Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
Matt Rae - High Strungdotdotdotdot
artworkMatt Rae doesn't do surf, but his country instros are haunted with the curl and have a lot of coastal character. This is another fine release well worth the diversion from the reverb.
Picks: Bad Truck, Peanut Butter And Tele, Happy Ending, I Only Have Eyes For You, After Hours, Lizzie Strut, Small Brown Dog, Weedwhacker, Pink Beach, Goose Pickin', Tube Job

Track by Track Review


Bad Truck dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"Bad Truck" features a circular riff that's twangy and country and nearly surfable. Stereo guitar licks and funky country bar feel permeate the track.

Peanut Butter And Tele dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This is a light bouncy number with way more fun than anything else. Rich, bouncy, engaging, and reminiscent of Buzzy Frets and his Surfabilly Orchestra. very cool!

Happy Ending dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This is a happy go lucky country boogie in the old time sense, but with updated tone. lap steel or slide gives "Happy Ending" a liquidy edge.

I Only Have Eyes For You dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This is a romantic and liquid cover of The Flamingos' version of Harry Warren's "I Only Have Eyes For You." Stunningly beautiful, with that fifties piano plinking and bygone romanticism.

After Hours dotdotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This is a lovely and haunting instro with a sad sound and spatial swampy imagery. It starts out to be just great, but becomes amazingly cool. What a wonderful track!

Lizzie Strut dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

A funky track with wah wah and a soulful arrangement. very not country, and yet it has an open range feel to it.

Small Brown Dog dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

Boy does "Small Brown Dog" romp 'n' roll with country charm. It's pure easy countrified fun.

Weedwhacker dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

With a name like "Weedwhacker," how can you go wrong. A circular country riff playfully teases and charms. very nice track.

Pink Beach dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

This is a slow and island gorgeous song with an easy summery feeling. "Pink Beach" has a wonderfully warm melody and totally relaxed sound. This is a very enjoyable track - pure pleasure.

Goose Pickin' dotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

A sorta chicken rockin' slightly goofy track that's a grinner with coolness. Fun, and easy to like.

Tube Job dotdotdotdot
Country Surf (Instrumental)

"Tube Job" moves slowly and softly across a sunset surf scene. Slowly throbbing tremolo adds haunted charm and spatial eeriness. Lovely and sensual.