Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Chantays - The Very Best Of The Chantays
 | This is a new package of the two albums from this seminal surfband, but without the single-only tracks other releases have included. Still, it's The Chantays! |
Picks: Pipeline, Beyond, Wayward Nile, Riders In The Sky, Space Probe, Banzai, Runaway, Blunderbus, El Conquistador, Retaliation, Move It, Tragic Wind, The Lonesome Road
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is it. This track defined surf. It is the archetype! Paul Johnson once told me that when first heard this tune on his car radio, he said Whoa! Wha-at is THAT?, and pulled over to the side of the road to listen. The Chantays defined the classic surf line up, 2 guitars, piano, bass, and drums. Glorious first use of glissandos, first rhythm guitar dominance in the mix, and just plain essential.
Surf (Instrumental)
Some have raved about this track, but the production is like "Move It," and just as hard to listen to. It's a "Pipeline" clone, though it is probably the second best track on their second album.
Surf (Instrumental)
Pretty unusual Middle Eastern flavored tune with a definite Chantays edge. It's amazing how durable this track is. Shimmering and slightly exotic, with the classic Chantays sound.
Last Night R&B Surf (Instrumental)
Solid version of the classic R&B classic, along the lines of the Biscaynes' "Get It." Cool party tune.
Surf (Instrumental)
The first truly surf version of Stan Jones' cowboy classic that had already been rocked out by the Ramrods. This version is still my favorite of all, save the insane EchoPlexed psychedelic rendition from Mexico's Los Babys. The glissandos and piano are essential to making it work, and the resulting recording is totally infectious, and enhances any drive down an open road.
Space (Instrumental)
Another amateur space rock track, but less interesting.
Sleep Walk Fifties Slow Dance (Instrumental)
An average cover of the Santo & Johnny classic.
Greenz Booker T & the MG's (Instrumental)
Booker T. & the MG's inspired, but not surfy or interesting.
Space (Instrumental)
An amateurish attempt at space rock, inspired by the Tornadoes (Joe Meek's band) success with "Telstar." It's Americanized approach is typical of several singles ish'd in the sixties, but a little hokier than the Preps' "Moon Racers" or the What Four's "Gemini IV." Interesting non-surf turn of events.
Machine Gun Surf (Instrumental)
Machine gun etiquette provides an unusual delivery for this tune. While not very melodic, its frantic attack and glissandos, plus the cool piano break, make it stand out.
Teen Tragedy Surf (Instrumental)
The most surfy cover ever of Del Shannon's tune. Where the Belairs did it pretty strait, the Chantays really surfed it up with grand glissandos and lots of spirit. Great track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Stop start abruptness and an unusual melody line.
Night Theme Slow Dance Surf (Instrumental)
Slow dance classic from the late fifties done live by everyone, even San Jose's Preps.
Three Coins In The Fountain Lawrence Welk (Instrumental)
Sad how they dropped from really cool surf to reverbed MOR. Makes you think of Lawrence Welk at Malibu.
Surf (Instrumental)
Latin influences and a quirky jerky style make this a unique bit of surfdom.
Garage (Instrumental)
This is a cool intermediary track, distortion is induced, and it straddles the fence between surf and garage punk instro. Unusual.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Chantays' "Move It" is a classic flip side... one of the best B-side melodies and concepts ever, but the rendition is hard to listen to. The version of this that truly rules is the live recording of the Spiedels. It's A-side is "Pipeline," the definitive surf instro. "Move It" is an infectious and playful ditty that emphasizes choked slides for a unique experience. The warbly almost tape-flutter mix is a difficult listen.
Epic Surf (Instrumental)
This track is a bit odd, quirkily structured, and holds your attention. It typifies the melody wit of the Chantays.
Surf Blues (Instrumental)
An interesting treatment of an old standard, slow and easy in a combo sorta way.