Fact #186913

It's hard to believe that this supremely laid back instrumental groove, which instantly conjures images of bronzed surfer boys atop impossibly curling waves, was originally called 44 Magnum. Released on the tiny independent Downey label as the b-side to an all-but forgotten vocal track, Pipeline was flipped on re-issue in 1963 by the national Dot Records who saw its potential in the light of California's emerging surf music craze. Even today, Pipeline remains unique, the opening glissando guitar figure and easy-loping melody setting it apart from other rock instrumentals of the era.
(Johnny Black, Mojo, 2002)