Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Aquanauts - Live At The Hub
 | This is a live recording made at The Hub in Fullerton, California in September of 2002. What id demonstrates is that the Aquanauts really should have cut an album. The originals here are very good! |
Picks: Chummin', Quisp, Batman, Bulldog, Apache, Dark Eyes, Relampagos, Rock Bottom, XK-E, Splash, Galloot, Pintor, Ensenada, Crazy Horse, Tsunami
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
The Halibuts' "Chummin'" is done quite differently than the flatfish boys' original. Thrashy rhythm guitar and a bumpier chunkier approach give it a more edgy sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Quisp" is an original Aquanauts song with a classic riff and whammy chords for extra surfability. Catchy and infectious, with a great reverb rhythm.
Surf (Instrumental)
Chunky and thickly whammy chorded, "Batman" rocks just like the heavy thunder captured all those years ago by Al and Richie Schmidt at RCA Hollywood. This is the Lee Hazelwood song the Astronauts recorded, not the Neil Hefty TV theme.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Fireballs' classic "Bulldog" entered the surf idiom very early on via the Challengers and others. This is much heavier than the graceful delicacy of the original.
Surf (Instrumental)
Jerry Lordan's "Apache" is often covered by surfbands. This is based on the Jorgen Ingmann version, but is chunkier and more choppy. Pretty cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
This traditional Russian song has been a staple among instro bands for a long time, though not often surfbands. "Dark Eyes" lends itself to the reverb well. Chunky and rhythmic, and quite infectious.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Relampagos" ("Lightning") is dedicated to the great bygone Spanish band Los Relampagos. It sports a fine melody and some great lead guitar work. Glissandoes and reverb splash add immensely to this song.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Rock Bottom" has an interesting riff that's unusual for surf, yet works really well. Infectious and rhythmic, with a scenic coastal quality. An excellent track!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a great cover of the Boss Martians' "XK-E." Lots of energy and sparkle, and mighty infectious rhythm. Heavier than the original, and sporting a magical chemistry. Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
The rhythm track is right outta "Somethin' Else," but the melody riff is different, and the addition of heavy whammy chords makes it into a catchy and perfect surf instro. Crunchy and powerful!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Galloot" is a mid tempo song with big chord whammy and a sparkling lead riff. Original and pumping cool, it emotes oceanic swells and rain. very cool song.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Spanish splash of this song is always infectious. The Pharos' "Pintor" has been covered a few times (Get Wet, Baronics, Pavlov's Woody, Rick Gale and the Surf Riders). This is a fine version made a little mean through the big whammy chords, and retaining the great rhythm. Very nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
the sun shines down on a Baja fishing village. Just off shore, curl riders criss-cross the glassy tubes. Great Spanish influences and a fine melody line. Excellent writing!
Surf (Instrumental)
Indian themes run over tribal drums and bass thunder. Surf whammy chords and dribbling reverb guitar. "Crazy Horse" is an excellent instro with a wholly original sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
A Japanese intro gives way to a stormy and somewhat gloomy melody. The danger of the drums adds to the chunky tribal assault.