Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Beechwoods - Party Time Discotheque
 | The Beechwoods play really fun stuff, write well, and mimic crudely captured vintage obscuros really well. The band's material and skill often offset the really shallow sound. I found that I came back to "The Sultan" and "Jackpot!" repeatedly, which is very rare for me with lo-fi recordings. |
Picks: Beechwood Beat, The Sultan, Tight Spot, Jackpot!
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a modest frat rocker captured in incredibly thin sound. Some really nice playing, with fast intricate fills and transitions. I'm not sure it would be more durable in full aural sound, simply because it's more a jam than a memorable song. Still, it's pretty fun.
Rock (Instrumental)
Musically exotic, rhythmically interesting, and quite memorable. reminiscent of the fifties intros in this vein, and very charming. This is one Beechwoods track I would really like hearing in full fidelity.
R&B (Instrumental)
"Tight Spot" is a tasteful R&B instro in the key of early sixties combo creations. Very nicely written and played, with a very enjoyable melody and simple-effective arrangement.
R&B (Instrumental)
Another early sixties style R&B groove with very tasteful guitar. While really nicely played, it's not as enduring as some of The Beechwoods' tracks.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Jackpot!" is very well targeted at replicating the obscure vintage surf b-sides from middle America. This could have been found at Good Will! Really precious!
Rick's Drums Rock (Instrumental)
Yup, just drums. OK, Rick can beat those things, but this is very likely much more entertaining live. Damn few drum solos work of record. This is no exception.