Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Revelaires - High Tidedotdotdot
artworkThe Revelaires are the surf counterpart to the Whodads' lounge and suave instros. This is their second release. It's all covers, some common and some not so. In most cases, they use precision and restraint where others use speed, and the richness of the sound and playing make this a very enjoyable CD.
Picks: Third Star From The Left, Volcanic Action, Out Of Limits, Intoxica, Bombora, Baja, The Victor, Banzai Pipeline, High Tide, Third Man Theme, Peter Gunn, Mr. Moto, Where'D Ya Get That Bruise, Fugitive, Hawaii Five-0

Track by Track Review


Third Star From The Left dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Nocturnes' "Third Star From The Left" gets the tribal treatment from the Revelaires, who "got it" when the covered it, right down to the horns. An excellent version!

Volcanic Action dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

More delicate than the Belairs original, with rich almost Duane Eddy twang, and a deliberate pace. The changes give it a more precise sound, replacing the energy with suave. Very cool.

Out Of Limits dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

While this is quite well done, it's been covered so many times it's not interesting anymore.

Intoxica dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Bob Hafner's drinking epic gets a rich performance. Not as loud and intense as the Apemen, but fuller than most others. Pure period surf.

Bombora dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

It's hard to imagine that you can play this richly and precisely, and it still portrays the power of the trashier loud versions. Great tribal drums and beautiful double picking, and the sax break is quite good too.

Baja dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

A lot like the Cruncher's delicate version, this performance is rich and rhythmic, restrained and very cool. The feather weight approach demonstrates yet again just how flexible and durable this tune is. Great version.

The Victor dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Dick Dale's middle eastern tune is arranged a lot like his 1975 GNP version, but less the chorus. melodic and well played.

Banzai Pipeline dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Henry Mancini's "Banzai Pipeline" is titled Kuk on this CD, so I am assuming they took it from a mislabeled Astronauts reissue. In any event, this is a solid performance, retaining the suave of Mancini and the surf of the Astronauts.

High Tide dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Lively Ones' "High Tide" has come up a lot lately. This is a solid version, rich and rhythmic, and well played. The double picked leads are clean, and the sax bridges are a great touch. The midsection is pristine and liquid, and the sax break leads right into the hot double picked last verse as it should. Very nice, and quite reverent.

Third Man Theme dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Twangy and cool, but more a whammy rocker than surf. Interesting in a quirky kinda way.

Peter Gunn dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" throbs and vibrates in heavy thunder with horns carrying the lead. It's an unusual arrangement for a surf band. Quite tasty.

Mr. Moto dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Belairs' most often covered tune is reverently done. A little restrained, yet pleasantly delicate.

Where'D Ya Get That Bruise dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Not many bands cover this Evan Johns and his H-Bombs song. Sustained and sound pretty Austin. Solid and warm.

Fugitive dotdotdot
Ventures (Instrumental)

Ventures' number is delivered with edge and precision, but nothing really unusual. Just a solid performance and a good listen.

Hawaii Five-0 dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Big Ventures cover... not much new, but very competent and friendly, relying on precision instead of power to make it work. Nice take.