Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Collection: Eastern PA Rockdotdotdot
artworkThis is an odd little comp of rare to super rare and mostly amateur recordings from Eastern Pennsylvania. There are 8 intros on the CD, none of which will thrill the surf fan, but some of which are curiously interesting.
Picks: Espanie, War Party, Blue Steel, Rebel Rock, Wrap It Up, Triumphs Theme, Ginger Brandy On The Rocks, Johnny Gehron Theme

Track by Track Review


Espanie dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

This extremely crude instro is like a Spanish Peggy Sue with lots of innocent delicate edge. There's a shimmering lead guitar and a pleasant progression. melodic, playful, and pretty.

War Party dotdotdot
Fifties Indian Rock (Instrumental)

This is a better than average fifties Indian theme instro. It uses a simple almost linear melody, is edgie like many upper Midwest instros were, and sports a good bit of energy. While pretty raw, it's also quite listenable.

Blue Steel dotdotdot
Lap Steel Lounge (Instrumental)

Oh my goodness. Don Ho slips into the sunset on a nine-six McCoy on Waikiki beach. Lap steel smoothness and major lounge. very cool.

Rebel Rock dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Surfy sounds, but fifties progression melody stylings. More like a jam, fun, but not very memorable. Maybe like a second cousin to Take 7 (the Novas).

Wrap It Up dotdotdot
Near Surf (Instrumental)

I'd guess this is a set ender for intermission. It is much like Dick Dale's usual short break tune Breaktime. It rolls along, and has a funky cool pace, and a few changes that are unusual. It has an almost surf sound.

Triumphs Theme dotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

This track is no more than a chord progression, more suited for a backtrack. The lack of lead is obvious. The progression is interesting to a point, but the unfinished nature of the track leaves a lot to be desired.

Ginger Brandy On The Rocks dotdotdot
R&B (Instrumental)

This is your basic R&B based instro, like a pale version of the Pacific Northwest Sound of 3-1/2 decades ago. The guitar twang is quite nice, but otherwise, it just tips it's hat to the Wailers, but does not come up to their standard.

Johnny Gehron Theme dotdotdot
R&B (Instrumental)

This is your basic raspy sax R&B mean rock progression theme, set for a rumble, but free of any encumbrances associated with melody. There's a bunch of screaming and shouting, and fun is had by all.