Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The El Caminos - Surfers' Lounge
 | Their CD from Japan. They are Japan's garage successors to the Surf Coasters. Punchy sound, spirited performances, unusual arrangements, and a uniquely oriental view of American surf. |
Picks: Exotic, Sumo Wrestler, El Emporador, Big Surf, Ho-Nest, Pachuko Soul, Horchata, Exodus, Apollo
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
The Bob Vaught arrangement with the drums way-way back in the mix. The huge guitar sound overcomes this. Very edgy.
Surf (Instrumental)
A jerky stomp number with an OK melody. Big sound and Dick Dale flourishes.
Surf (Instrumental)
Slow coolness, moody and mysterious, with Spanish island imagery. The electronic noises are eerie - unnatural.
Surf (Instrumental)
A major power version of the Sentinals' killer tune. Even bigger and more ominous than the original.
Surf (Instrumental)
Titled Hornet's Nest on the Del-Fi release, this track features a big Dick Dale / Surf Coasters style melody and a big delivery. The keys detract from the cohesion.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Soul Kings and The Rhythm Kings used to do this. It is as close as you get to the definitive song of the Latin band dance craze the Soul that the surfers picked up on so heavily in sixty-three. The keys play the lead in lieu of the horn section it was written for.
Surf (Instrumental)
Spring reverb on the drums in the intro doesn't really work, but the "Tequila"-based rhythm track is nice, and the damped lead is quite cool.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Lively Ones arrangement of the movie theme, with more energy and less sting. The rhythm is heavier too.
Surf (Instrumental)
Big toms and harsh reverbed guitar stingers, plus a big guitar exotic power. Pretty intense.