engaged from beginning to end."
Line by Line Meaning
Take it off
Remove whatever is holding you back or weighing you down
Take it off
Let go of any inhibitions or reservations and be free
Take it off
Strip away the facade and show your true self
Get it off
Get rid of whatever is bothering or irritating you
Contributed by Elijah H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.