Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Archie and the V2's have improved the clarity of their recordings, producing a more effective presentation of their excellent work. This is a most welcome addition to the library.

Picks: The Pope's Green Room, Cossack Song, South Of The Border, Bristol Express, Petite Fleur, Siboney, Malaguena, Boom Boom Twist, Midnight Surfer, Twistin' The Twist, La Palma, Milkshake Twist, San Antonio Rose, The Pope's Green Room (alt)

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very catchy, almost churchy surf rendering of a theme from Johann Sebastian Bach. Wonderfully surfy, rhythmically reverby, and solid. "The Pope's Green Room" is a really fine track!

Surf (Instrumental)

As you might expect from the title, Russian influence is strong, but "Cossack Song" is far more about the surf. Muted reverby rhythm and liquid flow. Way cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a sensual rendering of the classic "South Of The Border." Liquidy, Mexican flavored, holiday relaxed, and very groovy for a leisurely cruise down US 1!

Surf (Instrumental)

"Bristol Express" is an instro that the (UK) Eagles cut years ago. Grand chords and significant warmth.

Surf (Instrumental)

This classic melody serves the surf idiom well. Fluid and melodic and smooth, with warmth and rich tone. Sidney Bechet's "Petite Fleur" ("Little Flower") has seen many arrangements, though seldom rock instro. The other one I can think of is the Ventures'.

Surf (Instrumental)

Ernesto Lacuona's lovely "Siboney" always seems to work with electric guitars, and especially with reverb. Archie and the V2's give it a fluid coastal charm that's irresistible.

Surf (Instrumental)

It's always a fine treat to hear a surfband play Ernesto Lecuona's "Malaguena" without using the Trashmen as the reference point. Much more like early recordings influentially, this is simply wonderful!

Surf (Instrumental)

A cheesy organ and a light romantic melody collide like lovers at a carnival. This is quite fun!

Surf (Instrumental)

Perhaps you've heard this song before by Jerry Cole and his Spacemen, but did you know it was written by (that) Terry Jacks with John Wayne Crowe? This is a wonderful arrangement, far superior in my opinion to the Cole take. i found myself coming back to this several times.

Surf (Instrumental)

Like "Boom Boom Twist," this track is playful and carnival like, with reverb and glissandos. Quite fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

"La Palma" a.k.a. "La Paloma" (Sebastian de Iradier y Salaverri) has been covered in a great number of styles by countless artists, yet aside from Amon Düül II, is seems to be mostly overlooked in rock'n'roll. Archie and the V2's make it seem almost as it it was written around 1851 with surf in mind. La Paloma

Surf (Instrumental)

Much like a a fifties rocker with a blues basis, "Milkshake Twist" is a party-targetted funner with a warm shimmer and much richer sound than most such tracks get. I'm reminded a bit of Duane Eddy here.

Surf (Instrumental)

There's a cheesy warmth to Bob Wills's "San Antonio Rose" that seems more than fitting. The organ's pump and whirl are really well suited, and is complimented well by the surf guitar.

Surf (Instrumental)

Coming full circle, the album closes out with an alternate version of "The Pope's Green Room." The differences are not stark, but the track has a more direct feeling to it. Way cool!