The Champs – Beatnik

The Champs – Beatnik / Gone Train

"Beatnik" / "Gone Train" is a classic late-1950s instrumental single from "The Champs", the Los Angeles-based group best known for the million-selling 1958 smash "Tequila". Issued in the US on Challenge Records as 59035, the single was released towards the end of 1958, with the UK version appearing on London Records as HLH 8811 in 1959.

The Champs were formed around guitarist and songwriter Dave Burgess and a group of California studio musicians, with saxophonist Danny Flores — credited as Chuck Rio — providing much of the band's distinctive instrumental character. Their records combined rock 'n' roll with blues, country and Latin influences, creating the energetic instrumental sound that became a defining feature of the Challenge Records catalogue.

"Beatnik" is a lively instrumental built around the group's characteristic combination of guitar, saxophone and rhythm section, capturing the late-1950s fascination with beatnik culture while retaining the punchy rock 'n' roll approach of The Champs. "Gone Train" provides the equally atmospheric flip side, giving the single two instrumental performances rather than simply treating the B-side as an afterthought.

The single followed the extraordinary success of "Tequila", which had reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and R&B chart and No. 5 in the UK. The Champs subsequently recorded a substantial catalogue of instrumental singles, with their line-up changing regularly; later members included musicians such as Glen Campbell.

For collectors of 1950s rock 'n' roll, instrumental rock, rockabilly, early surf-influenced guitar music and Challenge Records, "Beatnik" / "Gone Train" is a fine example of The Champs' distinctive instrumental style and an interesting companion to their better-known "Tequila" releases.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Beatnik

Side B

1. Gone Train