Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | This CD-load of (mostly) covers is a refreshing set of less aggressive surf and rock instros, featuring great drums and some very nice and simple arranging. Excellent set. |
Picks: The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt, Torque Wrench, Pipeline, Mr. Moto, The Casbah, Apache, Beyond Zone X, Midnight, Kon-Tiki, Atlantis, Wipe Out, Boss, Kawanga, Werewolf
Track by Track Review
The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt 
Surf (Instrumental)
One of a very few Shadows songs titled for a surf culture character, and it's played in a relaxed and enjoyable arrangement with great drums and a gentle feel. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Supertones's song is nicely done, with dry glissandos and great drums, giving it a fresh face. It's a simple song, and the sparse arrangement compliments it well.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a very gentle version of the Chantays' classic "Pipeline." It's relatively dry, perhaps based on the Ventures' version, but more surfy than that. Easy on the ears and very clean.
Surf (Instrumental)
With a traditional flair, an error or two (or perhaps intentional drifts), and a dry sound, Abisal pays homage to one of surf's most original characters, Paul Johnson. Less energetic than the Belairs' original, but of a similar character.
Surf (Instrumental)
Great saucy primitive soulful flow and lurid bump and grind music for your sunset beach party. Mistitled "Casbah," this is "Come With Me To The Casbah," a song originally from Gaminiam and his Orientals and covered by many garage bands and Los Straitjackets.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is just a very nice version of Jerry Lordan's claim to fame. Great drums, solid bass, a very clean guitar arrangement, and a gentle flow. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Beyond Zone X" throbs and shimmers with ringing tremolo chords against a rhythm pattern and bass line and great drums. This is not melodic, but it is very charming and engaging. The haunted shimmer and simple coolness carry it off well!
Surf (Instrumental)
The Shadows' song is slowly and prettily played for that last dance moment. Quite nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
There aren't many versions of "Kon-Tiki" that aren't in the Shadows clone category. This is very nice. It's pretty gentle, yet twangy and groovy. Great drum work.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a more or less straightforward version of the Shadows' song, but with really cool drums to set it apart. Quite enjoyable.
Wipe Out Surf (Instrumental)
This is a simple and direct version of thee drum record of all time. The drums are solid, and the guitars dry. More laid back than most, it ends up being quite pleasant but unremarkable.
Surf (Instrumental)
The great classic grinder "Boss" is very coolly done. Seeming even more minimal than the Rumblers wonderful hit, and certainly more laid back, this has a different face on it that compliments the song well. Very cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
Los Straitjackets aggressive frat jammer is restrained some, except for the drums that rule! Tight and very clean, and with a more relaxed expression that gives it a different feeling. Great toms and rock solid bass.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Frantics' thoroughly scary "Werewolf" is edgy and very cool. Great drums, dangerous bass, delicate second guitar, and ominous chords, all as required. Very nice indeed!