Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Jon and the Nightriders - Stampede
 | This is the reissue of Jon and the Nightriders amazing Stampede album, with bonus tracks added. It just doesn't get much better than this! Stampede is an necessary part of any surf instro collection! |
Picks: Stampede, Storm Dancer, Shaften, Wild Weekend, Road Agent, Anesthesia, Beneath The Reef, XL-3, Boss, Minor Chaos, Sea 'n Sorrento, Speedway, Catalina, The Breeze and I, The Truant, Hurricane, Catalina, Dark Eyes, Special
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This rockabilly standard, originally done by the Scarlets in 1959, has been recorded plenty as of late, but this is the first time it was surfed up. This rendering is simply superb! Wonderful percussive energy!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is one of the best numbers John Blair has written. Very hot and infectious. In fact, this track rules! The fire in the percussion, the catchy nature of the melody, the power in the rhythm... a masterpiece! Very hot and infectious. Aside from being one of the best second wave bands, Jon and the Nightriders are incredibly tight and percussive.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a superb cover of an obscuro from Bill Duzan and the Corvettes. What's particularly interesting is how much more melodic "Shaften" is with merely the use of reverb. Great drums, superb power, and, of course, wonderful wet reverb!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is easily the best cover of this classic instrumental, originally issued by the Rockin' Rebels. All the rhythm crunch is there, and the reverb just adds glitter to the mean edge of the song. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Road Agent has been one of my favorite instros for a long time. This is a very punchy version, more edgy than the others. Infectious, fluid, rhythmic, percussive. Simply cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a totally crunchy and cool version of The Nation Rockin' Shadows' "Anesthesia." This is much more watery than the original due to the use of whammy chords. Wonderful!
Surf (Instrumental)
A lovely melody and warm flow, coupled with crunchy surf tone. Very engaging! "Beneath The Reef" is beautiful! Nothing else need be said!
Surf (Instrumental)
Fire below! The Phantoms' "XL-3" blasts off immediately, and relentlessly powers to Aldebaran in a blaze of smoke and flame. Speedy glissandos force this raging track into hyper drive.
Surf (Instrumental)
The focus is shifted away from the sax and onto the surf rhythm for a truly "Boss" performance of the Rumblers' classic hit. The Rumblers declared themselves not to be a surf band, but there's not doubt about the surf credentials of this tune in the hands of Jon and the Nightriders.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Midwest was a hot bed of instro bands, plenty of which were surf bands back in the sixties. The Treasures and Steve Rowe and the Furies both released versions of this track, both claiming writing credit. It is one of the great obscuros of all time, and this version really rips!
Surf (Instrumental)
I love every surf version of this song, but this is at the top of the list. Warms your entire being with energy and a great melody.
Surf (Instrumental)
Race your way to ecstasy! Solid Jon and the Nightriders surf, imaginative, rhythmic, and wonderful. The sax adds vintage flavor.
Surf (Instrumental)
Grand track, lots of melody and fine performance. It has a mysterious feel to it, slightly ominous and energetic. Excellent! The original version was titled "Rod Hot Rod" by The King Pins (Larse 101, 1966).
Surf (Instrumental)
Among the best versions of this often covered Ernesto Lacuona Cuban classic, Jon and the Nightriders liquefy the song's romance. This is an exceptionally good track!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a solid rendition of the Truants' obscuro. Tuff and chunky, with edge. There's moodiness from the thumpy nature of the mix.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a totally rippin' version of a very obscure Conrad and the Hurricanes single. Powerful, superbly strong, and oh-so surf!
Surf (Instrumental)
While this is a very raw live recording, it showcases this amazing band's live prowess. Utterly powerful and aggressive!
Surf (Instrumental)
The classic "Dark Eyes" is always wonderful, and in the hands of Jon and the Nightriders... well. This is a live track that's definitely deficient in the mix department, but it sure does rock!
Surf (Instrumental)
Wow, what a cool song! Fluid, romantic, surf-perfect, and very easy to listen to. The glissandos are like water flowing from a glass. Whew!