Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Boss Drag '64
 | This from-vinyl bootleg comp explores the world of studio hot rod releases. With only a couple of exceptions, the tracks are from the hit mills. Aside from the instros within, there are a handful of studio band rod vocals, including "Classy Lotus Chassis" (Eliminators), "Billy Got A Goat" (Patty Flabbies' Coughed Engine), "Dragster On The Prowl" (Scramblers), and "Fastest Shift Alive" (Weirdos). |
Picks: Gear Masher, Suspense Run, Rail-Vette, Mag Rims, Drag Race, Scrambler, Oil Burner, Rod Hot Rod, Dragbeat, Smooth Stick, Collision Course, Cops and Rodders, Nitro, Devil Driver's Theme
Track by Track Review
Gear Masher Hot Rod (Instrumental)
A racing engine with rods knocking, a riff that's too close to Barrett Strong's "Money," and squealing tires... except for the demented guitar dissonance in some verses, this is just a riff and a jam guitar showoff track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Funky soul groove surf, with motor sounds overdubbed. This could easily be an R&B track from Bill Black or Ernie Freeman, but it is from the mind of Messina. OK, but not remarkable.
Rail-Vette Hot Rod (Instrumental)
Studio rod jams were all so similar. Just a riff and a sax. Nothing special to set this apart.
Mag Rims Hot Rod (Instrumental)
Not Dick Dale's "Mag Wheels," not even close. Just a jam with yakking and plinky piano.
Rock (Instrumental)
This is an interesting track, because of the pre-surf sound, the slides, the rhythmic backtrack, and the energy. It's a fifties instro that fits a surf set just fine.
Scrambler Rock (Instrumental)
Fuzz drenched riff rock, slow and sluggish, and devoid chemistry.
Rock (Instrumental)
Echoed riff rock from a shadowy past. The same riff is repetitiously repeated, with only minor variations. Squealing tires and smoke do not save the track.
Rock (Instrumental)
Constructed like a B-movie theme, "Rod Hot Rod" has an attraction via its cheesiness and a classic melody riff. The vibrato guitar is nice, but the chorus... well, it's time to head for the snack shack.
Hot Rod (Instrumental)
Excellent drums, a basic riff. The drums breaks are the good part. The guitar work is superfluous. This probably should have been a drum solo track. It's a pick for the drums only.
Hot Rod (Instrumental)
Racing engines and burnin' rubber, riff rock structures, dry guitars, and a round low-E lead. This is a decent track, but the simplicity of the riff falls below the attention span threshold despite the constant hot rod effects.
Surf (Instrumental)
This grinding ominous track features more of Hal Blaine's rolling thunder drumming, and Paul's effected guitar on a "K-39" like tune with a lot of fire. The performance is spirited and the rolling rhythms drag you right along. Wonderful vintage Paul Johnson.
R&B Frat (Instrumental)
Murky growly riff rock with inspired horns and tuff R&B instro sound. High spirited frat rage party fare.
Nitro Hot Rod (Instrumental)
"Tequila"-like salsa rock concocted in a studio somewhere. Party time yes, memorable no.
Hot Rod Horror (Instrumental)
Grumbly and droolingly mean, this cover of the Astronauts' "Devil Driver's Theme" is more about menacing and less about skill. The sound suggests a studio band, and the wolf howls add a little terror to the mix.