Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Deoras - Pitcher House 3/31/2001



 | What an amazing band. Mickey Deora (Mike Palm - Agent Orange), Rick Johnson (Halibuts), Steve Birdowski (Jon and the Nightriders), and Shawn Ambrose are an awesome foursome. They do other peoples' music in a totally fresh way, giving it their own sound and exquisite talent. Very punchy and rhythmic, and powerful beyond question. Jay Hector's fine recording adds to the quality of this live session. It should be released! |
Picks: Rope of Sand, Vamos Por Ahi, Sunset Cruise, Emiko, Centipede, Chicken Scratch, Siesta Cinema, Sea Knows, Skinny Dip, Ultra Q's Theme, Fadeaway, Wild Kingdom
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Impala's "Rope Of Sand" finds a gorgeous new home in this fine performance. Richly reverbed and precisely played, this is an excellent adventure in liquid twang.
Surf (Instrumental)
This hot Surf Coasters tune is richly surfed and twanged. Mexican flavor, surf sensibility, and marvelous playing. A magnificent track.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Torquays' "Sunset Cruise" is beautifully fluffed and folded, with rich tone and fine playing. Ultra fine rhythm and beat, and splashy adventurous optimism. Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
Tribal drums and an exotic melody portray scenes of romantic luaus and sparkling surf lapping at black sand beaches. Warm and breezy, and very lush.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is easily one of the Halibuts' best tunes, and it's also among the best Deoras tracks. While pretty close to the original arrangement, the less percussive production gives it a softer richer sound. The great ringing chords against the dribbling lead in the bridges is marvelous. The reducing tempo at the end is a nice touch.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Lively Ones' "Chicken Scratch" gets the splash and twang treatment. The rhythmic thunder drives this hard, while the splashy reverb takes it to the next level. Really good version.
Surf (Instrumental)
The amazing Deoras do an absolutely splendid version of one of my fave Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet songs. Bouncy and warm, surfy and extra cool with the exotic percussion. "Siesta Cinema" plays on warm sands adjacent to sparkling waters. very fine!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is the first cover I am aware of of a Surf Coasters song. It is less intense and exquisitely played. This slow sinewy Polynesian twang track is very pretty, and testifies to the writing power of it's originators.
Surf (Instrumental)
Once a single for Agent Orange, this Halibuts tune continues to shine under the Deoras' magic wand. The playful melody is laid out with humor and trad style, closer to the Halibuts than the Agent Orange rendition. Grand!
Surf (Instrumental)
The Deoras have done a fine job on this Surf Coasters song. The surf and spy feel are a natural for the splashy glissandoes and great damped reverbed rhythms. A little dangerous and dramatic, "Ultra Q's Theme" sports great guitar work and a thrilling ride.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a very pretty track, with marvelous guitar presenting Polynesian chords ringing in an island sunset. Ah, the soothing sounds of Laika and the Cosmonauts, who recorded the original. Very nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Hillbilly Soul Surfers' tune is driven into a surf frenzy by the Deoras. Tuff rhythm, strong beat, and liquid guitar work. Totally excellent.