Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Robbie Dunbar and M.O.B. - With Strings Attacheddotdotdot
artworkAfter the fall, Robbie Dunbar started up this little combo and played around some. His appreciation for surf and the instrumental form shows through, with 11 instros and just one vocal, called "Techno Cowboy," all about how hard the music business is. Poor baby! The band is Robbie Dunbar - guitar, Larry Lynch - drums, and Keith Borman - bass, assisted by Rob Russ - keys/sax.
Picks: Penetration, Rumble, Tequila, Pink Dominos, Memphis, Listen Here, Night Train, You Can't Sit Down, Hideaway, Lonely Surfer, Wild Weekend

Track by Track Review


Penetration dotdotdot
Eighties Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is a relatively straight rock version of "Penetration," with touches if blues and jazz, like maybe an inversion of Steve Khan's classic jazz cover. While quite spirited, it's not particularly infectious.

Rumble dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

Link Wray's "Rumble" is treated to a rock club arrangement with intense guitar work and plenty of oomph.

Tequila dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

Rockin' and party stompin' guitarista rendering of the Champs' "Tequila."

Pink Dominos dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

There are damn few covers of this ultra rare single, originally cut by Chiyo and the Crescents. While basic rock, it pumps the grind as it should, and retains the infectious beat and structure. Quite nice.

Memphis dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

With a nod to Lonnie Mack, this Chuck Berry tune gets the rock chord treatment.

Listen Here dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

This is a bit of a shift towards the twisted side of the aisle. Funky and bluesy, rockin' and stretched, it's quite fun, while being small combo edgie. Second dueling guitar on "Listen Here" is played by Greg Douglas.

Night Train dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

James Brown's "Night Train" is rockin' and soulin' down the tracks, complete with the station calls.

You Can't Sit Down dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

The Dartells weren't very interesting, and this upholds the tradition.

Hideaway dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

Freddie King's "Hideaway" is rocked up, and the arrangement serves it well.

Lonely Surfer dotdotdot
Eighties Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Jack Nitzsche's great "The Lonely Surfer" retains the grumbling soul of the hit, and is augmented with modern club rock sounds. It's really very respectful, using keyboard to fill where Nitzsche used strings and horns.

Wild Weekend dotdotdot
Eighties Rock (Instrumental)

The Rockin' Rebels' hit is rhythmically regenerated. The big guitar makes it seem sorta big hair-ish, but it works OK. Rhythmic and edgie, and maybe a little pompous.