Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Fabulous Beach Band - MySpace | This Visalia, California band plays relaxed covers of vintage surf instrumentals and Beach Boys style vocals. Part beach band, part surf band, their instrumentals are smooth and very pleasurable. |
Picks: Walk Don't Run, Pipeline, Endless Summer, Baja
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a really straight version of "Wipe Out," done in a way that would fit well into a company party. Bongos add an uncommon element.
Surf (Instrumental)
The 1960 Ventures arrangement of Johnny Smith's "Walk Don't Run" is the basis for this track. It's straightforward, with nice tone and a gentle flow.
Surf (Instrumental)
A rough glissando opens up this respectful cover of The Chantays' "Pipeline" using an arrangement that is a cross between the original and The Ventures at times. While it's fairly gentle, it's also richly toned and very satisfying. The relaxed delivery is very nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Sandals' "Endless Summer" is gently flowing with an easy going sound and energy. This song tends to lend itself to such arrangements. There are places in this that remind me of the way Dead Men Don't Surf approached it with slight references to The Doors. Pretty nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
Lee Hazelwood's stunning "Baja" is just always a pleasure to hear, no matter how it's arranged. This is rich, not quite gentle, and very smooth. Very enjoyable.