Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Omega Men - The Spy Fi Sound Of The Omega Men
 | Hmm... there are some nice tracks here, some OK stuff, and a couple of vocals. My usual objection to organs in surf only partially applies here, because most of this is not surf, but is sixties Go Go club instro rock and R"B. There is even a real surprise last track that is totally different than the rest of the disk, both in character and production. As a surf purchase, it's iffy, but as an instro buy, this is quite nice - better than the Tiki Tones and on a par with the Civil Tones. |
Picks: Beat Girl, Theme From Custom XKE (XK-E), Susan Goes To Work, Cat Robot, Soul Dressing, G Marks The Spot, Sack O' Woe, Slow Traffic, Diablo Sandwich, Flat Tire, Spectre Of The Gun
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is the John Barry classic from the film of the same name. More tame than the original, and organ dominated. It is a solid rendition. The differences don't detract, they add. It is a pretty simple tune, not as melodic as Barry's later writing. This performance is definitely worth a spin.
Theme From Custom XKE (XK-E) Surf (Instrumental)
Cool double picked surf guitar and a bit too much organ presence. The melody line is simple and clean. The organ break is ok. The performance is not too tight, but the spirit and energy are there. Nice glissandoes.
Surf (Instrumental)
The organ melody line almost sings out "Susan Goes To Work" over a simple progression. It's infectious enough, though it didn't stick with me after a listening.
Surf (Instrumental)
An almost "What Ever Happened To Eddie" progression with big chord splashes, and organ frills. Doesn't really go anywhere, but it is fun.
Memphis Soul (Instrumental)
The Booker T. and the M.G.'s classic single recut. It's hard to outdo that classic Stax studio sound, so this fresh approach was a good idea. It is at least as interesting and listenable, though less energy seems present. I do like the surf guitar tones better than the Memphis tones of the original. Nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Wah wah guitar and a soul bass line, with the guitar infringing on sixties movie psych flair. It could well fit into a movie scene.
R&B Jam (Instrumental)
Cannonball Adderley's tune never quite sounded like this. With a Booker T. & the M.G.'s delivery, it takes on a whole new character. An R"B / Jazz jam.
Surf (Instrumental)
A bit of the old Vegas grind, some Jimmy Smith-isms, and a repetitious backtrack. The title is great!
Surf (Instrumental)
A pretty cool surf number, nice guitar tone, smooth double picks here and there, a glissando or two, and the organ suitable subdued. Nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Reminds me of the stuff the generic house bands used to play at the end of sets in Go Go clubs... not too interesting, and clearly marking a transition to the bar.
Surf and R"B (Instrumental)
Very different that the other tracks here. The rhythmic and well balanced backtrack is the base line for a twangy country lead guitar. Not much melody, but it doesn't matter. This is a nice track.