The Carvells L.A. Run
October 20th, 2009 by kilwag
The Carvelles had a bunch of skateboard songs on their 1977 LP Skateboard Rampage. In fact, out of ten songs, only two are missing the word “skateboard” from the title. Two of those are on the very good This Is Skateboard Music collection. This song, L.A. Run isn’t on that collection. All Music doesn’t have an entry for the Carvells, but they appear to be a vehicle for a guy named Alan Carvell, who had a UK hit in the 60’s and sang backups and harmonies for many well known acts in the 70’s and 80s. This video is a 1977 appearance from Top of the Pops. Check out the stage for assorted skateboard props, a ringer in the audience, and gratuitous stock footage from the U.K.. Who are those guys? The Benji Board team has been suggested, since they are skating U.K. spots. Check it out after the jump.
- Thanks to Eric Shea for the tip.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
They should have named themselves the Skate Boys.
October 20th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Naw, the Sidewalk Boys would be a better analogy.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:06 am
This is an attempt to copy Jan and Dean’s “sidewalk surfing” -came out 1965′ish. Which is a much better song and more legit. Jan and Dean actually loved skateboarding. These guys in the video most likely didn’t skate at all. Maybe I don’t know… doubtful
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
Isn’t that 80s Tony Hawk on keyboards???
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
what other fad was so trendy it had bands making whole albums about it, yet it survived the trend status? remember “Pac Man” fever? is the keyboard player waving around a 60’s era board at the end? I’ll bet they skated but did not record the backing vocals themselves
November 16th, 2009 at 5:14 pm
the song isn’t actually too bad. My mate Bugsy bought the single. I dig the totally gratuitous guitar solo at around 1:10. And did they really need 3 guitarists and a keyboard for this?
February 8th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Contrary to all opinions on here the band did play and still play now in different guises. In fact I know all of ‘em and they’re all great guys.