Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Gasolines - Sonido Do La Fronteradotdotdotdot
artworkThis is a 1998 set from the Gasolines. The sound is definitely on the demo side, but as with their fine CD, the music is quite good. They are a band I'd really like to capture at KFJC.
Picks: Jack The Ripper, Casbah, Baja, Ojas Kegres, Jumpin', Desperta Juantita, Eil Tico, The Godfather, Take Five, Pertida Per La Mitad, Push The Button, Max!, The Victor, Rumble, Twanga

Track by Track Review


Jack The Ripper dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

As the surge rises, the Gasolines launch into a rousing cover of Link Wray and his Raymen's "Jack The Ripper." The energy is solid, and the darkness intact. The drums are too heavy at times, but it still works.

Casbah dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Richard Podolor's amazing "Casbah" simply always works! This vibrato power version is a welcome addition to the heritage. The drum break is completely different, while the guitar carries on. Very groovy!

Baja dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Gasolines gently play "Baja" as the seagulls cry. It's a delicate and cool arrangement, with vibrato and damped charm.

Ojas Kegres dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Ojas Kegres" is mysterious Spanish flavored group original with a great melody. The tribal drums add to the exotic nature of the guitar lines. A very cool song!

Jumpin' dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Boys' "Jumpin'" is an interesting choice, and with the more surfable sound and vibrato, it takes on a different feel than the original.

Desperta Juantita dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Another original, "Desperta Juantita" is a splashy tropical surf tune with bongos and a plundering "Race To San Miguel" feel.

Eil Tico dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Eil Tico" is based on "Tequila," but is a little thrashy, and sports a new carnival melody. It's an entirely fun party anthem for the beach.

The Godfather dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The profound sadness of "The Godfather" sounds even sadder with vibrato and reverb. It's a bit stiff, yet that seems to add to the morose nature of the song. The sped up thrashy midsection is a little strange, but works OK, as does the traditional Greek line dance verse.

Take Five dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Not since Quicksilver Messenger Service transmuted "Take Five" into "Silver and Gold" has anyone splashed up the Dave Bruebeck Quartet's one hit with so much panache! Very very cool!

Pertida Per La Mitad dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

A slightly sad melody line in a fast setting, with a party chorus. "Pertida Per La Mitad" is a pretty fun song with the flavor of Rio.

Push The Button, Max! dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Henry Mancini's "Push The Button, Max!" starts out like a train leaving the station, but quickly softens into a shimmering vibrato chill with exotic bongos. This is lot's of fun.

The Victor dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Dick Dale's under rated power house "The Victor" is softened a bit, and is also more reverby. This is a solid version that doesn't fall too far from the tree. Quite endearing.

Rumble dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Slow and grumbly like it's supposed to be, "Rumble" is switchblade surf with vibrato edge. Reverent and cool.

Twanga dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Teisco Del Rey's whammy smooth seducer "Twanga" shimmers with low-E vibrato and saucy sax. The Mediterranean cafe feel and surf sensibility combine nicely here.