Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This is the classic Dave Myers and the Surftones album reissued in mono on CD by Del-Fi. It should have been in stereo, 'cuz the stereo is quite good. Dave was a music major who studied Jazz, and was also an early guitar student of Dick Dale. His band was among the best. The were around from '61 or early '62, and played continuously until giving up the surf for cheesy instros as the Dave Myers Affect, and later becoming a grand garage punk outfit as Dave Myers & his Disciples. Dave had better mastery of meter than just about any surf player, which meant he could play slow perfect glissandos when no one else could. One day, Del-Fi may find the stereo masters. Until then, this will do!

Picks: Frog Walk Part II, Church Key, Smoky Stomper, Kings Surf, Aquavelva, Surferama, Moment of Truth, Road To Rincon, Surfbreaker, Surfers Theme, Passion, Wetwalkin'

Dixieland Surf (Instrumental)

This is a most unusual track, being strongly based on Dixieland Jazz, which was one of the earliest musical tastes of Dave Myers, along with country. It's a remarkable blending of muted horn, trad Jazz coolness, and surf.

Surf (Instrumental)

Dave produced a unique arrangement of a song that was recorded by a bazillion instro bands, making it his own. I like it better than the original Revels version because of Dave's great double picking throughout matched exactly by his marvelous drummer. One of the better covers of the Revel's classic, and certainly the most surfy under it's original name.

Hillbilly Surf (Instrumental)

One of many examples of American standards in the public domain adapted for surf. Like the Belairs' "Little Brown Jug," it is a direct adaptation. Unlike that, it is rocking and funky.

Aftershave Glassfinger Surf (Instrumental)

Based on the TV ads for the aftershave, this really interesting tune is quirky, plinky, and is backed by a magnificent shuffle beat. Endearing, and unlike anything else on record. Campy enough to fit into any lounge or exotica set.

Surf (Instrumental)

Dave's interpretation of the Original Surfaris masterpiece "Moment Of Truth" is nothing short of essential listening. What Dave does with it transforms it from a stomp on demand surf obscuro to a melodic rolling almost entirely new song. The melody has been embellished, and the whole sense of rhythm has been replaced with something so infectious that it is irresistible. The use of tenor sax gives it a near-jazz element that adds to the mystery. This remains among my all-time favorite surf tracks.

Military Surf (Instrumental)

If ever there was a surf tune to drive to, this is it. The rolling military beat and the infectious melody are an unbeatable combination. Stellar!

Mariachi Surf (Instrumental)

A classic merger between mariachi and surf... like what would happen if the Tijuana Brass were a real band and played really cool surf... Bob Moore should have been so lucky as to make "Mexico" sound this good. Bring on the bulls!