Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Danny Amis con Lost Acapulco Y El Mexico City Brass - Daddy-O Grande en Mexico
 | Danny Amis (Los Straitjackets, Ray Beats, Overtones) together with Mexico City's Lost Acapulco and the Mexico City Brass combine forces to cut a very nicely produced instro CD of go-go based rock. It's friendly and fun as you've come to expect from Danny, and the musicianship is excellent as always from Lost Acapulco. Not quite surf, but very very cool! |
Picks: Azteca a Go-Go, El Frenetico Twist, Miradas de Amor, La Quebradora, Twist Electrizante, Zicatela, Twist del Pollo, Camino Grande, Malteada de Chocolate, Incognito, Terremoto, Las Momias de Guanajuato, Squad Car
Track by Track Review
Go-Go (Instrumental)
"Azteca a Go-Go" is a kind of hybrid between the mid-sixties go-go instrumental sound, the Ray Beats sped up, and surf. Minimalist progression rock with simple pleasures in sound and a nifty percussion break.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
Reminiscent of the archetypal twist instro of the sixties, perhaps with the energy of Joey Dee and the Starlighters, but much cleaner. "El Frenetico Twist" has an infectious feel to it, and really cool drums.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
"Miradas de Amor" is a mid tempo piece that's pretty and fluid. It portrays the misty look of love in a similar vein to the softer side of Shig & Buzz. A very nice track.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
A bit of a spy sound mixed with a go-go undertone with a cool sadness in the break melody, which is stunningly pretty, and an intriguing blend of guitar and horns. Quite a good track!
Go-Go (Instrumental)
Tweaky string slides and stinging whammy give this Stax-Volt styled inversion of fifties instro coolness a catchy personality. It's really not much more that a progression and a gimmick, yet is very satisfying. Very warm and friendly. Very tasty drums and a too-cool hook.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
A fine melody line, drippy muted surf rhythm guitar, great drums, and a solid chord support. "Zicatela" is a most satisfying track well suited for an afternoon surf trek.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
Right from the first lines, you know that the blend of Link Wray's "Run Chicken Run" clucking and surf rhythm, and the bouncy beat and good-natured warmth of the chicken twist will be irresistible. And so it is. "Twist del Pollo" does not disappoint. The kind of grin one expects from Los Straitjackets is alive and well here.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
The wide expanse of the road ahead leisurely rolls out in front of your warm afternoon journey. A bit of mystery and espionage via melody and bongos, and the lumbering soul of the unfiltered sun combine to deliver a very good track.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
"Malteada de Chocolate" prances like no chocolate malted you ever consumed. Warm and playful, handclap enhanced, and full of spit and vinegar. This is simply fun and uplifting.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
Spy danger and bongos, a very cool melody, and a tight arrangement deliver the goods that "Incognito" promise. Splendid structure and melody, Exceptionally good chemistry and playing, and very nice production. The long decay on the deep reverb of the tom toms and percussion playfulness add a great deal to the track.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
Crossing the land on that motor bike is a bouncy affair, and so it is that "Terremoto" creates a fitting image. A splendid glissando reminds us of our surf roots as the rockin' combo fun moves relentlessly into the vast expanses.
Go-Go (Instrumental)
This slow quirky piece is wonderful. Stinging whammy chords, spiffy percussion, rock solid bass and drums, and a very cute guitar line. The circular patterns and exotic changes keep "Las Momias de Guanajuato" on the front burner. Excellent!
Go-Go (Instrumental)
Paul Johnson's much covered anthem is superbly done. With whammy chords, fuzzy bass, and a fairly original sound, this classic retains its roots. Reverent, yet quite fresh.