Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Les Fantomes - Tete a Tete Avec Les Fantomesdotdotdotdot
artworkThis edition of Les Fantomes's album contains some mighty fine material, including "La Shlap," "Je Ne Veux Pas T'aimer," "Train Fantome," a solid version of Johnny Smith's "Walk Don't Run," and the wonderful "Fort Chabrol." Head To Head With The Ghosts is a fine release.
Picks: La Shlap, Je Ne Veux Pas T'aimer, Walk Don't Run, Cafard, Marche Twist, Train Fantome, Shazam, Mefie-Toi, Golden Earrings, Fort Chabrol

Track by Track Review


La Shlap dotdotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Big drums and great drums play off each other. The melody riff is a cross between "No Man's Land" and "What'd I Say." Great energy and bounce, and especially tough drums! The way the drum solo and bass work together is reminiscent of some psych jams a few years later, or maybe Sandy Nelson.

Je Ne Veux Pas T'aimer dotdotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Je Ne Veux Pas T'aimer" ("I Do Not Love You") is a pretty song with a bit of intensity in the lead tone, and some really good drumming. Island cool and whammified, it really grows on you as it progresses.

Walk Don't Run dotdotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is a very well done cover of The Ventures' 1960 recording of Johnny Smith's venerable tune. Great drums and bass, and superb lead playing.

Cafard dotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Cafard" doesn't sound at all like its title might suggest. "Cockroach" (really) led me to expect something kinda goofy and fun, or perhaps gross, but this is a lovely slow melodic romantic song with a bit of a sad feeling and island chords.

Marche Twist dotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Marche Twist" ("Twist Walk") uses an almost military cadence and a simple but elegant melody riff. It's a very nicely done tune with occasional surf whammy.

Train Fantome dotdotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Galloping bass and drums and romp with an open range ecstasy beneath a slightly sad melody guitar that's half way between surf and the desert, and a very cool rhythm guitar. "Ghost Train" has just a hint of haunted ambiance, but it is mostly a marvelous traveling song. I like this a lot!

Shazam dotdotdot
Country Rock (Instrumental)

Duane Eddy's hit is done with spunk and charm, and country edge. Sparkling tone and a nearly banjo rhythm guitar, along with excellent drums, make "Shazam" a very fun track.

Mefie-Toi dotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"Mefie-Toi" ("Be Wary") is a song built on a tasteful melody riff and shallow whammy that's part surf, part Shadows. Great drums and bass, and sparkling tone.

Golden Earrings dotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Daniel Flapp classic melody, first a hit for Marlene Dietrich, is done with great reverb sustained tone and the flavor of surf tonally with a rock beat. A very nice track.

Fort Chabrol dotdotdotdot
Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This is a great track. It borders on surf a lot from a tone standpoint, with Hank Marvin-esq playing and a great rock beat. "Fort Chabrol" is a rock solid recording with real charm. Slightly spaghetti westernish, with a very attractive sound.