Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Jimmy Haskell - John Severson Presents Sunset Surf
 | This 1963 album has its moments. It's really not surf, and just barely rock in the most liberal sense, but as easy listening albums go, it displays some very tight musicianship from Glen Campbell and his stable mates under Jimmy Haskell's direction. |
Picks: Murphy's Grey Wet Suit, Earl's Shorebreak, Goofy-Foot Glen, Locked In, Easy Surf
Track by Track Review
Country (Instrumental)
"Murphy's Grey Wet Suit" is a tremolo country rocker with spunk and a light sound. Some nice sax lines and a happy go lucky rhythm make it all fun and gingham. Not surf, but easy to eat fried chicken to.
Rock (Instrumental)
Slow dance tremolo luxury ooze from the lovely guitar tone. Perhaps a bit reminiscent of Richie Podolor's slower numbers at some level, and very romantic. "Infinity" is quite nice.
Rock (Instrumental)
Soft horns play the melody line from Harry Akst's 1926 smash hit "Baby Face." This laid back, Baja beach updated interpretation is really very pleasant. It would slide nicely between a couple of actual surf instros for an easy summer break.
Rhodes Surf (Surfing Song Of Greece) Rock (Instrumental)
"Rhodes Surf" is a gentle version of "Song Of Greece" with light flute and easy guitars. The piano is very nice.
End Of The World Rock (Instrumental)
Skeeter Davis' "End Of The World" is flute lead with tremolo guitar and circular piano riffs. While very pretty, it's also quite unremarkable.
Country (Instrumental)
Verging on Scottish country, and thoroughly in the studio sounding, "Goofy-Foot Glen" is a bouncy number that has a sort of Duane Eddy and the Rebels production style less the power and edge.
Rock (Instrumental)
It's back to Baja with the horns in command on a warm summer afternoon. Acoustic and tremolo electric guitar play off each other, and the beat is light and fun. "Quigg Rides Again" is actually a common Mexican song that escapes me at the moment, but you'd recognize.
Surfing Baja Rock (Instrumental)
Not much going here beyond jazz tremolo guitar and a Buddy Merrell in Nashville sound. It's all about not upsetting the apple cart, or perhaps a bit of romance.
Rock (Instrumental)
A nice circular bass line and chop chord rhythm pump along under a simple melody riff. There's something catchy about the arrangement and song even though it's a long way from original or genuine. At times, it's a bit of a faux jazz jam.
Rock (Instrumental)
Lovely Floyd Cramer-ish piano and tremolo, soft horns, and a lush sound gently lure you in. "Easy Surf" is easy, and in the general vicinity of surf without ever actually getting there.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Waimea Bay" sports Hawaiianesq guitar riding on an easy platform. Some nice guitar cycles roll along while the horn carries the melody. Less than essential, but more than dismissible.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Come September" is a gentle but infectious Baja holiday number with a hard to dislike sound. While not really memorable, it is nonetheless not the sort of easy listening track that will drive you away.