Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Boss Martians - Invasion Of The Live Boss Martians
 | This 1997 release contains more than a good handful of classic Boss Martians surf instros, played tightly and with considerable spunk. I think it's much chunkier overall than their studio sessions. Some of these tracks have appeared on vinyl before, and some are out for the first time. All sound much better than before.
Vocals included: "Good Golly Miss Molly" and "Surfin' Bird." |
Picks: XK-E, Malaguena, AA Growler, Strait Eight, Hot Foot, Banzai Pipeline, El Borracho del Sexo
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"XK-E" was their second single several years back. Their guitar work is better than the single even, and in lower registers. The original melody is strong, and the sound is strong. Very good! The Boss Martians are Seattle's earliest entry into the fray. They play a mix of hot rod vocals and Surf instros. Perhaps the band boils down to this one track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Rock solid performance generally in the Trashmen's arrangement of the Ernesto Lecuona classic. The lads do a really strong performance here, infectious and tuff, fluid and very trad.
Surf (Instrumental)
This tune is more subdued... not slower, just a little restrained. "AA Growler" is a tasteful chunky classically styled surf/rod instro with an infectious riff.
Surf (Instrumental)
This track features solid drums and under a rich and cool riff. Much better than the studio version, "Strait Eight" retains attention throughout.
Surf (Instrumental)
Grodie twango, with a frat riff feel and a strong surf sound. A little too repetitious for me.
Surf (Instrumental)
An ultra chunky rendition of the Henry Mancini classic, pumped and chunked with abandon. This is excellent, full of power and spunk.
El Borracho del Sexo Surf (Instrumental)
"El Borracho del Sexo" is a relatively uninteresting jam styled thing, maybe with a little Pacific Northwest influence. Just not very melodic or memorable.