Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Challengers - Wipe Out
 | Your basic instro hits package, mostly different takes from their other releases. Quite a number of the tracks are MOR or pale compared to the earlier versions. This album was cut for GNP Crescendo, and was expanded to a two record reissue set in a mid-sixties. |
Picks: Big Shot, Wipe Out, Lonely Bull, Igor's Theme, Tequila, Happy Time, Memphis, Rebel Rouser, Big Shot, Cruel Sea, Small Fry, R. J. Mike (aka Sidewalk Surfer), Pipeline
Track by Track Review
Big Shot
Surf (Instrumental)
Paul Johnson wrote this track, and it has his signature on it, but it doesn't measure up to "Mr. Moto" or most of his other writing, which is mostly stellar.
Wipe Out Surf (Instrumental)
Gad zooks, have there not been enough failed covers of this song? Tepid, sluggish, and uninspired.
Lonely Bull Surf (Instrumental)
Sluggish and uninspired, this version is pleasant, but has none of the character of the original Herb Alpert or the Dream Syndicate cover.
Igor's Theme Surf (Instrumental)
This is a pretty darn uninteresting track. It slowly plods along, and the warbly guitar tone is wearing thin.
Tequila Exotica Mexica (Instrumental)
OK, so it's over done, over imitated, and overplayed. Still, it's a great song. So, why do it so boringly?
Surf (Instrumental)
Just barely a pick, this track features Hal Blaine's rolling drums, and flying thin guitars. It rocks, though from a sitting position. melodic and interesting, but very little about it is surf.
Memphis Country (Instrumental)
Uh, yeah. I'm sure this is unnecessary.
Rock (Instrumental)
Cool, though sounding rather Memphis studio in the arrangement.
Big Shot
Surf (Instrumental)
Paul Johnson wrote this track, and it has his signature on it, but it doesn't measure up to "Mr. Moto" or most of his other writing, which is mostly stellar.
Surf (Instrumental)
Among the better covers of this Dakotas (Billy J. Kramer) tune written by Mike Maxfield.
Surf (Instrumental)
Another Good Guystrack, this is highly infectious, energetic, and satisfying. It's a song that's been around for a long time, an old Belairs - Paul Johnson tune. The overall effect is happy danceable rockin' good fun.
R. J. Mike (aka Sidewalk Surfer) Surf (Instrumental)
This wonderful song is not quite as well done as the earlier versions, but it is still quite listenable. The far away sax is an interesting change, though I'm not sure it adds. Again, we have Hal Blaine's rolling drums. The bridge has lost the infectiousness of the original from the Good Guys album.
Surf (Instrumental)
Hal Blaine's drums, and either a totally different mix or different take of the Triumph records session. This mix is fuller, sports more clarity, and has a different charm. very cool.