Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Marketts - Take To Wheels
 | This is a remarkably unmemorable set from Joe Saraceno. Next! |
Picks: Cobra, Cha Cha Buggy
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Stylistically more like the Routers than the Marketts, but with vibrato shimmer and cool piano work from what sounds like Leon Russell. It's mostly just studio mung, but there is something just South of cool here.
Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
"Surfers Stomp" handclaps, piano, and horn section play a pleasant and simple stomp. OK, but not really memorable.
Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
Castanets mimic rattlesnake tails and the horn sounds very Middle Eastern. "Cobra" is part way between very cool and pure cheese. The guitar is thin, yet mysterious at times. You'll have to decide about this one...
Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
Tremolo guitar and piano are the highlights of this horn rocker. More fun than some here, and more engaging too. In the end, you'll forget about it soon enough.
No Wheels Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
Chumpy pop with cool tremolo guitar and piano. If you're in a non-surf mood and want a mindless escape, "No Wheels" will suit your needs.
Sting Ray Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
The Rumblers "Tootenanny" without the soul or charm. "Sting Ray" is quite forgettable.
Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
This is a short distance from "Balboa Blue," with a softer sound and slightly shifted melody. The drums are pretty cool here, and the sax more edgy. "Cha Cha Buggy" works pretty well.
Twice Pipes Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
Aside from the sax mimicking the Doppler affect of a passing engine, "Twice Pipes" is just a jam.
Under The Stars Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
"Under The Stars" is a saucy slow number with tremolo guitar and sultry sax. Very predictable, yet quite pleasant.
Bucket Seats Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
This guitar number has a simple melody riff that could be interesting in another arrangement. The guitar verges on gutsy, but in the end, it's just pop rock.
Night Cruisin' Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
"Night Cruisin'" is built around a number of classic instrumentals. Derivative and completely forgettable.
Makin' Rubber Instrumental Rock (Instrumental)
"Makin' Rubber" wants to be Milt Rodgers. Maybe it is. Slowish and unremarkable.