Phil Dirt - Reverb Central
PO Box 7240, Santa Cruz, CA 95061-7240 USA
Los
Jets - 40°N-3°W
Label: CD
This is a fine album from Madrid's legendary Los Jets.
For me, the two high points are "The Valiant" and "Voyage
Around The Moon," but there are many shining moments
here. It's a very good set of new recordings from a band
that has been at it since '58 or so.
|
Picks: 'El Barco del Amor', 'Splash', 'Waiting For The Train', 'The Valiant',
'The Flight Of The Bumble Bee', 'Ram-Bunk-Shush', 'Surf Samba', 'Bombora', 'Voyage
Around The Moon', 'The Knights If Madrid', 'So What', 'Husky Team'
El Barco del Amor
Los Jets rock'n'roll on this fine track. Lots of energy and drive.
Twang and stylish drive. "El Barco del Amor" has
a melody that is very similar to the Beach Boys' "Stoked."
Splash
"Splash" moves with an adventure on the road kind of
theme. Its imagery is slightly bluesy, and quite groovy. The guitar's sustain
and tone are quite pleasing.
Waiting For The Train
This is a blues-rock number with a Memphis feel and a rich highway ambiance.
there's a definite sense of open space and afternoon breezes.
The Valiant
It's so great to hear a modern band cover the Valiants's great instro. Los
Jets do it really nicely, with swimming chords and plenty of delicate
spunk. This is a splendid track that bears multiple listenings.
The Flight Of The Bumble Bee
Many hundreds of rock covers of Rimsky-Korsakov's fanciful "The
Flight Of The Bumble Bee" are out there. This is somehow more
reverent to the source, while leaning on a Ventures-like format, but
with much rounder and more modern rock tone. The arrangement is excellent.
Ram-Bunk-Shush
Lucky Millinder's often covered R&B instro is very nicely done by Los
Jets. It's suave and soulful as required, and also a bit edgy. They clearly
mean what they play here. Honest and straight forward, with just a bit of
country in the licks.
Surf Samba
Miles Corbin's lovely "Surf Samba" is very
nicely reinvented here. With clear reverence for the writing and playing
style of the Aqua Velvets, Los Jets deliver a sultry and smooth
rendering of this lovely song. The ocean lapping over parts of the song add
to its coastal mystique.
Bombora
The Atlantics' most awesome tune is recreated with significant understanding
and reverence. While it's got the chops, it's less intense than that original.
Having said that, it's a really fine track. The restraint seems to add a
dimension of subtlety and ambiance.
Voyage Around The Moon
The Saturns' "Voyage Around The Moon" appeared
only in the soundtrack to That Thing You Do. Three other bands
have covered it, that I know of. This is a splendid version with great respect
for the original, and very inviting tone.
The Knights If Madrid
Horses gallop into view while the six string bass twangs a low down melody
a la Jet Harris and Tony Meehan. A very fluid melody, Spanish
acoustic accompaniment, and dribbling lead guitar make this really shine.
Is this the Telstars' tune?
Honky Tonk
Bill Dogget's "Honky Tonk" is done with silky
slide notes and pumping organ. It's very smooth and soulful.
So What
Miles Davis' "So What" is sped up and turned
into a twang fest. The arrangement is spectacular in terms of its transformation
of this jazz classic into a rockin' stomper. Very cool!
Husky Team
The Saints' very cool "Husky Team" is slithered
and twanged and reverbed for a much fuller and more emotionally connecting
rendition than the original. Quite nice.
Under The Double Eagle
"Under The Double Eagle" is rocked and slithered to create
a fluid and compelling wash of sound. Catchy and cool.