Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Alvarados - Why Where Whendotdotdotdot
artworkThis CD shines with swampy countrified rootsy rock 'n' roll from the unique perspective of the legendary Drew Weaver. With humble beginnings in San Diego's El Caminos, through elusive French days fronting the Surf Piranhas, past a spectacular solo album, Drew Weaver finally lands in a totally fine band called the Alvarados, now based in San Francisco. Los Mel Gucci (Los Mel-tones) sparkles on lead surf/country guitar, and Eddie Van Ness (bass) and Raoul Rockwell (drums) support it all with one of the tightest roots rhythm sections around. Their magnificent songs tell of remorse, leavings, carnival rides, mass murder, and chat room love. A couple of grand instros fill out one of the best rootsy CD's of the year.
Picks: Dueling Deuces, Restless Biker, Area 51

Track by Track Review


Dueling Deuces dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This magnificent Los Mel-tones tune is reinvented by its creator with fresh surf churn. Spirited, chunky, and perfectly infectious, "Dueling Deuces" drives hard from the tube, never losing site or sound of the dangerous closeout coming right up. This is an excellent track!

Restless Biker dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This great chunky instro is a remnant of Drew's days with the El Caminos. After he left the band, they cut the tune and issued it on Party Dish Records. It's a little country, a touch surf, and a mess of twango. A great adventure down highway 1 eating hog dust.

Area 51 dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This splendid updating of Alvarados' "Mare Tranquilis" has become a perfect vehicle for Drew's delightfully skewed vision. While retaining its surf roots, it ventures into the forbidden territory of the mind and military, where black programs and alien beings coexist. Spectacular!