Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Dick Dale and his Del-tones - Rock Out - Live at Ciro's le Discdotdotdotdot
artworkThis is a fine reissue of Dick's last for Capital, recorded in '65 as Dick was on the verge of bowing out for numerous reasons. Mostly, the performance is less than hot, but a few tracks are completely killer, like the magnificently evil Angry Generation. The general sound, while clean, is without redemption as a mix, with the entire band except for Dick so far buried in the mix as to be almost inaudible. I'm not sure that it's really a live album, or maybe just crowd overdubs of studio tracks, but it is a rare gem indeed.
Picks: Peter Gunn, Angry Generation, Let's Go Trippin' 65, Watusi Jo

Track by Track Review


Peter Gunn dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Peter Gunn" has evolved only slightly over the years Dick has used it as an opener. He's in rare form here, playing it smoothly and with guts.

Angry Generation dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is one of the best things Dick ever did. It's quite simple, but it has the most ominous tones anywhere on a surf record, and it is essential Dick Dale listening. The huge sound of Dick's guitar, and the slow-gallop staccato is unsurpassed.

Let's Go Trippin' 65 dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Smoother and bigger than Dick's original, this has none of the charm, but much more fullness. It's slowed down, and lifeless. Barely a pick.

Watusi Jo dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Not a surf lick to be found, but it is a nifty composition for the post surf Dick Dale. The times, they were a changin'