Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Davie Allan and the Arrows - Apache '65
 | This album finds surf legend Paul Johnson joining the Arrows. It is early in Davie Allan's career, after his great "War Path" single on Cude, but before he made his mark as King Fuzz. |
Picks: Apache '65, Tee Pee, Blue Guitar, Twine Time, Diana's Theme, The Rebel (Without A Cause), C'Mon Do The Freddie, Tomahawk, Red Roses For A Blue Lady, Scratchy, Indian Giver, Commanche
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is an odd rendering of the Jerry Lordan tune made famous in the us by Jorgen Ingmann. It's sped up, and it has a whole new feeling to it. Davie's interpretation is unusual, and it works. Not too fuzzy.
Surf (Instrumental)
A brilliant little bit of a melody with a calliope guitar sound over a damped surfy bed. Very interesting, and unusual too.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
It's "Peckinpaw's Theme" played slowly and surfily with lush Ferrante and Teischer styled piano overdubbed. The piano is too much - so schmaltzy.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
Pop goes the fuzz, as Davie issues forth a cover of the erstwhile top forty hit. It's OK, but I'll pass, thank you.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
A snappy fifties backtrack, plucky and light, under Davie's shimmering lead line. This song is also called "Loser's Burial." This is a much more interesting version.
The Rebel (Without A Cause) Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
Movie magic, with a sound lying somewhere between surf and biker fuzz. The melody is flowing and dramatic. Attractive in a story telling kinda way, with just a touch of mystery from the string bending. A very nice track.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
What a funny track for Davie to do. It's so unlikely, yet somehow fitting. Davie's approach makes you grin, even if only at the concept.
Surf (Instrumental)
A slowish echoed variation on the "Blues Theme" idea, but reverby and unusually light. Another melody that has served Davie well over the years, this time in an unusual arrangement that's pretty surfy. It's a nice touch.
Red Roses For A Blue Lady Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
Another odd choice, though the main ingredient required for successful instros is melody. It's a strange way to fill out an album.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
And you though Travis Wammack did the definitive version of his Billboard hit fuzz instro - not! Davie gives it more edge and power, and less of that Memphis studio soul. Cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a melodic and fun tune, with a decidedly pop feeling. With it's ker-plunk reverbed fuzz, it reeks of pop joy. Wonderful. What's funny about this track is that it was originally the backtrack for a vocal, and you can still hear the vocals in the background if you listen on headphones.
Surf (Instrumental)
This Indian theme number is quirky, stereotypical, and very infectious. Brilliantly written and delivered. Davie Allan is a master at reinventing the Indian motif with surf twang and style. "Commanche" is a great track!