Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Many more tracks for the surf fan. One vocal on this set, "Death Valley Run" from the Hondells.

Picks: Torquay, Jungle Juice, Haulin' Honda, Viva Zapata, Reverbia, International Au Go Go, Molokini By Moonlight, Shoot The Pier, Voodoo Princess Terror, Bring Me the Beard of Billy Gibbons, Arabian Nights, Ronnie And The Renegades, Celluloid Planetoid, Go Exotic

Pre Surf (Instrumental)

"Torquay" is still a great tune, even 37 years after it was committed to tape. It was borrowed by the Challengers for their debut album Surf Beat, and by the Lively Ones for the Surfin' South Of The Border album. It's primal near-surf sound and rim shot percussion is quintessential Fireballs. The song's power is testified to also in the name being used for numerous bands, including San Jose's circa 1963 surf band the Torquays.

Fuzz Surf (Instrumental)

Tribal drums a la the Tornados' "Jungle Fever," and thick compressed guitar eking sharp edges from stone. The riff never really develops into a song, but the thunder of impending doom threatens the faint at heart.

Studio Hotrod (Instrumental)

With no bearing on the Richie Podolor song, this turns out to be a more or less mindless studio jam.

Surf (Instrumental)

Link Wray's "Viva Zapata" gets a respectful and shiny new face as the Gasolines stroll through this overlooked obscuro. Fine damped reverbed guitar, long chords, and a slightly menacing groove.

Surf (Instrumental)

Very airy, melodic and chunky, and riff driven with speed and power. Huge drama and swimming whammy, edgie guitar, and marvelous energy. The double picking is dry and clicky, with sustained leads and dramatic changes. There's something of the feel of Richard Rogers-Robert Russell Bennet' "Song Of The High Sea" in the openning. Quite refreshing.

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Fluffy jazz fun, inviting frolicking at the beach, playful up tempo life without care. Jet setting to Club Med to meet and greet the fair sex. Deluxe fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

Silky smooth, fluidly scenic, and romantically gentle, this tune features full round and ringing guitar tones and gorgeous chord falls. The gentle grass shack backtrack is perfect for the melody line. Very pretty track.

Surf (Instrumental)

So the guy says "I don't like that surfin' shit! Rock 'n' roll has been going down hill ever since Buddy Holly died." Then, the Handsome Devils prove him wrong. This is a solid surf track with lots and lots of edge. It's not fast, but it is big. Moody, dark, menacing, and liquid.

Surf (Instrumental)

Tribal drums and big chords launch "Voodoo Princess Terror" with a thundering grind. Not very melodic, but more than just a riff. Great glissandoes and dangerous chords, like some sort of Link Wray edged ode to the churn of storm surf. Thick and intense!

Rock (Instrumental)

It's hard to imagine a better title... "Bring Me The Beard Of Billy Gibbons" is a progression based number, like some of Link Wray's tunes.

Middle East Surf (Instrumental)

Nice melody with lots of shimmer and hints of the Middle East. The heavy rhythm and pulsing beat is sensual and powerful. "Arabian Nights" bears searching out.

Surf (Instrumental)

Big stinging whammy and a relentless bass line behind a simple riff rock lead and a modern beat. The track works ok, but is a bit too repetitious. The main riff reminds me of a speeded up Jim Thomas melody.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fast and furious cover of the Metalunas' ominous "Celluloid Planetoid." Even Mark Brodie didn't go this fast with his raging surf epic. darker, meaner, and spunkier, with shouts of thrills overcome. A fine cover.

Surf (Instrumental)

Really nice infectious surf, catchy and emjoyable. I think I come back to this track more than any other on this CD.