Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Fabulous Beach Band - MySpacedotdotdot
artworkThis 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


Wipe Out dotdotdot
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.

Walk Don't Run dotdotdot
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.

Pipeline dotdotdot
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.

Endless Summer dotdotdot
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.

Baja dotdotdot
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.