Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Raybeats - It's Only A Movie
 | This incredible album has yet to be issued on CD. It is very well produced, and sports some incredibly powerful tracks. It is markedly different from their other output in character and energy. Highly worthwhile. |
Picks: Jack The Ripper, Banzai Pipeline, Instant Twist, The Sad Little Caper, The Big Country, Jelly Bread, Buddy Lonesome, Soul Beat / Intoxica (Intoxico), It's Only A Movie
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Simply one of a handful of versions of this classic Link Wray track that are essential listening. This is tight, intense, aggressive, tribal, and without remorse. The band's approach is both fresh and reverent. This is definitive Raybeats perfection.
Martini Surf (Instrumental)
With a jazzy mix, and an eye on Henry Mancini's martini, the Raybeats deliver an unusual and inspired version of this most quirky surf classic. Fine playing, and a beat generation bachelor pad ethic merge into a stunningly infectious track.
Piano Drama (Instrumental)
Immediate and infectious, this track has a fanciful air about it. The guttural piano intro is pretty scary. It's bluesy and soulful, and a tad mean, with a melodic drama underneath.
Back Street Jazz (Instrumental)
Almost James Bond like, in a back street jazz kinda way, with an ominous and chunky bass line, and a guitar line that forewarns of Reventlos to come. Quite cool.
Country (Instrumental)
A solid tune, with a country influence and a fanciful sense of humor.
R&B (Instrumental)
Suave variations of the Booker T. & the MG's classic single. Nice, but not particularly remarkable.
Bluesy (Instrumental)
Semi funky, blues harmonica and rhythmic backtrack soul.
Soul Beat / Intoxica (Intoxico) Postmodern Lowrider Suave Surf (Instrumental)
This is the best post sixties treatment of the surf sub genre of Pachuko Soul (and its accompanying dance the Soul). It has all the Latino fluidity without the East LA car club ethic. Filtered in part through the Central California Luau Exotica variety of surf, this is alluring and magical. Postmodern lowrider suave.
Balcony Rock (Instrumental)
Hinting of black and white horror films and sticky floors, this is an inventive idea and a suave track.