In 1989, American Steve Hoffman (mastering engineer) was tasked with making a surf music compilation from the 1960s. However, for him, none of the chosen songs was a good opening track. Then, Hoffman and his friend Charles "Frosty" Horton co-wrote and recorded the instrumental "Cecilia Ann".

Hoffman mixed the song so that it looked like an old song and also gave it a fake band name, The Surftones. The compilation entitled SURF LEGENDS (And Rumors) was released that same year.

SURF LEGENDS (And Rumors) sold more in the UK than in the United States.

During a tour of British territory, Pixies listened to the song and decided to record it. The version of "Cecilia Ann" served as the opening track for Bossanova, third album by the Boston quartet.