Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Tim Coffman - Beach Boulevard
 | This release from Tim Coffman is a step forward writing and production-wise. The album is a rock instro disc, not surf except in a tangential way, and the melodies are not memorable. It seems more like a blues for the beach kind of CD. At about four and a half minutes each, all of the songs seemed too long. |
Picks: Beach Boulevard, Big Riders, Cruise Control, Which Way Is Up, Motion Sensor, Fascination, Flamingo Sunrise, Kona Cowboys, Catamaran, Procession Of Champions
Track by Track Review
Beach Boulevard Rock (Instrumental)
This is a soothing number that portrays a post-rain view via the aural qualities of the mix and arrangement. It's miles and miles from surf music, having more in common with the Doors than surf music. Pretty and nicely mixed, but not memorable.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Big Riders" has some elements of surf music to it, but mostly it's rock instrumental. Bluesy runs and loud guitar intensity run atop a standard rock backtrack.
Rock (Instrumental)
Moody and atmospheric in a dangerous lumbering way, "Cruise Control" verges on surf like a blues ride along the coast in the rain. It's big and emotional at times.
Rock (Instrumental)
A surfish backtrack with cool drums and muted pretty dry guitar are enough to catch you rhythmically, but the melody does not stay in memory. Nicely played and arranged.
Rock (Instrumental)
Rhythmic and electric, "Motion Sensor" has a sense of motion about it, like maybe a lowrider on a coastal highway.
Fascination Rock (Instrumental)
Spy vs. spy on the Thames in winter. Loud guitar, organ riffs, and a regular beat. Quite derivative.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Flamingo Sunrise" is a very cool track with a Mexican oasis feeling and the scent of a warm sunny breeze. While it does not command attention, it does run very pleasantly under a relaxed vacation scene. The acoustic Spanish guitar and lap steel add tropical warmth.
Rock (Instrumental)
In many ways, this sounds very Nashville. Light and almost floaty, rhythmic and enjoyable. "Kona Cowboys" plays lightly on your afternoon.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Catamaran" lazily cruises across a gently swaying sea. As a mood setter, it would be very nice.
Rock (Instrumental)
Slow and islandic in nature, "Procession Of Champions" creates a soft sunset mood in a warm breezy island. Pretty.