The Cruel Sea (song) explained

The Cruel Sea
Type:	single
Artist:	The Dakotas
B-Side:	The Millionaire
Released:	5 July 1963^[1]
Recorded:	29 May 1963
Studio:	Abbey Road Studios
Genre:	Instrumental rock
Label:	Parlophone
Producer:	George Martin

The Cruel Sea is a 1963 song by The Dakotas. It made #18 on the UK Singles Chart.^[2] The song was written by Mike Maxfield, the Dakotas' lead guitarist.^[3] In the U.S. the track was initially released as "The Cruel Surf" (Liberty 55618).

Cover versions

• The Ventures covered it on their album The Fabulous Ventures and as the B-side to "Walk, Don't Run '64".^[4]
• The Challengers on their 1965 album Go Sidewalk Surfing!.^[5]
• California Guitar Trio on their 2008 album Echoes.^[6]

Documentary

In 2001, the track was featured in the documentary Produced by George Martin.

Notes and References

1. Web site: Dakotas, The - The Cruel Sea (Vinyl). Discogs.
2. Web site: Dakotas. The Official Charts Company. 13 May 2013.
3. Kramer, Billy J., Billy J. Kramer, The Very Best of EMI Records, Cat No-3 11974 2, liner notes, © 2005
4. Web site: Ventures, The - Walk.. Don't Run '64. Discogs. 13 May 2013.
5. Go Sidewalk Surfing: Overview
6. Echoes