Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA King Charles' Head - Surfin' On A Banzai Cokeline
 | King Charles' Head continues to release magnificent surf, very trad, but rich in flavor and playing. I think this is not a legit release, but rather a home brew cassette comp. Regardless, this is one fine surf band. I'd sure like to see this stuff on CD. |
Picks: Movin' 98, Jinx, Lullaby Of The Leaves, Malaguena, Vasparex, Post Traumatic Stress Twist, Double Picking, Latinia
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is one solid performance of this venerable surf classic. It's a bit faster than the period versions, but very trad sounding. Excellent reverb...
Surf (Instrumental)
A slow moody intro lulls you into a calm that is destroyed by a great Astronauts' style track, with a fine melody and tons of energy. The riff is basic, but very much in the groove. A fine track with major reverb and drive.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Ventures' arrangement, but with that real Fender reverb sound. There's only the larger than life chord whammy that sets this apart, that and the innocent surf sound. Excellent.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is essentially the Trashmen's arrangement of Ernesto Lecuona's "Malaguena." Lots of drive and solid beat.
Surf (Instrumental)
This original track sports a trad styled melody riff that is well suited and varied verse to verse, and an excellent bridge as well.
Post Traumatic Stress Twist Surf (Instrumental)
Never mind the title, "Post Traumatic Stress Twist" is a stunningly fine instro. Great writing, an infectious sound, a balance between damped reverb and open notes, and a driving rhythm and walking bass line. Excellent track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Funny title, given that it's not double picked in the traditional sense. Damped reverb plucking, warm Spanish chords, and a "Pipeline"-esq rhythm. Really good, with an infectious arrangement and sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a warm version of Tommy Nunes' exceptional "Latinia." It's not trad exactly, but lies somewhere between Jim Waller and the Deltas (not as light and jazzy) the Bambi Molesters (less powerful and edgie). Maybe Susan and the SurfTones with more reverb and less edge... I dunno, but it's an effective arrangement - quite enjoyable.