Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Surf-Age Nuggets: Trash and Twang Instrumentals 1959-1966
 | This is a great collection! A hundred tracks, most pretty darn obscure. Where Cowabunga (the surf box) served as a primer, Surf-Age Nuggets: Trash and Twang Instrumentals 1959-1966 is a major excursion into the wonders of the obscure surf world across the country. It's more than just a stack of 45's. James Austin had the restoration and remastering done on every track, so the sound is very clean, even on headphones, and very vintage vinyl sounding. Simply superb and essential. |
Picks: The 4 Of Us - Batman, The Avantis - Wax 'Em Down, The Avengers VI - Slaughter On Tenth Avenue, The Breakers - Jet Stream, The Buddies - Pulsebeat, The Carnations - Scorpion, The Charades Band - Sophia, The Cherokees - Uprisin', The Crescents featuring Chiyo - Pink Dominos, Rich Clayton and the Rumbles - Flip Side, Calvin Cool - El Tecolote, Dick Dale and his Del-tones - Jungle Fever, The Dantes - Dragon Walk, Dave and the Customs - Ali Baba, The Debonairs - High Wall, The Decades - Strange Worlds, The Creations - Crash, The Elite U.F.O. - Tarantula, The Emeralds - Earthquake, The Emotionals - Misirlou, The Five More - Avalanche, The Frogmen - Beware Below, The Fugitives - The Fugitive, Bobby Fuller - Stringer, The Gestics - Rockin' Fury, Jim Head And His Del Rays - Harem Bells, The Hollywood Surfers - King Of The Stomp, The Irridescents - Swamp Surfer, The Kan Dells - Cloudburst, Kenny and the Fiends - House On Haunted Hill, King Rock and the Knights - Scandal, The Lincoln Trio - Garden of Eden Pt. 2, The Losers - Snake Eyes, Manuel and the Renegades - Rev Up, Johnny McCoy and the Cyclones - Scrub Bucket, The Mockers - Madalena, The Monzels - Sharkskin, The Mosriters - On The Run, The Motivations - Motivate, The Birds, The Nautiloids - Nautiloid Reef, The Newport Nomads - Blue Mallard, The Pace-Setters - Mustang, The Persuaders - Cry of Atlantis, The Phantoms - X-L3, The Ramrods - Night Ride, The Ree-Gents - Downshiftin', The Revelairs - The Cruel Sea, The Reveliers - Hangin' Five, The Ric-A-Shays - Turn On, The Road Runners - Quasimoto, Road Runnah, Robin and the Three Hoods - The Marauder, The Ron-De-Voo's - Pipeline '66', Steve Rowe and the Furys - Minor Chaos, The Royal Coachmen - Loophole, The Royal Flairs - One Pink Box, One Pine Box, The Runabouts - Surfer's Fright, The Safaris - Kick Out, The Scouts - Mr. Custer Stomp, The Shan-Tones - Sheba, The Sherwoods - Tickler, The Sinders - Sinner, The Squires - BaTmoBile, St. John and the Cardinals - The Rise, Marlow Stewart and the Illusions - Earthquake!!, The Surf Teens - Moment Of Truth, The Telstars - Spaghetti Strap, The Toads - Morpheus, The Torquays - The Other Side, The Torquetts - Side-Swiped, The Tradewinds - Gotcha, The Travelers - Windy and Warm, The Turks - Baja, The Twilights - 007, The Valiants - Jack The Ripper, The Vaqueros - Echo, 80 Foot Wave, Desert Wind, The Velvetones - Doheny Run, Mr. X, The Vibrants - The Breeze and I, Scorpion, The Vistas - Moon Relay, No Return, The Vulcaines - Cozimotto, The Vy-Dels - Unknown
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Batman" is a bit of a moody number with a great melody and sound. It's charming, surfy, and on the sad side, yet its optimistic and classic. This obscure b-side is exceptionally compelling.
The Avantis - Wax 'Em Down Surf (Instrumental)
The Avantis most familiar single "Wax 'Em Down" is a dry guitar chamber reverbed adventure in the surf culture. The waxing sound effects (wood sawing) and the basic progression issue forth a simpler more innocent view of surf music. Great drums, raw guitar, subservient organ, and a catchy riff are all here. A fine track.
The Avengers VI - Slaughter On Tenth Avenue Surf (Instrumental)
"Eskimo Surf" sports an infectious melody, a rock edge, and cool almost xylophone-like keyboards. Nice arrangements, and very unusual writing combine to create a fresh and appealing sound. Almost dinner surf, maybe supermarket surf, but not in the negative way you might think of from that, but quite pleasant and very accessible. Fine track.
The Breakers - Jet Stream Surf (Instrumental)
"Jet Stream" is a very fine typically surf structured and delivered tune, with solid double picking, and jet engine sound effects overdubbed. The ringing whammy and the melodic lead progression are perfectly set for a surf ride across your speakers.
Surf (Instrumental)
Excellent surf guitar in a slightly sad shimmering format. Vibrato, reverb, and a little haunted. Excellent dribbling guitar. The riff is played out across interesting chords. While "Pulsebeat" is no ball of fire, it is very cool in a moody surf way. This was the b-side to "The Beatle."
The Carnations - Scorpion Pre Surf (Instrumental)
This incredibly cool pre surf tune sports an infectious lead riff and guitar twang, with a relentless progress about it, and a hint of the Champs' "Tequila." I've played this a million times, and it's always satisfying. Its relentlessness and catchy riff, along with the cowbell, are just wonderful. It's a must have early guitar instro.
The Charades Band - Sophia Surf (Instrumental)
Big surf tone, a marvelous progressional riff, and warm Spanish feel make this just simply shine. Again, this was recorded as the Charades Band. The tone is perfect, and the writing excellent.
Near Surf (Instrumental)
Indian tom toms and a thin Indian-esq melody line in a primitive setting. Not over the top or essential, but very cool in a sub-surf sorta way.
The Crescents featuring Chiyo - Pink Dominos Frat Surf (Instrumental)
"Pink Dominos" is a hard drivin' riff rocker that's influenced a number of later songs. The infectious riffin' guitar lines and great beat define the club-frat genre rhythmically. Totally cool!
This raucous frat rockin' track was a sizable hit. Originally issued on the Breakout label, but made enough of a stir in the Oxnard-Ventura market to be licensed out for national distribution on the Era label. It is reported to have been recorded at a late night session in a shoe store.
Rich Clayton and the Rumbles - Flip Side Surf (Instrumental)
The Rumbles were a Council Bluffs band founded in 1962. "Flip Side" is the obvious titled flip side of their "Wail It" single. It features a damped lead which delivers an infectious melody over a round and rolling backtrack. Right from the whammied opening chord, this fine track captures your heart. Great landlocked surf.
Calvin Cool - El Tecolote Near Surf (Instrumental)
This is a sort of not quite surf instrumental with a small amount of reverb and a basic riff played o guitar with a little distortion, which is not very up front. "El Tecolote" is a cool track, but is pretty repetitious. It's off the Calvin Cool and the Surf Knobs album. A great bass line opens "El Tecolote." The guitar plays a two-note riff that actually works OK. Fuzz and an unusual mix of styles keep this afloat.
The Countdowns - Do It Fifties Progression (Instrumental)
"Do It" is little more than a raw progression. Edgy and gutty, but directionless.
Dick Dale and his Del-tones - Jungle Fever Surf (Instrumental)
"Jungle Fever" is the single studio version of "Surfing Drums." It is actually a cover of Bo Diddley's "Hush Your Mouth." It's a great glimpse into those long lost times in Balboa when Dick Dale was King and the big Surf sound was just dawning. It's too bad that it fades out during the drum solo, but I suspect it segues into some other tune. Dick performed it live in the early nineties as "Jungle Bunnies" with the same voiced calls.
Jungle Fever Surf (Instrumental)
Echoed like Dick Dale's "Jungle Fever," "Dragon Walk" has the same kinda charm and tone. It's a fine instro on the edge of surf.
Dave and the Customs - Ali Baba Surf (Instrumental)
Dave and the Customs recorded what must be the other "Miserlou." This is a totally tubular track that just plain moves. The relentless rolling drums, the low-E double-picked melody, the crescendo break... it made me twitch in my britches the first time I heard it. This is definitely the highlight of this CD. Oh, what I wouldn't do for the studio tapes on this one! Who were these guys, anyway? The other side of this single was a vocal version of "Shortnin' Bread." Their other single was "Mizerlou" c/w "Bony Morony."
The Debonairs - High Wall Surf (Instrumental)
This is just about as mean as they come. The Wailers' tune about a prison break over a "High Wall" is surfed into an even more dangerous and brooding place. The slow tortured pace and stinging whammy coupled with the vibratoed rhythm guitar give this an almost haunted feel. Exceptionally good.
The Decades - Strange Worlds Surf (Instrumental)
Strange sci-fi days are beckoned as "Strange Worlds" opens. This guitar instro is a ways from the surf, yet hints at the genre. The sound reminds me of some of the tracks on the Sons Of Yma compilation. Moody and mysterious, and attractive in a strange way. The echoed drums are quite unusual. The Decades were an alter ego of The Swamp Rats!
Surf (Instrumental)
This spirited surf single has been covered many times. It's as obscure as they come, but very infectious and pure surf. Very percussive guitar and thundering toms make this a must have track.
The Elite U.F.O. - Tarantula Surf (Instrumental)
Jammy and non melodic, yet perhaps near the Vistas in intent. Lots of piñata party shouts and surf twang. While it's quite minimal, it does have a magnetic quality about it.
The Emeralds - Earthquake Surf (Instrumental)
This surf tune is very close to the Treasures' "Minor Chaos" right down to the rolling thunder drums and riff. It's just missing the break. The slight variations and the completely different break set it apart. very echoey, but effective and way fun.
The Emotionals - Misirlou Surf (Instrumental)
Duluth, Minnesota's Emotionals recorded this hot version of "Misirlou" comes from the B-side of a 1967 single. It's fiery, powerful, and highly energetic. One of the great vintage recordings of this classic, and most unusual given it's late recording date.
The Five More - Avalanche Surf (Instrumental)
Is this one of the versions of the Handful of Fives et al with Skip and Terry Hand who were also part of the Eddie and the Showmen legacy? Doesn't matter I guess. It's fast, furious, pure surf madness, with a wailin' sax in a few verses under the lead guitar. Great picking and fiery attack.
The Frogmen - Beware Below Surf (Instrumental)
Tom toms and a chunky guitar beat are the signatures of this tribal stomper. Piano glissandoes and jammy twang abound.
The Fugitives - The Fugitive (Instrumental)
This is a pretty cool version of Jan Davis' "The Fugitive." Great drums rockin' up storm while the lead guitar does its duty. Spunky, fun, and genuine rockin' surf. It's less intense than the original, but my guess is that is due to the studio, not the band.
Surf (Instrumental)
Wow. This track begs the question, why is the production so much better on this track? Bobby liked the Chantays styled instrumentals, and this is the first one he wrote and recorded. Seventh single B side, originally issued on Todd 1090.
The Gestics - Rockin' Fury Surf (Instrumental)
Rockin' Fury" is pure primitive reverb fury. Aurally, the band reminds me of the Spiedels, but a little tighter. The tune is more a jam than a song, yet it is totally infectious with its drive and splashiness. Very cool.
Jim Head And His Del Rays - Harem Bells Surf (Instrumental)
The Newport Nomads' 1963 release "Harem Belles" done with a substantially different feel and arrangement. This is taken from the 1965 album Hayden Proffitt Presents Jim Head and His Del Ray's. It's a fine track with its own sound and more tribal structure. Excellent, and very obscure.
The Hollywoods - Scramble Surf (Instrumental)
Surfin' jam guitar, hand claps, and screaming frat house jump doesn't equal great surf. Like a Bruce Johnston tune reverbed, it belongs at parties, but not on stage where people actual pay to listen to surf music.
The Hollywood Surfers - King Of The Stomp Surf (Instrumental)
"King Of The Stomp" is a raw double picked dry surf sound, with early Dick Dale Rendezvous Ballroom ambiance, and solid drive. Quite infectious, this is a must have bit of studio surf history. The Hollywood Surfers were actually called The Rhythm Crusaders, renamed for the release by the label.
The Irridescents - Swamp Surfer Surf (Instrumental)
"Swamp Surfer" is a low key thing with some tasteful guitar twang. It's pace is lazy for surf, fast for swamp. The melody riff is easy going and the whammy chords all island surfy.
Jerry and the Silvertones - Ce'ny Pre Surf (Instrumental)
Twangy almost melodic riff rock, with tuff drum action, and intensity of intent. Definitely country tinged, but also nearly coastal. A cool little number, like maybe Eddie Angel would dig.
The Kan Dells - Cloudburst Surf (Instrumental)
This is a masterful single, using lots of changes in the arrangement to keep its simple and very surf oriented riff on top. Behind the bridge plucking, great reverb, catchy string bending, and active drums give "Cloudburst" a real stormy feeling. Excellent! Originally issued on Boss 6501
Kenny and the Fiends - House On Haunted Hill Surf (Instrumental)
The melody almost exactly like "Istanbul," but with heavy toms underneath. This is the Princess version without the intro. The lead guitar is thin, but the track is very fun. Issued as "House On Haunted Hill part 1" with a spooky intro on Dot.
King Rock and the Knights - Scandal Rock (Instrumental)
This vibrant instro is period guitar rock, with more chord progressions than melody, thought the progression is often carried by a vibrato lead. Spunky and rambunctious, and worth a spin or two.
The Lincoln Trio - Garden of Eden Pt. 2 Surf (Instrumental)
"Garden of Eden Pt. 2" is a superb bit of presurf exotica, with dry tremolo guitar, exotic drums, and moody bass. Almost hypnotic, this is one wonderful obscuro from July 1960! Totally brilliant!
Surf (Instrumental)
A minor single using a riff in a basic surf format, with dice players yakking all along and uttering "snake eyes" as they hope against hope for a winning roll of the dice. This track is vintage progression surf, with damped high note playfulness, and the sounds of gambling addicts. It's fun and infectious, and has a full throated surf guitar sound, though completely free of double picking. There were two versions of this single issued, one with gambling overdubs, and one with surf overdubs and more dominant surf guitar.
Manuel and the Renegades - Rev Up Surf (Instrumental)
This is one monster of a surf instro. Right from the tuff shouted intro "Rev Up" and screaming throaty engine, Manuel and the Renegades rock! Great surf guitar, monster tom toms, boss sax, and very high power. This single defines power, and it's infectious energy and guts are compelling. Totally great!
Johnny McCoy and the Cyclones - Scrub Bucket Rock (Instrumental)
"Scrub Bucket" is one hell of a chunky song, with throbbing tom toms and edgy guitar. It's like a damped chop reinvention of a Sandy Nelson classic. The chunk wins you over. Great stuff!
Surf (Instrumental)
Great grimy intense reverb renders this track oh-so surf! Real basic, and all about the liquidy outboard splash. For such an unremarkable melody, "Madalena" sure is a cruncher. Great stuff!
Surf (Instrumental)
A great low grindy number featuring raw guitar and glissandoes. It's thrashy and pumped up, and based on a chord riff lead. It employs the "Let's Go" beat in the break. Pretty cool! Originally issued on Prism 1878 in 1964.
The Mosriters - On The Run Near Surf (Instrumental)
Rhythmically infectious, and featuring an infectious lead riff, this track catches your imagination and makes your toes tap. Infectious and too fun.
The Motivations - Motivate Surf (Instrumental)
Like their other tracks, this is rhythm oriented surf with an infectious sound. Cool, but pretty repetitious.
The Motivations - The Birds Surf (Instrumental)
Cool semi surf riff with really cool effects from the echo plex and the outboard reverb, and a menacing meanness. The chunky damped surf rhythm guitar keeps it in focus, and the drums provide the thunder. Very cool track.
The Nautiloids - Nautiloid Reef Surf (Instrumental)
This is a genuine primitive garage surf obscuro. Moody lead guitar, gutty rhythm, and surf drums. The riff is moody and mean enough to have captured the imagination of a number of bands that have covered it.
The Newport Nomads - Blue Mallard Surf (Instrumental)
"Blue Mallard" is a heavy duty riff surfer, with a basic structure and reverbed madness out front. Infectious in its innocence and fire, yet not particularly original. Lots of drive and sparkle, and an AABA format.
The Pace-Setters - Mustang Surf (Instrumental)
"Mustang" is a rich instro with tuff tremolo guitar and sax. The reverb is rich and the tone mostly dark. The excellent melody and cool jam break are impressive. The muted reverb verse is superb!
The Persuaders - Cry of Atlantis Presurf (Instrumental)
Like a surf inspired, Shadows influenced instro, "Cry of Atlantis" employs sparkling island chords and a friendly melody line. The sax breaks are very Southern California sounding. This is a lovely instro that fits really well into a surf set.
Surf (Instrumental)
Raw high powered reverb rockin' space surf, with lots of reverb. The melody is minimal but effective, and the power obvious. Only the cheesy chorus detracts, and even that has an innocent garage charm about it.
Surf (Instrumental)
Pure surf with Chantays style piano and generally similar sound. These Ramrods were from Birmingham. Pretty heavy surf chunk and very cool, with totally infectious piano runs.
The Ree-Gents - Downshiftin' Surf (Instrumental)
"Downshiftin'" sports much tension between lead and rhythm, with a lead that is slightly surf reverbed, and the riff is much like many lesser surf single, and with the second guitar whammy, this is right where the line between rock and surf gets foggy. A great find. The Ree-Gents were likely from upstate New York.
The Reekers - Don't Call Me Flyface Rock (Instrumental)
OK, I give. Why would you call someone "flyface"? It seems to me that this jams just fine as a fifties rocker, lot's of spunk, a nifty progression, and no melody.
The Revelairs - The Cruel Sea Surf (Instrumental)
Mike Maxfield's classic British instro, played with less Brit feel and more California surf pound. Heavy and powerful, this is a solid surf track, with dramatic hesitation, and fine double picked bridges.
The Reveliers - Hangin' Five Surf (Instrumental)
Low grindy el distorto guitar over a bit of wave sound effects, a surf rhythm guitar. More Midwest style than surf. From '63. A-side to "Patch."
The Rhythm Surfers - 502 (Like Getting Pinched On A 502) Rhythm Surf (Instrumental)
This is club progression sorta tune, no melody, and a bunch of shoutin'. The surf guitar is quite buried in the mix, and borrows from the Novas' "The Crusher" and "Miserlou" in spots. Rhythmic, and slightly infectious. Probably great at a frat party.
The Ric-A-Shays - Turn On Surf (Instrumental)
Thrashy rhythmic and drum powered, "Turn On" is a high energy number with a throbbing bass line and raging drums, as well as speedy double pick guitar work. Rockin' drums and splashy chords in a hard driving performance with some double picking. The sound and style are not surf, but some guitar licks are. Quite interesting.
The Road Runners - Quasimoto Surf (Instrumental)
The other side of the Road Runners single that appeared as a track on the London Records (and Sundazed CD) version of the Pyramids' album. This is the better track, heavily inspired by "Pipeline," but faster, more furious, and more manic. I always thought that some band with a lick of creativity should make a medley out "Pipeline" / "Quasimoto" / "Road Runnah" / "Pipeline." Anyway, this is a really good track, worth the price of admission all by itself. Pure surf from a sincere and lost band.
The Road Runners - Road Runnah Hot Rod Surf (Instrumental)
This track rules! It's hot, "Pipeline" like, and fiery. It may be a bit obscure, but it's a great track! "Road Runnah" ended up on the London Records release of the Pyramids' album. It does not appear on the original Best Records release, and bears no similarity in playing or style to the Pyramids. OK, so that's not a slam, just a clarification.
Robin and the Three Hoods - The Marauder Surf (Instrumental)
"The Marauder" a riffy fast and infectious Midwest charmer with tribal drums and warm guitar tone not unlike the Furys. A raspy sax fills out the break with raging guitar glissandos underneath. Pretty tuff.
The Ron-De-Voo's - Pipeline '66' Surf (Instrumental)
This is a crude live take of the Chantays' classic, with a muddy sound and some minor hints of the period it was recorded in. Reverb kicks and a plodding pace plus ambient room sound. Quite out of step with the times.
Steve Rowe and the Furys - Minor Chaos Surf (Instrumental)
This is the other original version of this fine instro. The arrangement is different, and the guitar wizardry played differently, and with the addition of piano, "Minor Chaos" takes yet another amazing power stride! Love those guitar chokes! Great track!
The Royal Coachmen - Loophole Surf (Instrumental)
This exceptionally infectious surf track is way happy, and just shines with shallow string bending and slight reverb. This has appeared on several comps over the past few years. Mighty fine listening. The original release was on Challenge in 1964.
The Royal Flairs - One Pink Box Surf (Instrumental)
A great rhythmic surf instro with a start-stop transition between verses interrupted by the sound of hammering, presumably driving nails into a coffin. The Royal Flairs were from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and played extensively throughout the area, appearing frequently in Omaha, Nebraska. The title is actually "One Pine Box," but the original issue had a misprint on the label. It ends with a hammering and a blow to the thumb followed by "Ouch!." A cool surf obscuro from 1966.
The Royal Flairs - One Pine Box Surf (Instrumental)
A great rhythmic surf instro with a start-stop transition between verses interrupted by the sound of hammering, presumably driving nails into a coffin. The Royal Flairs were from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and played extensively throughout the area, appearing frequently in Omaha, Nebraska. The title is actually "One Pine Box," but the original issue had a misprint on the label. It ends with a hammering and a blow to the thumb followed by "Ouch!." This is the original prior to the addition of the hammering sound effects. A cool surf obscuro from 1966.
The Runabouts - Surfer's Fright Surf (Instrumental)
Minimal surf riffage with some very cool drums work. 1965 tone and, while rooted in surf, it's drying out. A few double picked lines connect the dots. Borders on cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
Strongly influenced by the Surfaris' "Wipe Out," this track is infectious and tight, and driven pretty hard. While structurally derivative, "Kick Out" is a way fun Pat and Lolly Vegas surf obscuro worth searching out.
The Scouts - Mr. Custer Stomp Jungle Exotica (Instrumental)
This basic grode track employs an overdriven guitar, playing a decent melody that could be surfed easily, over a slow bass line and whirling organ. The constant "Indian" chants give it an air of unforgiving gimmickry. It opens with a cavalry shout.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a raucous version of Johnny and the Hurricanes' incredible "Sheba" with surf tone and great surf whammy chords. Intense at times, and dominated by the beat and the whammy chords. The drums rock!
Near Surf (Instrumental)
Nearly surf stylings, way fun gimmicks, and an infectious jam riff. The track is very close to being surf in it's structure, and in the used of reverb on parts of the percussion. Quite fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
Super obscure, this track is more on the jammy side, with few changes. It's rarity outweighs its coolness, yet it's a good representative of the many band warmup-style instros that made it to record.
Surf (Instrumental)
Hot rod noises overlaid atop a jammin' rocker with glissandos and dry guitar. "BaTmoBile" sounds a lot like a studio jam, but the riff and beat are more actual band like.
St. John and the Cardinals - The Rise Near Surf (Instrumental)
This is an interesting piece. The use of delay on the guitar gives it a wet tone. The melody line is not far from the surf idiom. The rhythm track is unusual and not really in any genre. Very cool, with a sometimes mystical sometimes rabid feel.
Marlow Stewart and the Illusions - Earthquake!! Surf (Instrumental)
With a stormy intensity, this churns out a warning to all who Variety Productions VP-201 [Earthquake c/w Ooh Poo Pah Doo]ride the curl on the coast. It's somewhat dangerous, and yet not hazardous. What's fascinating about this is that it's so poorly recorded, yet such a great song. Jon and the Nightriders really made this sing! A solid track.
The Stingrays - One Mo' Gin Garage Surf Rock (Instrumental)
"Moon Dawg," only slightly interesting. Awful mix with the lead guitar lost in the back. Could have been pretty cool if it were recorded better. The energy is there.
The Surf Teens - Moment Of Truth Surf (Instrumental)
From vinyl, this track is a solid cover of a classic of the period. It's uses the Original Surfaris' arrangement, focusing on the dark lead lines. Rhythmic and well delivered.
The Telstars - Spaghetti Strap Rock (Instrumental)
Echoed guitar plays a tasteful melody line against heavily echoed chords. "Spaghetti Strap" is a rockin' instro with a genuine band sound and energy.
The Tempests - Lemon Lime Rock (Instrumental)
Primitive cool riff rockin' gimmicky backwoods B-side rock. Raw and intense, highly energetic, with a spiffy little quick string slide that gives it it's only real edge over other similar tracks.
Surf (Instrumental)
An amazingly simple track that holds your attention despite the simplicity. Great wet guitars, and quite the obscuro.
The Torquays - The Other Side Surf (Instrumental)
Another obviated title rests on this excellent B-side. I think this is better than the A-side. It uses a Ventures drum beat, and a great surf-n-Euro melody line that is both original and familiar. Excellent surf rhythm guitar and a driven performance make this a must have single.
The Torquetts - Side-Swiped Surf (Instrumental)
Soft and very cool number with lots of shimmer and endearing riffs. Obscure and a nifty find.
Surf (Instrumental)
A low-E damped dry guitar raver, with speedy double picks, and a cool rhythmic progression. It's gutty without being overwhelming. The drums are manic. Really cool damped guitar less reverb, double picked flair, and a tribal feel. Quite dry for a surf vintage surf track, but it has all of the elements. It rumbles along at a fast clip with fun and wave riders energy.
The Travelers - Windy and Warm Surf (Instrumental)
This is a relatively light version of John D. Loudermilk's saucy "Windy And Warm" by Tucson, Arizona youngsters The Travelers. Shallow reverb says its surf, and the coastal flavor of this interpretation of this undulating country instro also points to the sea. Very cool! Solid drums portrayed in a balanced mix.
Surf (Instrumental)
Evansville, Indiana's Turks issued just three singles, all more or less in 1967. This is a fairly slow version of Lee Hazelwood's "Baja," not as sludgy as Al Casey's, nor as dark, but heading in that general direction. Very rare and expensive on the collector market.
Surf (Instrumental)
This track is most unusual, featuring a dry chord lead guitar over a heavily reverbed damped single note rhythm guitar - just the reverse of tradition. It's mostly a progression, but the oddness of the arrangement is magnetic. Cool
The Valiants - Jack The Ripper Surf (Instrumental)
This is a superb surf obscuro. "Jack The Ripper" (Link Wray and his Raymen) is just so cool in vintage reverb. The infectious delicate surf backtrack supports ringing trembling whammy perfectly. Its wonderful charm and pure surf sound are just too cool!
Originally issued on Ridge 109.
Surf (Instrumental)
Surf reverb drives a downward spiraling riff that's catchy and warm. The manic drummer gives "Echo" quite an intriguing edge. Splendid.
The Vaqueros - 80 Foot Wave Surf (Instrumental)
With a "Have Love Will Travel" melody, this super obscure track is not very surfy sounding, but it is quite good, with it's gutty guitar and solid rhythm. It was recorded in 1964.
The Vaqueros - Desert Wind Surf (Instrumental)
This is a wonderful and moody surf instro with haunting imagery. Its delicate pace adds to the mysterious sound. Great tone and rung out chords. Gentle whammy and a spooky melody runs atop a circular second guitar pattern over very moody bass and a near-military beat.
The Velvetones - Doheny Run Surf (Instrumental)
Surf grind, chunky and reverbed, with raw sax and a groovy surf 'n' soul sound. Pumped up, and just melodic enough. "Doheny Run" relies on its guts to carry it passed the riff rock limitation. Great stuff.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Velvetones' "Mr. X." was the A-side of their 3rd and final single issued in May of '65. It's a cool subtle palm-damped reverb-laden track heavy on the tom toms, like a cross between The Polaras' "Cricket" and The Lively Ones' "Paradise Cove."
The Vibrants - The Breeze and I Surf (Instrumental)
This is simply the best cover ever of this Ernesto Lacuoña classic tune. It shimmers with vibrato, embodying the band's name. It shines with perfect playing. This is a completely enthralling track. I can't recommend it enough. Each verse is a little different. The damped verse totally magical! This was a single on Bay Towne.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is one of the great legendary bands of the old school, who's name I used to hear on ads for surf dances on KFWB and KRLA. This is a throaty Ventures kinda thing, rhythmic and churning. It has a decided surf feel, with an unusual melody and structure. Great track. The melody line is very close to "Super Jet Rumble." This was a single.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Moon Relay" is a highly infectious, very rhythm oriented number. It rolls right along, plays really well loud in your car on warm summer night, and stays with you. It is very simple, and very effective. The pristine playing and glorious writing is similar to the (San Jose) Torquays work, chunky, delicate, and whammy driven. Great track.
Surf (Instrumental)
"No Return" is the B-side of the single. It is chunky, and sports a very full lead guitar tone, which is played open. The rhythm is infectious and bouncy, and the ominous overtones are unmistakable. Great track.
The Vulcaines - Cozimotto Surf (Instrumental)
The Vulcaines sported one mean sound, low-E dominated, humorous, and powerful. They issued only a couple of singles over their short life. "Cozimotto" (a slang and "Mr. Moto" referenced version of Quasimodo - the name of a hunched over board stance) is very gutsy, while being cutesy at the same time. It owes it's life to childhood melodies, yet is delivered on a huge low-E. A brief drum solo and slight break separate the beginning and the end, but otherwise, it is an awesome surf monster.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Unknown" has been covered many times. The Mermen still include it in their live shows, as captured on their Haunted House CD, and Splashback do a killer rendition when they play live as well. This is one crunchy track, splashy and intense right from the initial reverb kick and glissando. Don Bradley's melody line is exceptionally good. It was the A-side of "What I'm Gonna Do" (Garnet 101).