Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Teisco Del Rey - The Many Moods Of Teisco Del Rey

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Teisco Del Rey - The Many Moods Of Teisco Del Rey

Ridin' The Wind

Surf (Instrumental)

Teisco Del Rey's guitorgan plays the crap out of the classic Tornados tune. Very fun.

Camel Walk

Surf (Instrumental)

Ca-mel meck! This is a very tribal cover of the ultra cool and super rare Camel Walk, finely vibrated from the gut. It has more Middle Eastern belly dance runway sense than just about anything out there. melodic, undulating, and infectiously sleazy.

Dimples

Blues (Instrumental)

John Lee Hooker twango thump... a solid blues instro for the dimly lit corner bar.

The Wedge

Surf (Instrumental)

Dick Dale's classic reconstitution of A Run For Life, with round dribbling double picking. Solid Surf from the fingers of the "champion of cheap guitars." The arrangement is based on the one Dick used on the "Tigers' Loose" album.

Teisco Redentor

Blues (Instrumental)

From the bowls of Cristo Redentor comes a delicate guitorgan blues groan. It's almost suffering as it plays, like "St. James Infirmary" always does.

You're Gonna Miss Me

Near Surf (Instrumental)

Roky Erickson, guiding light of the 13th Floor Elevators, and resident crazy (like a fox), penned this magnificent punk epic in '66. By the time it got to Teisco Del Rey, it became a melodic near-surf instro. Intense, driving, and none too soon. A bit fuzzy, driven, and cool.

Los Surf

Surf (Instrumental)

Melodic, fluid, and slightly sad, the melody has the feel of a Paul Johnson tune, while remaining true to the more reverby surf. Nicely played, and with a friendliness in the melody. Excellent.

Pier Pressure

Surf (Instrumental)

"Pier Pressure" is not as surfy as the title might imply, but it definitely rates as cool. Glissandoes fly, notes splash, and the general bent is rolling break. Quite nice.

I Almost Lost My Mind

Blues (Instrumental)

A strollin' blues, with a raspy sax lead and a grodie guitar chord progression. Saucy, but surfless.

The Hearse

Surf (Instrumental)

Done slow and mean, the way Al Casey did it, and likely the way Lee Hazelwood wrote it. This is none too lean. It's heavy, rhythmic, thunderous, and awesome. Mighty fine.

Small Fry

Surf (Instrumental)

Paul Johnson's classic from the Good Guys album, this presentation is more surf and quite satisfying. The guitar tone is richly full, and the band is right in the pocket. Highly infectious and energetic. Solid melodic surf.

Storm Warning

Dr. John Surf (Instrumental)

A shimmering reverbed blues guitar opening, then a thrashy throbbing vibrato surf and trash wrangling of the Mac Rebenack tune. Chompin' intense stuff here.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Radio Alarm Clocks - Wake Me When It's Over

Synthetic Weekend

Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)

Not only is this one of the biggest covers of this Henry Mancini classic detective theme, it is marvelously punctuated with the delightful "Baby Elephant Walk" in the middle - an idea so twisted, it is PERFECT! Huge, magnetic, and grodie as Hell!

Alone In Flat B

Surf Wave (Instrumental)

This is a very unusual track, melodic and surfy in structure, but not sound. It employs surfable progressions, but is tonally and ambiently dry, and lies somewhere between eighties pop and the California beaches. It flows, has rhythmic elements of surf, and dances on your senses like surf tunes should. Like it says on the album jacket, "Mike (Metoff) wrote this without the help of Dick Dale."

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Rake and the Surftones - Surfers Drive Woodies

Gotta Woodie Today

Surf (Instrumental)

From the first stingers, this track moves right along, with a real trad sound, somewhere between the ventures and the Chantays. The electric piano is very tasty, and the tones are good. It has a solid melody, and basic surf beat. A solid tune. The organ is not my fave, but it is subdued in the mix, and appears for just the bridge. Very good track.

Undertow

Surf (Instrumental)

With the organ way down in the background, and a Memphis studio feel, this is a nice instro, though not particularly surfy. More sixties R&B jam than surf, though the surfbands of old played plenty of songs like this along with a plethora of versions of "Shout" and "Louie Louie."

Run Don't Walk

Surf (Instrumental)

Using the "Walk, Don't Run" intro chords as a basis, this track is at once familiar and new. The new melody line is very good, leaves you humming. I would have preferred an electric piano to the organ, but otherwise, this is really nice. maybe more lead guitar presence would be a plus, but the overall effect of the track is quite superior.

The Lonely Wave

Surf (Instrumental)

A fifties slowdance cadence supports this melodic and pretty track. It is very smooth, romantic, and rings with touches of the Polynesian archipelagos. Nice track.

For Sandi Grill and The Sea Cups

Surf (Instrumental)

A progression, a bit of the Joey Dee and the Starlighters R&B club chops, some tasty surf guitar, and you get a hybrid not unlike some of the tracks that were common at the teen band surf hops of the sixties, and also graced some of the better known surf albums between "Pipeline" and "Miserlou" covers. Very nice instro, jam based, and infectious, but not to surfy. The electric piano is really nice.

My Woodie

Surf (Instrumental)

Honky, choppy, R&B / Rock instro with cries of "My Woodie" injected. Structurally, it is a lot like some of the Vegas strip club instros issued 30 years ago, but more melodic and much better played. I'd say they had a lot of fun with it. I didn't care for it much, though.

Malibu Pier

Surf (Vocal)

The lyrics are hilarious, and hint at an incident with Ben Varene some years back. A slow romantic flowing song.

Surfin' Drums

Surf (Instrumental)

Drum featured track, sorta like Sandy Nelson and Richie Podolor used to cut, but with a close variation on Ron Wilson's "Wipe Out" drum cadence, and maybe touches of Preston Epps "Bongo Rock" for good measure. The drumming is exceptional, but then so are all the players on this CD. Cool track.

The Rake Mystery

Surf (Vocal)

With a tango-like backtrack, and the distant harmonies accompanying the intro and bridge, this track is very friendly. The guitar tones are strong, mostly emitted from the low-E. Very melodic and moody. I like this track a lot. The story narrated is hilarious, delivered by a Surf Punk voice and lingo. Great fun.

Bach Goes Surfin'

Surf (Instrumental)

Classical wonderment. This is based on the same melody that the Baronics do such a nice job with. If young master Bach had been a surfer and had a Fender Jaguar, he would probably have written this to be played this way. Great track.

Minute Wave

Surf (Instrumental)

The "Minute Waltz" as heard through the ears of the Big Kahuna as he shoots through the barrel racing just ahead of the close-out. Really fun! the dribbling guitar is priceless!

October In Oxnard

Surf (Instrumental)

Another vocal. Now, even though I usually stay away from these things, there is something totally ludicrous about sweet harmonies being related to Oxnard. You have to pay respect to talent able to write and sing so beautifully about such a place. It either seethes with optimism, or oozes denial. Either way, it's quite a trip. Amazing.

Gettin' Air

Surf (Instrumental)

Really surfy number, great melody, a lot of the "Penetration" back track and bridge. Really solid, great playing, and very infectious. The evil sax is perfect. I've played this numerous times on my show.

Blue Lights

Surf (Instrumental)

Cool low down low-E guitar lead, whammy action, and a simple melody with ample reverb. Very nice track, I must say. The whammies are intense and moody, while the lead guitar is somewhat menacing.

Hot Fat Boogie

Surf (Instrumental)

Boogie is right, but with energy and a certain ominosity. More R&B than surf, a bit of the Southern Culture On the Skids and "Wipe Out." Cool.

Surfers Toe Jam

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a participation track, with a billion friends guesting on leads
interspersed through out. A basic jam, with a lot of added infusion from a wide
variety of players. Fun, but not killer.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Ramonetures - S/T

Glad To See You Go

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Fast and furious, with the restrained assault as the Ventures would use. Compressed chunk.

Rockaway Beach

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

This is more like it, though the melody line is slim. The feel of lesser fuzz and pounding garage.

Blitzkrieg Bop

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

This is the fuzz highlight of the disc. It includes the chorus chant. Like many Ramones songs, it's not melodic enough to stand without lyrics, yet this is pretty fun to listen to.

She's The One

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Two chord wonder, with twangy whammy lead guitar carrying the day. It's more surfy than most here, and also more melodic.

Babysitter

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Another of the more melodic tunes, delivered with a warmer lead guitar. It's got a real sixties feel, and a nice riff. The lead work is very nicely played.

Rock and Roll High School

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Too much like many of the Ventures' covers... not very melodic. It does work OK in the bridge, but the main theme is just so-so.

She's A Sensation

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

This is a nice melodic piece, with a solid beat and groovy fuzz lead. The arrangement is a bit too one dimensional, but it works OK.

Today Your Love, Tomorrow The World

Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)

Ultra fuzz, some ugly feedback, and some nasty tones. The lead is pure Davie Allan fuzz monster. Biker fuzz deluxe.

Do You Remember Rock and Roll Radio?

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

After a scan across the dial, and some sampled Ventures, the cheer leader drums come in, and the track launches into the riff. The vocal chorus is retained, which is of coarse a Ventures trick.

I Wanna Be Well

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Slow dance coolness with Davie Allan playing in a tone much like some of his early pre-fuzz sides, like on the Skaterdater soundtrack. This is tasty and smooth.

Carbona Not Glue

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Dirty garage fuzz, Davie Allan's lead licks, and some nice playing. It works well, with a bit of drive and some excellent whammy.

The KKK Took My Baby Away

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Ugly chunka chunka, and a moderately interesting guitar line. The playing is great, but the melody is just so-so.

Cretin Hop

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Mighty chunky chop and roll, with an OK lead riff, well played but based on too little melody. It doesn't really get past the backtrack sound.

Oh Oh I Love Her So

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

Another tune that doesn't stand on instruments alone.

I Wanna Be Sedated

Fake Ventures (Instrumental)

If it weren't for the lyrics, this wouldn't work at all... wait, there are no lyrics. Too thin and without a focus.

Pet Sematary

Bike Fuzz (Instrumental)

Thick biker fuzz, great grimy guitar, round sustained Davie Allan signature coolness. Great track, more grodie than most here, and worth the price of admission. Out past the fade out is a marvelous Davie Allan guitar grind over rumbling bass and rambling drums. Very cool way to close out the disc.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rapiers - The Return Of The Rapiers

Return Of The Rapiers

Rock (Instrumental)

This tune has a very vintage British sound, with the Echoplexed lead guitar and strong backtrack. The melody line is also strong, and the energy is high. It could fit into a surf set nicely.

Jack's Good

Rock (Instrumental)

This track is cool from a bass action view point, and the guitar whammies are stingingly hot. It has an unusual melody line that seems to sneak into your subconscious. Fun track.

Breakfast At The Ace

Hot Rod (Instrumental)

After a long and drawn out session of hot rod sounds, this track finally gets moving with a decent melody line and good energy. The guitar is intense enough, and the rhythm is moving enough. It is just a bit too repetitious for me to rate a 4.

Cuban Heels

MOR (Instrumental)

A slower gentler instro with a soothing round guitar sound and a pleasant melody. Pretty and quite MOR.

Jazz At Jones'

Rock (Instrumental)

A pretty standard guitar jazz thing, nicely played but uninspiring.

Shadowland

Shadows (Instrumental)

Soft and slow, "Shadow Land" displays an almost island mystique as it lightly flows. Most of the piece is played with dual note guitar. Very pretty.

Early Morning Twist

MOR (Instrumental)

A pleasant MOR melody, mid tempo instro. Nothing special, yet it is more than listenable. The melody is nicely developed and the military beat quite spunky.

Lynch Mob

Rock (Instrumental)

A Faster track, very much like Hank Marvin might do it. It is an interesting melody, intensely played. Lots of energy.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raunch Hands - Learn To Whap-A-Dang with the Raunch Hands

Upset Her

Fifties (Instrumental)

Crunchy noisy fuzzy riffola rock.

Tube City

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very strong cover of the Trashmen's wonderful vintage surf tune. This recording is very high intensity, really rips, and sounds as though it will rip through your speakers any moment now. Solid.

Exotic

Surf (Instrumental)

Totally cool. This is a rockin' variation on the Ray Beats' version of the Rhythm Kings' pachuko soul classic. This is major powerful, a hot performance, and very energetic.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raunch Hands - NYC's Kings Of Sleaze

Thunderbird

Fifties (Instrumental)

A "Moovin' & Groovin'" kinda tune from the annals of pre-surfistry, played with high energy and a nifty sax imposed over the top, plus the obligatory "what's the word... THUNDERBIRD" shouts from the fifties cheap wine ads.

Upset Her

Fifties (Instrumental)

Crunchy noisy fuzzy riffola rock.

Tube City

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very strong cover of the Trashmen's wonderful vintage surf tune. This recording is very high intensity, really rips, and sounds as though it will rip through your speakers any moment now. Solid.

Exotic

Surf (Instrumental)

Totally cool. This is a rockin' variation on the Ray Beats' version of the Rhythm Kings' pachuko soul classic. This is major powerful, a hot performance, and very energetic.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raunch Hands - Payday

The Victor

Surf (Instrumental)

Damn, this is one fiery performance. The lead guitar drives fast and hard for the finish line, with no shortage of energy and flair. It's a straoight arrangement, but with major edge and power. Great!

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - Guitar Beat

Tight Turn

R&B (Instrumental)

Screeching tires and crash boom. This gnarly sax lead R&B number is quite the low-down nasty tune.

Big Black Sneakers

Martini Surf (Instrumental)

Cool tune with nicely ringing guitar lines. Very simple, rhythmic, and heavily drum oriented. A great track! There's something very Mancini about the writing.

Tone Zone

Guitar (Instrumental)

The keyboard leads off this eerie number with tortured guitar notes and less than sane sound.

International Operator

Espionage (Instrumental)

Placing that long distance call before direct dial, MCI, or One Eight Hundred Collect used to require actually talking to an AT&T international operator, and that was always an adventure, not unlike entering the espionage game. This has that air of spies on the line and stalking in the shadows. Great track!

Calhoun Surf

Surf (Instrumental)

This is the first song Danny Amis ever wrote. He originally recorded it with his band the Overtones, and issued it as the flip to "Red Checker Wagon." This version is big, and very cool. It has a different character than either the first recording or the Los Straitjackets version. This recording has been covered several times, including by the Thrusters and the Neon Spores.

Guitar Beat

Guitar (Instrumental)

A slow chunka chunka tune with big clean guitar lead. Quite nice, and relaxing.

Searching

R&B (Instrumental)

Major drum action, and plenty of cool R&B Vegas coolness in the low down sax and guitar twin melody lines. The jazz influences are strong, and the rhythm is quite tasty.

Piranha Salad

Las Vegas (Instrumental)

Finally, a lunch that bites back! The keyboards are quite unsettling, and the dissonant melody line is irritating in an endearing way. Las Vegas cool sleazy sound.

Holiday Inn Spain

Surf (Instrumental)

A non-LP single added to the CD that is very melodic and fun. The melody is infectious, with it's cool hooks and splashy feel. The sound is very pleasing. You could almost hear the Aqua Velvets doing this. It is one of my favorite Ray Beats tracks. Very pretty.

Andy's +1

Lounge (Instrumental)

And then there was need for an organ lead tune with a quirky pop feel. Suddenly, in popped Andy and his plus one on the guest list... swell tune with a weird and crafty sound.

The Backstroke

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

The sun is baking the pre-melanoma dermis, the kids have gone back to their rooms, and you're floating face up slowly cruising the length of the pool at Motel 6. A very pleasant afternoon to you sir! Cool funky number for a lazy afternoon dip.

B-Gas Rickshaw

Surf (Instrumental)

One of only two covers of this Jan and Dean instrumental. Unlike the J&D version, this is poundy and cool. The tom toms do the hot rod motor honors. Nice track!

Cocktails

Exotic Rhythm (Instrumental)

The exotic rhythm and the cool melody pre date the lounge ethic of the nineties. This is a swell number.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - Guitar Beat

Guitar Beat

Guitar (Instrumental)

A slow chunka chunka tune with big clean guitar lead. Quite nice, and relaxing.

Calhoun Surf

Surf (Instrumental)

This is the first song Danny Amis ever wrote. He originally recorded it with his band the Overtones, and issued it as the flip to "Red Checker Wagon." This version is big, and very cool. It has a different character than either the first recording or the Los Straitjackets version. This recording has been covered several times, including by the Thrusters and the Neon Spores.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - Guitar Beat

Tight Turn

R&B (Instrumental)

Screeching tires and crash boom. This gnarly sax lead R&B number is quite the low-down nasty tune.

Big Black Sneakers

Martini Surf (Instrumental)

Cool tune with nicely ringing guitar lines. Very simple, rhythmic, and heavily drum oriented. A great track! There's something very Mancini about the writing.

Tone Zone

Guitar (Instrumental)

The keyboard leads off this eerie number with tortured guitar notes and less than sane sound.

The Backstroke

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

The sun is baking the pre-melanoma dermis, the kids have gone back to their rooms, and you're floating face up slowly cruising the length of the pool at Motel 6. A very pleasant afternoon to you sir! Cool funky number for a lazy afternoon dip.

B-Gas Rickshaw

Surf (Instrumental)

One of only two covers of this Jan and Dean instrumental. Unlike the J&D version, this is poundy and cool. The tom toms do the hot rod motor honors. Nice track!

International Operator

Espionage (Instrumental)

Placing that long distance call before direct dial, MCI, or One Eight Hundred Collect used to require actually talking to an AT&T international operator, and that was always an adventure, not unlike entering the espionage game. This has that air of spies on the line and stalking in the shadows. Great track!

Searching

R&B (Instrumental)

Major drum action, and plenty of cool R&B Vegas coolness in the low down sax and guitar twin melody lines. The jazz influences are strong, and the rhythm is quite tasty.

The Calhoun Surf

Surf (Instrumental)

This is the first song Danny Amis ever wrote. He originally recorded it with his band the Overtones, and issued it as the flip to "Red Checker Wagon." This version is big, and very cool. It has a different character than either the first recording or the Los Straitjackets version. This recording has been covered several times, including by the Thrusters and the Neon Spores.

Piranha Salad

Las Vegas (Instrumental)

Finally, a lunch that bites back! The keyboards are quite unsettling, and the dissonant melody line is irritating in an endearing way. Las Vegas cool sleazy sound.

Cocktails

Exotic Rhythm (Instrumental)

The exotic rhythm and the cool melody pre date the lounge ethic of the nineties. This is a swell number.

Guitar Beat

Guitar (Instrumental)

A slow chunka chunka tune with big clean guitar lead. Quite nice, and relaxing.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - Holiday Inn Spain

Holiday Inn Spain

Surf (Instrumental)

A non-LP single added to the CD that is very melodic and fun. The melody is infectious, with it's cool hooks and splashy feel. The sound is very pleasing. You could almost hear the Aqua Velvets doing this. It is one of my favorite Ray Beats tracks. Very pretty.

Cocktails

Exotic Rhythm (Instrumental)

The exotic rhythm and the cool melody pre date the lounge ethic of the nineties. This is a swell number.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - Inland Cleanage

Searching

R&B (Instrumental)

Major drum action, and plenty of cool R&B Vegas coolness in the low down sax and guitar twin melody lines. The jazz influences are strong, and the rhythm is quite tasty.

Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt

Bachelor Surf (Instrumental)

An inspired rendition of this classic surf targeted number, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Bouncy, and utterly fun.

Tight Turn

R&B (Instrumental)

Screeching tires and crash boom. This gnarly sax lead R&B number is quite the low-down nasty tune.

Tone Zone

Guitar (Instrumental)

The keyboard leads off this eerie number with tortured guitar notes and less than sane sound.

Holiday Inn Spain

Surf (Instrumental)

A non-LP single added to the CD that is very melodic and fun. The melody is infectious, with it's cool hooks and splashy feel. The sound is very pleasing. You could almost hear the Aqua Velvets doing this. It is one of my favorite Ray Beats tracks. Very pretty.

Big Black Sneakers

Martini Surf (Instrumental)

Cool tune with nicely ringing guitar lines. Very simple, rhythmic, and heavily drum oriented. A great track! There's something very Mancini about the writing.

The Backstroke

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

The sun is baking the pre-melanoma dermis, the kids have gone back to their rooms, and you're floating face up slowly cruising the length of the pool at Motel 6. A very pleasant afternoon to you sir! Cool funky number for a lazy afternoon dip.

B-Gas Rickshaw

Surf (Instrumental)

One of only two covers of this Jan and Dean instrumental. Unlike the J&D version, this is poundy and cool. The tom toms do the hot rod motor honors. Nice track!

International Operator

Espionage (Instrumental)

Placing that long distance call before direct dial, MCI, or One Eight Hundred Collect used to require actually talking to an AT&T international operator, and that was always an adventure, not unlike entering the espionage game. This has that air of spies on the line and stalking in the shadows. Great track!

Calhoun Surf

Surf (Instrumental)

This is the first song Danny Amis ever wrote. He originally recorded it with his band the Overtones, and issued it as the flip to "Red Checker Wagon." This version is big, and very cool. It has a different character than either the first recording or the Los Straitjackets version. This recording has been covered several times, including by the Thrusters and the Neon Spores.

Piranha Salad

Las Vegas (Instrumental)

Finally, a lunch that bites back! The keyboards are quite unsettling, and the dissonant melody line is irritating in an endearing way. Las Vegas cool sleazy sound.

Cocktails

Exotic Rhythm (Instrumental)

The exotic rhythm and the cool melody pre date the lounge ethic of the nineties. This is a swell number.

Guitar Beat

Guitar (Instrumental)

A slow chunka chunka tune with big clean guitar lead. Quite nice, and relaxing.

Jack The Ripper

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.

Banzai Pipeline

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.

Instant Twist

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.

The Sad Little Caper

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.

Jelly Bread

R&B (Instrumental)

Suave variations of the Booker T. & the MG's classic single. Nice, but not particularly remarkable.

Buddy Lonesome

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.

It's Only A Movie

Balcony Rock (Instrumental)

Hinting of black and white horror films and sticky floors, this is an inventive idea and a suave track.

Doin' The Dishes

Haunting (Instrumental)

Slowly thumped drums, a rumbling bass, effects of mysterious origin, and a distant haunting guitar line combine to create a track with an undeniable element of the unknown. Spooky and fluid.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - It's Only A Movie

Jack The Ripper

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.

Banzai Pipeline

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.

Instant Twist

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.

The Sad Little Caper

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.

The Big Country

Country (Instrumental)

A solid tune, with a country influence and a fanciful sense of humor.

Jelly Bread

R&B (Instrumental)

Suave variations of the Booker T. & the MG's classic single. Nice, but not particularly remarkable.

Buddy Lonesome

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.

It's Only A Movie

Balcony Rock (Instrumental)

Hinting of black and white horror films and sticky floors, this is an inventive idea and a suave track.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raybeats - Roping Wild Bears

Searching

R&B (Instrumental)

Major drum action, and plenty of cool R&B Vegas coolness in the low down sax and guitar twin melody lines. The jazz influences are strong, and the rhythm is quite tasty.

Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt

Bachelor Surf (Instrumental)

An inspired rendition of this classic surf targeted number, with tongue planted firmly in cheek. Bouncy, and utterly fun.

Tight Turn

R&B (Instrumental)

Screeching tires and crash boom. This gnarly sax lead R&B number is quite the low-down nasty tune.

Tone Zone

Guitar (Instrumental)

The keyboard leads off this eerie number with tortured guitar notes and less than sane sound.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Raymen - Garbaged, Littered and Totally Destroyed 1984 - 1999

Wipe Out

Psycho Warehouse Surf (Instrumental)

In the Raymen's murky style, they slaughter and monsterize this venerable old hit from the Surfaris. Huge power, bit wall of mud, ultra trashy warehouse surf. Very cool.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Reactions - I Want You c/w Frenzied

Frenzied

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a monster track. Its reverb laden distorted guitar shreds over the top of a strong heavy backtrack. It's a fairly long surf instro, clocking in at 4 minutes, and it's much more chunk dependent than melodic, but if grabs you instantly, and holds you until it's ready to release you. A fine track.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Ready Men - Get Ready!!

Disintegration

Surf (Instrumental)

The Readymen were another Minnesota band that played a lot of Surf instros. "Disintegration" is a raver that remained unreleased until last year. Their writing was good, and their performances were spirited. The main riff is a basic surf progression, with jam-like break action. It's rhythmic and energetic, but not very melodic. Raw primal teen surf.

Surfer Blues

Surf (Instrumental)

Steve Douglas' great tune, amped up for the end of the millennium. Whammy twang, infectious melody, and very strong guitar work.

Baja

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Opening with the sounds of shorebreak, a dive siren, and sonar pings, this ominous number rumbles into action with a huge sound from the horns and organ grumbling under Jimmy Redgate's guitar. This is quite spiffy. It's a mean R&B based number with no shortage of growl and punch. The break is wobble board accompanied and spy flick spoofed. Trevor Ramsay's sax is mean and nasty! Too cool!

Wipe Out

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Screeching tires eventually give way to a groovy progression and a moody atmosphere, with a distant James Bond appeal and a near loungie chorus. Very cool and playful, with a melodic lilt. The progressive break is more than intriguing, it's downright Steppenwolf. Great ending.

Miserlou

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

The wind, like the sounds from Laurel & Hardy's "Haunted House," bells tolling for the risk-takers, and a rolling bass line under a spooky and enticing guitar line. This is both scary and beautiful. The sax repeats the guitar lines in alternate verses. The song is so strong!!! Really nice, and very unusual, like the Beacon Street Union's "The Clown Died In Marvin Gardens" instrumentally interpreted. Great track.

Pipeline

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

A long pick slide decays into harsh feedback, before a nasty sax over a nearly calliope sound warns of danger below. Very mean and hazardous.

Jack The Ripper

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

A big howling swirl slithers into a sixties prog variation that hints of the Spencer Davis Group (Stevie Winwood period) at a Riverside jazz session at the beach wearing baggies. Sounds strange, I know, but it works really well. very suave.

Moon Dawg

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Samba suave, smooth, swimming with flowing white dresses and pretty girls. This is a beautiful track, infectious and lustrous.

Walk, Don't Run

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Fluffy jazz fun, inviting frolicking at the beach, playful up tempo life without care. Jet setting to Club Med to meet and greet the fair sex. Deluxe fun.

What'd I Surf

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Rich tones, low down sax, atmospheric trappings, and lonely detective under a streetlight visuals collide here, just before the super intoxicating exotic melody, with its middle eastern and Latin influences. Like Kraan on the Riviera.

Disintegration #2

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Aren't they all... "Femme Fatales" that is. melodic and slightly mysterious, breezy and slightly spaghetti. This is a very unusual tune, reminding me slightly of some of Chris Shahin's work. My goodness, this is a good track.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Red Elvises - Surfing In Siberia

Surfing In Siberia [Miserlou]

Russian Surf (Instrumental)

Totally bitchin elongated version of thee surf classico, with some really cool balalaika noodling, and ample angst. Their approach is a blend of surf and Russian trad folk styles. It's very refreshing to hear something really different done with this song.

Hungarian Dance #5

Folkabilly (Instrumental)

Traditional melody, tasty guitar instro until about half way through, when the lads come in with the "la-la-la's" and more funage. Very infectious performance.

Love Pipe

Siberian Surf (Instrumental)

Big tom-tom driven number with really cool guitar lines. There's a bit of "The Munsters" in the mix, and a taste of the rockabilly. The folk dance beat is totally infectious. Wow!

Ukrainian Dance #13

Folkabilly (Instrumental)

Slowly building, with excited shouts of "Hoiy!," and cool guitar tones. Infectious and fascinating. It reminds me of something Rick Escobar of the Woodies might have surfed up. No, not surf, but too fun!

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Red Elvises - I Wanna See You Bellydance

El Nino

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a mighty spirited "Miserlou" influenced number, with ample Russian rhythm and surf melody. The double picked lead is quite tasty, and the playful nature of the song is very infectious. It's a long track, but the blend of twin leads, Russian rhythms, surf, and pure fun keep the interest up throughout. Melodic and magnetic.

After The Carnival

(Instrumental)

This is one smooth tune, gentle and romantic without being MOR or wimpy. It sports a simple but effective melody line, and a smooth tone. This slow tune flows with an island feel, a sense of swaying skirts and soft breezes. The recording is quite clean.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Red Elvises - Grooving To The Moscow Beat

Shoobah-Doobah [Elvis' Vacation]

Rock (Instrumental)

This is a melodic play-toy kinda instro, designed to fill a space without demanding too much attention. Not up to their later instro power or stylized surf, but still worth a spin.

Elvis and Bears

Rock (Instrumental)

This is a lumbering Cat Mother and the Allnight News Boys sorta citified countrification of a rock instro, a little too predictable and a little too unchanging.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Red Elvises - Your Favorite Band

El Nino

Surf (Instrumental)

Opening the show is this mighty spirited "Miserlou" influenced number, with ample Russian rhythm and surf melody. The double picked lead is quite tasty, and the playful nature of the song is very infectious. It's a long track, but the blend of twin leads, Russian rhythms, surf, and pure fun keep the interest up throughout. Melodic and magnetic.

Love Pipe

Siberian Surf (Instrumental)

Big tom-tom driven number with really cool guitar lines. There's a bit of "The Munsters" in the mix, and a taste of the rockabilly. The folk dance beat is totally infectious. Wow!

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Red Guitars - Music For Misguided Angels

Taxi To Toronto

Country Rock (Instrumental)

A Liverpool sound to a country twango, melodic and smooth. Guitar lead, harmonica accompaniment, and a coastal feel. This is quite smooth, and very enjoyable, and straddles the line between country and the Ventures.

The Man Who Wasn't There

Country Rock (Instrumental)

Slow fluid and floating, this is a very delicately played piece with a smooth delivery and a pretty, slightly sad, slightly optimistic melody. Very nice track.

Crown Of Thorns

Country Rock (Instrumental)

Acoustic second guitar under a low note lead, with a bit too serious feel. It's a pretty piece, nowhere near the Paul Johnson end of the spectrum, but an easy listen.

Pasta La Vista

Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Whistling spaghetti western fun, with warm guitar and rolling percussion. This is a very nice piece, smooth and entertaining. It's well put together, with a very friendly sound.

Greenpeace

Country Rock (Instrumental)

Polite melodic and fluid, this is restrained and pleasing, without an edge, but with picturesque imagery and warmth. Enjoyable and smooth.

Red Guitars

Country Rock (Instrumental)

Namesake songs often don't really convey the band sound, and to some degree, that is also true here. It's more bouncy and country than most others here, but it does retain their smooth twang. Quite catchy and fun, with energy and polish.

A Face In The Sand

Country Rock (Instrumental)

Mid tempo melodic fluid and open air feeling. The melody riff is quite appealing, and the delivery quite smooth and friendly. The playing is very good.

Heaven

Country MOR (Instrumental)

The wah-wah guitar and the lightweight delivery reminds me of "More" from the Challengers, a bit frothy and too light to go beyond MOR. Quite pretty, but unremarkable.

Crickets

Country Rock (Instrumental)

Damped picking, hinting at crickets with a happy melody line, and a restrained delivery. Very pretty, fit for an afternoon excursion. It rolls along like a wayfaring stranger looking for a new beginning. Excellent.

Playing In The Minors

Country MOR (Instrumental)

Country twang, slightly sad, a bit film score like, moody, and really nice. MOR undercuts it, yet the "bah-bah-bah" chorus fits that description.

Dumb Blond

Country Funk (Instrumental)

Cowbell cowboy funk, with harmonica and excellent deliberate percussion. The melody riff is smooth and fluid, while the grins are apparent. Very suave.

Talk Show

Country Rock (Instrumental)

A bit of a ska rhythm, harmonica sadness, and an optimistic guitar line, over a full bass. This is quite picturesque, well developed, and very enjoyable.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Les Reed - Girl On A Motorcycle [Soundtrack]

Big Bare Beat

Rock (Instrumental)

This is a track at odds with the rest of the soundtrack. The cheesy orchestral jazz is MIA, replaced by loud rock with rock guitar and horns, and a big drum kit. The connection to surf is in the occasionally double picked damped bass - yes bass - which takes on an almost lead-guitar like roll. It's very unusual, nut not at all essential - more a curiosity. The song is really in two parts separated by a reverse gong.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Los Relampagos - S/T

Nit de Llampecs

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

This is a time-warped piece, with near "Telstar" keyboard sounds and hints of "Washington Square" at the ends of the riffs, and excellent almost surf delayed lead guitar with a shimmering feel. It's a slow and almost military number with a cool melody.

Dulcinea

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

"Dulcinea" opens with a serious version of the narration style used in the Treble Spankers' "Araban," and features an almost calliope melody and feel. It's playful, slightly twisted, and quite fun. The dulcimer tone is tasty.

El Arlequin de Toledo

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

"El Arlequin de Toledo" (Harlequin of Toledo) is mighty fun. This prances with a military beat, a surfy guitar tone, a 17th century feel, and mucho fun.

La Santa Espina

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

This tune reminds me of Country Joe and the Fish' "Section 43" behind a spaghetti western... it's playful and weird, sorta psycho, sorta wistful.

Brazo de Gitano

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Acoustic flamenco guitar, MOR arranging, and a floating feel with distant chorus... it lies somewhere between an elevator and a dreamy beach villa afternoon, with definite vacation overtones.

Recuerdos de la Alhambra

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Hmmm... this is an odd one. It's very smooth and slow, and quite MOR in structure. It employs a mall organ sound and great damped guitar plucking. I can't decide if I dig the suaveness or dismiss the slushiness.

Seguidillas

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Like a sideshow flamenco, this prances with precision military timing and a fluid melody, castanets, and way too much fun.

Cordoba

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Moody spatial keyboard fluffed swirl, soundtrack lushness, and an endless foggy morning bay scene... it takes a while to break into a soft and fluid sub-Shadows sounding number with excellent arranging. Not the least bit harsh, and almost MOR, but definitely suave. Like what might happen if Focus or Camel were to discover the beach.

Danza del Fuego

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Sci-fi weirdness, surfish delayed guitar, ominous organ, relentless percussion, and a progression that pulls you further in with each verse. If you are already gone, you'll be right at home. If not, you'll want to hang onto your sanity carefully. Excellent and original. Just watch out for the boys in the white coats.

Bailarina de España

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Another slightly Shadows influenced tune, like maybe the Challengers might do it, but cleaner sound and more authentic flamenco influences, plus a minuet overlaid for the shear contrast. Quite interesting.

Granada

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Tuxedo promenade accompaniment, with an eerie carnival edge that makes you wonder just what they meant... like a Peter and the Wolf for the twentieth century, it is lushly accompanied with strings and interesting production. If Lawrence Welk actually arranged seriously without the bubble machine for film scores, he still wouldn't quite come up to this most unusual track.

Danza del Molinero

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

"Danza del Molinero" [de "El Sombrero de Tres Picos"] floats on a the surf, enjoying the flamenco dancers on the deck of a passing cruise ship while waiting for the swells to rise. If that's not clear enough for you, just dig the sensual black lace groove.

El Baile del Bufon

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

To paraphrase Jim Morrison, weird scenes inside a tube... jaws harp, carnival dementia organ, a "Let's Go" cheerleaders stomp beat, and a tasty richly tones Duane Eddy guitar tone. The blend could only happen in the mind's ear of a recent guest of the Cherry Blossom Clinic. Amazing.

El Torneo

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

With a definite MOR edge, and excellent guitar, this cross between a pre Victorian minuet and a Paul Mauriat lush orchestral is really unusual. Like some of the soundtrack stuff that Hollywood placed behind sixties drug movies, but more complex.

Noches de Andalucia

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Acoustic flamenco guitar and fluid organ, this loungy number floats across the mind with a peaceful sub-Shadows feel and a commercial air. Quite nice.

Dos Cruces

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

"Dos Cruces" opens with the "Walk Don't Run" rhythm, but then graduates to a very Shadows style, with the requisite deep whammy. The airy slushy keyboards are a strange contrast. The melody is mature and wistful, but also supports some surfability.

Sevilla

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Spanish themes with cheesy organ and playful pluckery. This is pretty cool, but definitely for the restrained among you. The Shadowsy guitar mid-tune is very nicely played.

Alborada Gallega

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Almost hinting of very early Pearls Before Swine aurally, this makes for a strange semi carnival backdrop, more than a wash of scenery, less than a main focus. It is strangely magnetic, in an off balance kinda way.

El Himno de las Galaxias

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

Think pre percussion "Slpoosh" (Ozric Tentacles) with off duty military malingerers, or maybe an open road from a helicopter... it's pretty smooth and interesting.

Sonido del Mediterraneo

Flamenco Based Surfish Soft Rock (Instrumental)

With a nod to Hot Butter, this percussive piece plays with your mind, balancing between that "Popcorn" sensibility and lush soundtrack ethics. It's quite unique.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Reno - Gerry's Wave

Gerry's Wave

Surf Jazz (Instrumental)

"Gerry's Wave" is a jazzy solo guitar exercise with some reverb and damped rhythms. The feel is more jazz dementia than surf, and the tone is reverbed rock. The melody is not surf, not is the rhythm exactly, but the affect of the is to conjure images of a vintage player jammin' on the pier. Tasty.

The Pelican Strut

Surf Jazz (Instrumental)

Played a little slower, this would be real pretty. At this pace, it prances a bit too much for the melody. The whammy is very interesting, giving the impression of a drunken pelican. Pretty cool.

Tidal Wave

Tequila Surf (Instrumental)

Using similar guitaristry to the whammy riffs in "The Pelican Strut," this is much more surfy and much more twisted. I found myself coming back to this cut, and not quite knowing why. It has a warmth and playfulness that opens it to easy access. A frolic in the froth of shore break after a bit too much Tequila.

Big City Surf

Surf (Instrumental)

More reverb and more surf and choppy fun. This is one cool track, unlike anything else. "Big City Surf" is bluesy and swimming with shortboard cutbacks and granny tube shoots. The writing is a little Paul Johnson-ish without being derivative. There's even some dribbling double picking and some real flair. Pretty darn cool.

The King's Lament

Sparkling Surf (Instrumental)

Shimmering vibrato, flowing notes, a sad melody line, and a dusk departure seem all too close for comfort. "The King's Lament" is slowish, but not exactly relaxing. It is a flat surf kinda tune, but more sun dancing on the swells than peaceful lagoon. Pretty nice.

Mediterranean Surf

Spanish Main Surf (Instrumental)

While there are some Mediterranean elements here, there's more of the Moors and Spanish señoritas than Greeks bearing gifts. The fingering is excellent. I'd say this shows that Reno knows his way around the neck.

Steel Town Surf

Rusty Surf (Instrumental)

Can't say there's any surf here, except for the reverb, but this is one odd tune, colored with warble and strained through a burlap curtain. It's the sort of thing that leaves you unsure of the difference between up and down.

Wha' Cha' Doin'

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Wha wah, jazzy doings on the guit, chunk on the neck, and a sorta back alley soul feel as "Wha' Cha' Doin'" meanders through the corridors of your hangover. Quite unusual.

Glazed In

Jazz Surf (Instrumental)

Based on the same riff as "Wha' Cha' Doin'," "Glazed In" is more reverby and with less intrusive effects. Just as nice... just different.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Retroliners - Raybans, Roadtrips and Reverb

Downshift

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Echoplexed fifties styled melody, with shimmering guitar tones, and an infectious vibrating feel. It's a little one dimensional, but still quite nice. Not surf here, just a good rockin' instro.

Rumble In The Stratosphere

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

A minimal tune with a rhythmic gentle backtrack, and Link Wray-like sparsely placed lead guitar notes. This works really well. It doesn't change much, but the vibrating shimmer is most endearing, and the happy melody worms it's way into your being. Very nice track.

Monica

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

This is a gent track, delicately played, with images of quiet lagoons, sunset drives, and wahines. Very nice track, easy to listen to, and pretty. Shimmering fluidity. Among the better recent releases in the slow and pretty mold.

Steve McQueen

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

With great expectations, I started this track, expecting to hear a shimmering biker-edged instro oozing the screen persona of Steve McQueen, but alas I was greeted by a fifties rockabilly boogie kinda number, with a fairly thin sound, and not much of a melody.

Gatorbait

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Vibrato shiny with an unusual melody that features really quick sequences of notes at the top of each line that seem just barely there. It's mostly jam oriented, but quite fun.

Shelby County Line

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Country pickin', gentle gingham esthetics, and picnic ham flavor.

The Transylvania Twist

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

A stroll for the undead, a vibrato lurk for the evil ones, a shimmering mirror of no reflection for Renfield's return. This is a delightful track, rockin' with joyous vibrato and shimmer.

Sioux City Surf

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Echoed chord slams don't equate to surf, but the track is very good. The semi Indian toms are cool, the imagery is good, and the over all vibes are enjoyable.

Banshees and Bombardiers

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Some almost double picking, low-E leads, rhythmic nearsurfisms, and too much dependence on a progression. That's not necessarily bad, but it doesn't seem to go anywhere. It has some bright moments, particularly in the break, but it doesn't stand out much. Great title.

Velvet Lounge

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Silky bachelor pad mentality, sleepy dinner shimmer, vibratoed accents, and a somehow big sound for a small place. Minimal, soulful, soothing environment creating mood pulsing instro fun.

The Average Wedding Band

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Well, if the average wedding band is melody free, and the sound is disconnected from reality, then this is it. Like Captain Beefheart Funk played by accountants. I think that's the point. Funny little number.

Jackson Street Stroll

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Countrified almost folk guitar riffs, and a Nashvillian melody, with shimmering tones and a gentle lilt.

In Cognito

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Cool tune, closer to surf than others here. This sports a rolling drum cadence, shimmering vibrato, surfish melody, and dramatic flair. It's still pretty simple, and there's plenty of plaid tablecloth and overalls, but the wave visions are also quite prominent. I like this track the best. It will fit well into a surf set.

Allen Wrench

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Twango de la Nashville con back alley, spunky, rolling sensible beat, and jam based progressions. Blues and corndawgs.

Front Porch Blues

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Like the title says, it's a plucky suburban Southern afternoon at grandpa's kinda tune, a jam for the pickin' uncles and neighbors.

Private Dick

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

With homage to Harlem Nocturne and Surf Tracy, this is a fine track, with shimmer, pulsating imagery, and minor drama. A bit tedious at times, but mostly pretty damn good.

Sally Sue

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Country funk and pass the pickles Mable.

Java Bustante

Country Semi-Surf (Instrumental)

Chunky percussive, vibrating, and dramatic. This is among the more interesting jam based tracks here, if only for the chunka chunka rhythm guitar.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Revelaires - In Orbit

Journey To The Stars

Space Surf (Instrumental)

Totally solid performance of the Ventures' tune. Played with clarity and precision, it's almost too perfect. Twangy, thumpy, and ringing with guitar pleasure. The slow glissandoes are quite precise.

Fugitive

Ventures (Instrumental)

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

Theme From Star Trek

Sci-Fi Theme (Instrumental)

Moody intros, stinging guitar insanity, then... that silly Alexander Courage melody. It's punctuated with samples from the TV series. The glissando is all that connects it to surf. Too silly to take seriously.

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly

Spaghetti Surf (Instrumental)

This might be the most precise guitar work I've heard on this Enio Morricone classic. The percussion is reminiscent of the Hellbenders, the two guitars split the duty with fluidity. The guitar tones move between vintage and modern. The bridge from Cream's "White Room" is a marvelous inclusion. Excellent.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Revells - The Go Sounds Of The Slots

Hon-Da Beach

Surf (Instrumental)

This Gary Usher tune is well delivered by Richie Podolor in the style of the best Super Stocks sessions. Originally issued in 1964, it is rhythmic, twang driven, and most memorable. This was originally issued as the B-side of a single on Warner Brothers as by the Wheel men.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Revels - Intoxica

Intoxica

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

This track sports the same sort of laughter and brew sounds that "Church Key" sports, but is less interesting. It's a fine tune, of course, but this is a pretty slow version, and relatively uninspired, though the sax if quite hot.

Sano

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Sano is slang for sanitary, as in clean, as in spiffy, as in buff... This is a basic progression number, R&B based, and without much unique character, though it does have a certain frat bash meanness. It's primal and chunky, and quite typical of period frat instros.

The Monkey Bird

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Exotica buffed up for the rockin' frat crowd, like a precursor to the limbo/luau trend. It's soulful, sexy, and tribal. In some ways, it's similar to Tequila. Quite a nice track.

Church Key

Surf (Instrumental)

The Revels had been playing for quite a while before laying down the classic slang-for-can-opener titled "Church Key" with producer Norman Knowles' girl friend Barbara Atkins giggling away. Danny Darnold is the lead player here, and Norman does duty on the sax. If you're impressed with their edgy energy.

Vesuvius

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

This has long been a fave of mine. The Sentinals' version is totally killer. This is more raw, more primal. Chunky, rhythmic, and mean. The damped guitar work is too cool.

It's Party Time

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Frat house R&B party rock. Nothing special.

Revellion

Surf (Instrumental)

A less melodic more stompic "Church Key"-like tune. Very mean R&B rant.

Comanche

Surf (Instrumental)

This is the tune that wailed in Pulp Fiction. Howling honking sax Indian flavored "Navaho Trail" kinda tune with major edge. San Luis Obispo's Revels cut "Comanche" with more guts and danger than just about anything else in their repertoire.

Tough Soul

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Stereo version of the tune so many bands recorded back then. It lies somewhere between the Pachuko Soul trend and the Central Coast R&B surf thing.

Soft Top

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

A follow up to "Church Key," much in the same vein, with a two note melody. Just a drinking song without a purpose.

[Like] Tequila

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

This is a very cool combination of "Church Key" and "Tequila" with the best of each held together in an infectious way. The melody is "Church Key," while the style is "Church Key." Quite a refreshing arrangement.

Rampage

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Screaming kids, fifties sax riffs, and fifties wow-wow guitar stuff, with Bill Haley-isms and dance party themes. No melody, just an "In The Mood" kinda track.

Good Grief

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

This is a fifties instro, with everything that implies, no melody, sax noises, and screams. It's from vinyl sources, and shows a lot of distortion at the high end.

Six Pack

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Chunky rhythmic track with cool piano in a jam format with no melody to speak of.

Long Board

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

A cool riff and rhythm, but without a lead line, it's just a backdrop.

Vesuvius

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

This has long been a fave of mine. The Sentinals' version is totally killer. This is more raw, more primal. Chunky, rhythmic, and mean. The damped guitar work is too cool.

Church Key

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Yet another fine version of this, their only "hit." This is minus the annoying vocal overdubs from Barbara Adkins, and is very clean. Hot track!

Good Grief

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

This is a fifties instro, with everything that implies, no melody, sax noises, and screams. It's from vinyl sources, and shows a lot of distortion at the high end.

Six Pack

Alcohol Drenched Rock (Instrumental)

Chunky rhythmic track with cool piano in a jam format with no melody to speak of.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Reventlos - Essential Reventlo

Death Of A Reventlo

Surf (Instrumental)

Death Surf riseth! A new and viable concept finds acceptance in the guise of splendidly dark and twisted necrosurf. The most amazing blend of death metal sensibility and surf foundations works really well here.

Reventlo Hayride

Turnip Truck Twang (Instrumental)

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, these dry whited humor mongers develop their own bumpkin surf genre accompany you on your next town doings when you partake of the "Reventlo Hayride," making for fun and corn dogs. A great concept.

Planet Reventlo

SurfSpace (Instrumental)

There is no more unique a band on earth! When these guys called and said "we wanna play on your show," I'd never heard of them. They sent me their CD, and that was that! Their story is simple. They were a vocal band, saw the Tail Gators, said we can do better than that, fired their singer, and became monsters. If any band today can be classed as different than all the rest, it's them, with their warbly guitars and transitional mixtures of surf and space and metal and country and... every song is a capsule, an island unto itself. This was recorded in the pit in November of '95.

Two Roys

Roy du Surf (Instrumental)

The Reventlos pay homage to Roy Buchanan & Roy Orbison in reverent bow to the two Roys of rock.

Over The Falls

ConFusion (Instrumental)

Unnatural mergers of style are the trademark of the Reventlos, and they certainly have used it wisely here, creating "ConFusion" with "Over The Falls."

Pass The Gow (I Think I'm Chet Baker)

SludgeProg (Instrumental)

Venturing into thick plodding progressive melody bending seemed to be the order of the day when they created this little number. The Chet Baker references aren't lost, lest you be unaware on Mr. Baker.

El Pendejo

Heavy Surf Sludge (Instrumental)

Right from the Quadraverb drenched initial surf chordage, there's no mistaking the dynamite power of this unusual surf track. It's as big and powerful as that double overhead you failed to take notice of before it had you for lunch.

Persephone

Mythological Kraut Rock Surf (Vocal)

The Reventlos set about raising the daughter of Zeus & Demeter from the endless sleep with spoken word over a Kraut Rock (a la Kraan) prog bed with Cry Baby wah wah rhythms. This is the most amazing sojourn into the mythological world ever put forth in surf (if not the only one).

Andromeda Sex Lounge

Floating Mood Rock (Instrumental)

Atmospheric flowing mood swing in a very Phil Manzanera / 801-ish piece. It leaves you rested and fulfilled.

Western Stars

Surf (Instrumental)

There's no more unusual or enjoyable band than the Reventlos. They ride out at the edge of the surf universe, drafting every lick they've collectively used in past bands, and they do so using a splendid sense of juxtaposition and art. This appealing track flows with a tropical feel over a funky bed. Very nifty.

(Theme From) Maj Wood

Cow Pop Church Key Whammy Bar (Instrumental)

Riding out the cattle drive successfully with guitars in hand, we find the cow pop mentality blended with "Church Key" influenced whammy bar action for a solid, if bovine effect. That last time the Herefords had this much fun was when the herd (sp) the Suburbs' absurd paean to the hooved ones "Cows" or the Chaps' exquisite Scot-ization of "Rawhide."

Girl From Colonet

Scenic Polynesian MoodScape (Instrumental)

The boys use imagery to create scenic Polynesian mood scapes. Quite a nice track.

Meet Mr. Reventlo

Sludge-O-Metal Death Grunge Drama Scope (Instrumental)

The Reventlos employ the full range of their styles, contrasting a from whimsical epic play prancery into a sludge metal death grunge drama. For the changes alone, this is a must have.

King Kong

Major Mondo Metal Drudge Monster Movie Soundscape (Instrumental)

This huge lumbering monster track stands head and shoulders above anything their predecessors have ever done. It is stunning, and extremely powerful. From it's metal drudge monster movie soundtrack homage to it's twangy guitar leads and speed-picked melody, "King Kong" simply pummels! The track time displays as over 11 minutes, but it is actually only 3:30, with a couple of backwards bits at -1:30 & -:18.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Reventlos - Essential Reventlo (re-issue)

Death Of A Reventlo

Surf (Instrumental)

Death Surf riseth! A new and viable concept finds acceptance in the guise of splendidly dark and twisted necrosurf. The most amazing blend of death metal sensibility and surf foundations works really well here.

Reventlo Hayride

Turnip Truck Twang (Instrumental)

With tongue planted firmly in cheek, these dry whited humor mongers develop their own bumpkin surf genre accompany you on your next town doings when you partake of the "Reventlo Hayride," making for fun and corn dogs. A great concept.

Planet Reventlo

SurfSpace (Instrumental)

There is no more unique a band on earth! When these guys called and said "we wanna play on your show," I'd never heard of them. They sent me their CD, and that was that! Their story is simple. They were a vocal band, saw the Tail Gators, said we can do better than that, fired their singer, and became monsters. If any band today can be classed as different than all the rest, it's them, with their warbly guitars and transitional mixtures of surf and space and metal and country and... every song is a capsule, an island unto itself. This was recorded in the pit in November of '95.

Two Roys

Roy du Surf (Instrumental)

The Reventlos pay homage to Roy Buchanan & Roy Orbison in reverent bow to the two Roys of rock.

Over The Falls

ConFusion (Instrumental)

Unnatural mergers of style are the trademark of the Reventlos, and they certainly have used it wisely here, creating "ConFusion" with "Over The Falls."

Pass The Gow (I Think I'm Chet Baker)

SludgeProg (Instrumental)

Venturing into thick plodding progressive melody bending seemed to be the order of the day when they created this little number. The Chet Baker references aren't lost, lest you be unaware on Mr. Baker.

El Pendejo

Heavy Surf Sludge (Instrumental)

Right from the Quadraverb drenched initial surf chordage, there's no mistaking the dynamite power of this unusual surf track. It's as big and powerful as that double overhead you failed to take notice of before it had you for lunch.

Persephone

Mythological Kraut Rock Surf (Vocal)

The Reventlos set about raising the daughter of Zeus & Demeter from the endless sleep with spoken word over a Kraut Rock (a la Kraan) prog bed with Cry Baby wah wah rhythms. This is the most amazing sojourn into the mythological world ever put forth in surf (if not the only one).

Andromeda Sex Lounge

Floating Mood Rock (Instrumental)

Atmospheric flowing mood swing in a very Phil Manzanera / 801-ish piece. It leaves you rested and fulfilled.

Western Stars

Surf (Instrumental)

There's no more unusual or enjoyable band than the Reventlos. They ride out at the edge of the surf universe, drafting every lick they've collectively used in past bands, and they do so using a splendid sense of juxtaposition and art. This appealing track flows with a tropical feel over a funky bed. Very nifty.

(Theme From) Maj Wood

Cow Pop Church Key Whammy Bar (Instrumental)

Riding out the cattle drive successfully with guitars in hand, we find the cow pop mentality blended with "Church Key" influenced whammy bar action for a solid, if bovine effect. That last time the Herefords had this much fun was when the herd (sp) the Suburbs' absurd paean to the hooved ones "Cows" or the Chaps' exquisite Scot-ization of "Rawhide."

Girl From Colonet

Scenic Polynesian MoodScape (Instrumental)

The boys use imagery to create scenic Polynesian mood scapes. Quite a nice track.

Meet Mr. Reventlo

Sludge-O-Metal Death Grunge Drama Scope (Instrumental)

The Reventlos employ the full range of their styles, contrasting a from whimsical epic play prancery into a sludge metal death grunge drama. For the changes alone, this is a must have.

King Kong

Major Mondo Metal Drudge Monster Movie Soundscape (Instrumental)

This huge lumbering monster track stands head and shoulders above anything their predecessors have ever done. It is stunning, and extremely powerful. From it's metal drudge monster movie soundtrack homage to it's twangy guitar leads and speed-picked melody, "King Kong" simply pummels! The track time displays as over 11 minutes, but it is actually only 3:30, with a couple of backwards bits at -1:30 & -:18.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Reventlos - Songs Of The Golden West

Fun Zone

Deliverance (Instrumental)

Cowboy banjo surf, deliverance breakdown beach trauma... totally fun.

Spahn Ranch Rodeo

Deliverance (Instrumental)

A short burst of surf and grodie parlor haunting. Would be a cool tune if fleshed out.

Stan Orlow

Imaginative Demented (Instrumental)

Playful humpin' jive, a nifty rhythm, warm chords, and a spiffy tight performance make this unusual tune stay with you.

Crawl To The Reventlos

Imaginative Demented (Instrumental)

Gotta have those Reventlos titles... and, as before, it foretells of an introspective view of the what it's like to be a Reventlo... a man with many faces, all competing for the front of the head, none able to stay there for long enough to produce a singular view. "Crawl To The Reventlos" meanders between several differently textured movements, all of which compliment each other. Excellent!

Mondo Reventlo

Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Kettle drums and haunting spaghetti western melody on a fine sounding guitar. Short, but worth a listen.

Groove Part I

Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

This is a surfy pounder, with heavy metal lead licks and cool grodie bass lines. A nice blend of incongruous sounds.

Hey Andy

Country Fun (Instrumental)

This is a great outtake from their album. It's a happy nearly acoustic country bumpkinesq song inspired by Andy Griffith, and that should give you an idea of it's sound. Very fun track. No surf to it, but wonderful listening. This is among the most unusual bands around, and a fave of mine.

Crankheads Of Elsinore

Techno Surf (Instrumental)

When Joe Meek conceived "Telstar," he could not have possibly imagined this. Thin techno fluff, orbiting around the musical planet, just waiting to dismay the unwary. "Telstar" cries out for creative covers, but unlike "Pipeline," it has mostly attracted the unbelievably tame. Casios at twenty paces would be an improvement.

Dildale Girls

Imaginative Demented (Instrumental)

Bluesy chicken ranch country, or maybe it's a Tom T. Hall party at the Y? It's not really important, when the Reventlos break out the fried chicken, it's a barn dance with checkered table clothes and sultry pigtailed ladies.

Veronica

Pachuko Soul (Instrumental)

The Pachuko Soul variety of surf is very evident here, from the obvious influences of the Rhythm Kings' "Soul Beat" to Jim Waller & the Deltas and their Central Valley cohorts Jim Duval & the Gauchos. This is a highly Jim Waller influenced tune, with Dave Myers' "Laguna Limbo Luau" leanings. It, none the less, rises above mere sound alike with it's energetic honkin' and squealin' sax work.

2227-A Pomona Avenue

Pachuko Soul (Instrumental)

Slow groovin' "Hernando's Hideaway" backtrack and a saucy sax. Dramatic Latin heat flows through the sensual tones.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Paul Revere and the Raiders - Like Long Hair

Like Long Hair

Piano Boogie (Instrumental)

Influenced by the success of B. Bumble & the Stingers, Paul Revere and Mark Lindsey laid down this piano boogie beat tune. The great piano lines come from Paul Dick. "Like Long Hair" is based on Rachmaninov's "Prelude In C-Sharpe Minor" It's quite infectious and cool. Kim Fowley was the producer.

Orbit (The Spy)

Space (Instrumental)

The "Boss" guitar intro, the spacy sfx, and the low-E guitar grind make this a really nice side trip in the annuls of pre-surf. Mostly a grindy progression, but very ominous. Most unlike what you'd expect from the Columbia period PR&R.

Sharon

Pop-n-roll (Vocal)

Maudlin teenage sadness, a fast Fendermen guitar riff, and, well, vocals.

Swinging Shepherd Blues

R&B Sax (Instrumental)

A shallow version of the Viscounts arrangement of this ancient standard. Sax dominated.

Groovey

R&B (Instrumental)

Plucky R&B with a vengeance, like in the bars in Vegas just off the strip.

The Last Mile

Strip Runway (Instrumental)

Speaking of the strip, this slow R&B grind is designed for the take-it-off ramp crowd, complete with the shouts of anticipation as ever so slightly more anatomy is gradually exposed.

Road Runner

PNW R&B (Instrumental)

A slightly less powerful cover of the Wailers chunky instro. Stilted and less energetic, but the guitar is a but reverbed.

Moon Dawg

Pre-Surf (Instrumental)

Almost perfect delivery of the Gamblers' classic rage. Very powerful and true. Great twangy guitars and pumping piano. Really good.

Beatnik Sticks

Piano (Instrumental)

"Chop Sticks" and piano boogie woogie. Nifty.

Midnite Ride

Namesake (Vocal)

Clip clop horse hooves and silly words from a voice almost identical to early Dick Dale... I wonder... nah, couldn't be. Still, it's funny how easily this could have been an "Oh Wee Marie" or "Peppermint Man" sorta tune.

Like Charleston

Piano Roll Boogie (Instrumental)

More in the vein of the oldsters piano romp. Just so-so.

All Night Long

R&B (Instrumental)

The R&B classic. Nothing special.

Summer Time

Viscounts (Instrumental)

Huge Viscounts arrangement, with the dramatic piano tinkles and savage sax, but not quite as hot.

Tall Cool One

PNW R&B (Instrumental)

Nowhere near as interesting as the Wailers original. Just good old R&B

Wabash Blues

Viscounts (Instrumental)

The Viscounts arrangement of the big band standard.

Concert In "F" Sharp

Piano & Sax (Instrumental)

Hokey piano rhythm and boogie woogie boy oh boy. A fun track, but not particularly memorable.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Revtunes - The Twomp

Free Fall

Fuzz (Instrumental)

This ? and the Mysterions-like instro is swell. It pumps and flows, has a most unique character, and fits into a surf set well enough. The melody is simple, with the track depending on flying drums behind a pumping keyboard and a round tones guitar. It's really a fun track, catchy like a TV commercial. Suave.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Jody Reynolds - Endless...

Makin' Out

Big Guitar (Instrumental)

Whoa! This is major pre surf twang. It's nastier than the Storms single, more rhythmic and pumped, less rich. It's downright sensual. Yikes! Makes you wanna go in the back seat with your baby... Plas Johnson plays sax with the Storms on this track.

Out Of Nowhere

Suave Guitar (Instrumental)

The suave playing of Les Paul and Jimmy Bryant are featured on this track. I'd guess that Les is playing lead. It's a soft and squishy and very jazzy guitar piece, pretty in every way.

Five Fingers

Suave Guitar (Instrumental)

This track is a choppy jazz number with Jimmy Bryant taking leads while Les Paul backs him up. It's intricate, and displays significant playing skill, but not much interest.

Shot Down

Surfabilly (Instrumental)

Like a Mexican cantina that features cannelloni, this very pretty number reminds me of some of the Farina brothers' writing, a bit of the Buddy Merrill styling, and slinky Latin quarter sensuality. A nice tune, moody, mystical, and smooth. Like a Jim Thomas construction, this moodily meanders through some interesting guitar tones and shimmering delicate melody ideas, displaying island visions and wahine sway.

Thunder

Surf (Instrumental)

With the manic energy if a less than correctly wired board rider in storm surf, this track angrily disorients the listener with a defined reality filter. Intense and nervous. "Thunder" was one of the singles that inspired the first generation of surfbands, from Paul Johnson onward.

Tarantula

Pre Surf (Instrumental)

This is Jody Reynolds' band. Their most familiar instro is "Thunder," which is a pretty straight Duane Eddy-Al Casey styled number. "Tarantula" is much more moody, with that same low-E guitar grumble and a nasty sax in the break. Excellent pre-surf from 1959

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Jody Reynolds - Endless Sleep

Thunder

Surf (Instrumental)

With the manic energy if a less than correctly wired board rider in storm surf, this track angrily disorients the listener with a defined reality filter. Intense and nervous. "Thunder" was one of the singles that inspired the first generation of surfbands, from Paul Johnson onward.

Tarantula

Pre Surf (Instrumental)

This is Jody Reynolds' band. Their most familiar instro is "Thunder," which is a pretty straight Duane Eddy-Al Casey styled number. "Tarantula" is much more moody, with that same low-E guitar grumble and a nasty sax in the break. Excellent pre-surf from 1959

Makin' Out

Big Guitar (Instrumental)

Whoa! This is major pre surf twang. It's nastier than the Storms single, more rhythmic and pumped, less rich. It's downright sensual. Yikes! Makes you wanna go in the back seat with your baby... Plas Johnson plays sax with the Storms on this track.

Shot Down

Surfabilly (Instrumental)

Like a Mexican cantina that features cannelloni, this very pretty number reminds me of some of the Farina brothers' writing, a bit of the Buddy Merrill styling, and slinky Latin quarter sensuality. A nice tune, moody, mystical, and smooth. Like a Jim Thomas construction, this moodily meanders through some interesting guitar tones and shimmering delicate melody ideas, displaying island visions and wahine sway.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rhythm Rockers - Soul Surfin'

Surfin' At Mazatlan

Surf (Instrumental)

Opening with a Spanish run in bull fight seriousness, "Surfin' At Mazatlan" becomes a thick reverby rhythm based track without much of a melody. Progression is the order of the day. It's definitely extra chunky frat surf rock in a fifties structure with surf guitar added.

Rendezvous Stomp

Surf Stomp (Instrumental)

This is what I always think of when the term "stomp" comes up in surf conversation. It has a similar sound and feel to Bruce Johnston's "Original Surfers Stomp," but it's instro of course, and much more authentic. You can just see a line of surfers and bunnies doing the surfers stomp. Spunky.

Ramrod

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a reverby version of Al Casey's "Ramrod." It's way powerful from a frat surf point of view. You can almost feel the beer and under class girls. A Real party smash.

Nine Toes

Surf R&B (Instrumental)

This reverbed number is basically an R&B jam, like "Night Train" or "Last Night." It has that standard beat, the walking bass line, and a wailing sax jamming on a riff.

Moondawg

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a pretty strong rendition of the Gamblers' 1960 single. The damped reverb rhythm and the ultra twang lead are really cool here. It doesn't break any ground, but it definitely pleases. Dig the rhythm.

Wipeout

Surf R&B (Instrumental)

Neither the Surfaris or the Impacts, "Wipeout" is much closer to the Yardbirds arrangement of Bo Diddley's "I'm A Man" than surf. It's a jammin' number with a sax lead. Solid jam, just not special or unique.

Breakfast At Tressles

Surf (Instrumental)

More raw and rhythmic than reverbed, they were a dance band with a solid following. "Breakfast At Tressels" is from their lone album, and exemplifies them. This sports a cool title I've always liked. The basis of the tune is a fifties boogie, with reverbed guitar and lots of twang. No melody, but quite infectious.

Moovin' N' Groovin'

Surf (Instrumental)

Lee Hazelwood's groover played on a damped reverbed guitar as if the rhythm is the whole thing. The sax is nasty, and it does sport quite a chunk. Nice.

Get It On

Frat Surf (Instrumental)

"Get It On" seems influenced by Dick Dale's "Take It Off" in the first bar, but soon after, it becomes a party groove, a soulful riff with a swirling organ break.

Caravan

R&B Surf (Instrumental)

With all the James Brown they can muster, they deliver Caravan like it was Night Train with a shimmering vibrato lead, and a saucy sax break. It's pretty cool.

The Breeze and I

Prom Surf (Instrumental)

Nothing at all like any of the other surf covers of this Ernesto Lacuoña tune, this is saucy and slow, with a prom feel to it. The lead guitar gently and dryly plays the melody with subtlety and style, giving way to a suave sax duet break with a real sense of pretty rock. The piano lines are very cool too!

You Can't Sit Down

Surf R&B (Instrumental)

The Dartells' "You Can't Sit Down" played in a relatively straight fashion, given the differences in line up.

The Slide

Surf R&B (Instrumental)

Groovin' rhythm and blues for the hop. The horn duet is smooth, but the groove is way too trite.

Garbage Cans

Blues (Instrumental)

A sultry slow blues piano roll, with a slow walking bass line, and brushed drums. The effect here is late night smoky bar.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers - 23 Great Recordings By Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers

Egyptian Reggae

Surf (Instrumental)

Yeah, well I know it ain't a surf tune, but if you play surf guitar and want to do a really cool Caribbean / Middle Eastern instrumental, just rearrange this into your favorite surf configuration and viola! Perfect haunting fun surf monster. This is just plain fun, with it's blocks, reggae rhythms, Egyptian theme, acoustic lead guitar, and big gongs. It just grabs and holds you. Surf or not, if you like instros, this track is a must have.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Riddlers - Blast Off With The Gothamcity Go Sound. It's The Riddlers

Everybody Up

Surf (Instrumental)

Heavy duty ultra reverbed delivery of the Fender Four classic, with excellent glissandoes and excited shouts. Powerful, rich, and with ample drive.

S. X. Appeal

Surf (Instrumental)

Motors rev up and tires peel out as the vibrato throbs. The riff is pretty basic, but the vibrato gives if a warbly feel, and the surf glissandoes add a real sense of the shore. The keyboards whistle slightly in the background for a tasty ambiance. Quite powerful in the postsurf hot rod era way. Great track.

The Riddler

Surf (Instrumental)

Dribbling double picked surf leads, somewhere between the narrow spectrum of "The Victor" and a more melodic rant. It's infectious, and pretty darn solid surf, with distant shouts of "the Riddler."

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Riddlers - Tune In to The Gotham City Go Sound

S. X. Appeal

Surf (Instrumental)

Motors rev up and tires peel out as the vibrato throbs. The riff is pretty basic, but the vibrato gives if a warbly feel, and the surf glissandoes add a real sense of the shore. The keyboards whistle slightly in the background for a tasty ambiance. Quite powerful in the postsurf hot rod era way. Great track.

Everybody Up

Surf (Instrumental)

Heavy duty ultra reverbed delivery of the Fender Four classic, with excellent glissandoes and excited shouts. Powerful, rich, and with ample drive.

Hang On

Surf (Instrumental)

Heavy crunch chord surf riffology, less interesting than the others here. It's just too repetitious.

The Riddler

Surf (Instrumental)

Dribbling double picked surf leads, somewhere between the narrow spectrum of "The Victor" and a more melodic rant. It's infectious, and pretty darn solid surf, with distant shouts of "the Riddler."

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Riddlers - LIVE's a Beach!

Everybody Up

Surf (Instrumental)

Heavy duty ultra reverbed delivery of the Fender Four classic, with excellent glissandoes and excited shouts. Powerful, rich, and with ample drive.

S. X. Appeal

Surf (Instrumental)

Motors rev up and tires peel out as the vibrato throbs. The riff is pretty basic, but the vibrato gives if a warbly feel, and the surf glissandoes add a real sense of the shore. The keyboards whistle slightly in the background for a tasty ambiance. Quite powerful in the postsurf hot rod era way. Great track.

Men From U. N. C. L. E.

Surf (Instrumental)

Over reverbed vibrato throbbed spy surf. The muddiness makes this tune even less interesting than it already is.

Surf Party

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a thick power drive version of the Astronauts' films score. It's got plenty of drive.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rincon Surfside Band - The Surfing Songbook

Surfin' Safari

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

Chorus and all, this is much like a repro without the lead vocals. The high point is the damped reverbed lead guitar that's playing with such low energy.

Surfer Girl

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

Beach Boys harmonies less lead vocals, which were replaced by a restrained guitar. Pretty darn sappy.

Sidewalk Surfin'

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

The lead is better here than on most of the other tracks on this album, but aside from a credible tone, it's quite restrained and low key.

Surfin' U.S.A.

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

The lead here is played on the low registers for a semi surfy sound, but as elsewhere, the lack of energy doesn't bring it to life.

Surfin'

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

This is probably the most interesting cover here. Almost all of the barbershop/doo wop is replaced with vibrato and reverb guitar gently shimmering with great restraint. It almost rises to the level of good.

Ride The Wild Surf

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

The Leslie effected lead is kinda carnival, while the life and fire of the Jan and Dean hit is nowhere in sight.

Hawaii

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

Soft rock for soft people... shiny and non intrusive, this elevator interpretation just doesn't make it.

Drag City

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

Is that a twelve string? Listen to the T-Bones instead.

Little Deuce Coupes

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

Low register lead guitar played like it's in a library and no one should hear is balanced against the gentle rhythms and chorus... texturally nice, but uninspired.

Honolulu Lulu

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

The Leslie lead is cute, but it doesn't capture any of the fire of the hit.

Surf City

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

Never mind the arguments about which city is surf city, if this tepid session is its theme, it's not worth the trip anyway. Lawrence Welk used more energy than this.

Skateboard Craze

Karaoke Surf (Instrumental)

"On Top Of Old Smokey" morphed into a rhythmic track with actually quite nice lead guitar nearly makes the grade, but alas, the chorus holds it back.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Chuck Rio - The Tequila Man

Margarita

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Much like "Tequila," Chuck Rio & the Originals delivered "Margarita" based more on fifties dance party themes, this is a good fun party sax tune, well worth a blast at the next frat bash.

Midnighter

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Raw sax R&B based rock, pumpin' a party jam, drivin' the poodle dress crowd nuts. Fine jammin' dance tune from Champs.

Surfin' Blues

Latin R&B Rock Surf (Instrumental)

After Chuck Rio left the Champs, he was involved in a studio project band called the Persuaders aka the Hollywood Persuaders, which issued the famous Surfer's Nightmare album as Persuaders featuring Chuck "Tequila" Rio. This is a slow dramatic sax marauder, with tribal drums and ominous dockside tone. Quite a nice track.

Tequila

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

This is their BIG HIT!. It is a sax based number that was probably the frat house standard, long before "Louie Louie" was. The spoken "Tequila" at the end of the lines has become a standard of Latin party rock. Very infectious.

El Rancho Rock

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

"El Rancho Grande" saxed up like "Tequila" with lotsa fun damped guitar rhythm work, and a honkin' good sax performance.

Bruce

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

This is a muddy session, a sorta R&B jam for a back ally brawl. Quite a fifties knife fight kinda track, with a grooving bass. So, why is it called "Bruce?" Issued in 1964 as by Danny Flores & the Fans. Danny Flores was Chuck Rio's real name.

Antonillo

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Like a San Antonio rose garden, this bouncy Chuck Rio solo coulda been amped up by Herb Alpert. It's quite fun and melodic.

C'Est La Vie

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Chuck Rio & the Originals issued this MOR track in 1959. It predates "Tequila," and hints at it slightly, but has none of the adventurous flair.

The Whip

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

The Originals issue this in '58. It's very playful, but not very imaginative.

TNT

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

This is an unissued Champs track from 1963. It's quite a nice number, more melodic and bouncy than many. The "TNT" chorus lines are kind of a drag, but otherwise it's just a stones throw from a choppy damped mariachi thing. Pretty cool track.

Mama Inez

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Chuck Rio cut this is unissued track in the early sixties. More mambo than rock, it is fun and all, but not very catchy.

Wildman

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

This is scary! I mean SCARY! The Contenders' "Wildman" is a basic track with adolescent high school chorus lines, and, well, just too silly for me.

Persuasion [Let's Go Surfin']

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Pumpin' piano, party sax, and honkin' riffs tinkle their way into your living room as The Persuaders featuring Chuck "Tequila" Rio jam.

Taking Off On A Wall

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Big surf a la Bruce Johnston's "Pajama Party" album, with heavy influences from Mickey and Sylvia. Odd, and quite far from center stage.

Hanging Ten

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

The Persuaders were also the Creshendoes with Chuck Rio. "Hanging Ten" is way more jam-riff than song. It's plinking piano and bluesy progression tell tales of studio filler.

Surfer Strip

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Another Persuaders track, this time leaning heavily on David Rose's "The Stripper" and bluesy riffs, with piano and sax honkery.

Surfer's Lullaby

Dangerous Surf (Instrumental)

"Surfer's Lullaby" is a slow and shimmering track, lead by vibrato guitar and backed by saucy sax. Not exactly melodic, but really cool. The mood is obvious, the sultry looks cutting, and the danger imminent. Yikes!

Gremmie Bread

Latin R&B Rock (Instrumental)

The title gives it away... "Mama's Little Baby Loves Shortnin' Bread" comes flowing from the childhood gray matter while the boys do a rockin' sax version of the ancient folk tune.

Kreshendo Stomp [Kahuna Stomp]

Latin Surf R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Stinging whammy and R&B riffs, shiny aural probes, and raspy sax break lines... a pretty cool track.

Toes On The Nose

Latin Surf R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Jammin' guitar riff rock, nearly watery, and driven, but not even remotely like the Eddie & the Showmen tune that shares the title. Squeelin' sax break, and intense guitar plucking. There's even some damped reverb after the sax snarl.

Caught In The Soup

Latin Surf R&B Rock (Instrumental)

"Caught In The Soup" is a slightly surfy riff rockin' tune, nifty in a rock jam sorta way. Not a standout, but groovy enough. The surf guitar just past the break brings the breakwater into focus.

Surfer's Nightmare

Latin Surf R&B Rock (Instrumental)

Another jam, surfy guitar tone, and squonkie sax, with cool piano, and a definite groove.

The Raid

Latin Surf R&B Rock (Instrumental)

"The Raid" is much faster than the others here. It's got more of a manic surf rant style, though it relies on the sax honkin' backtrack like the Crossfires, but without their intense low-E guitar rage. Groovy piano and soulful sax and a riff.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rip Chords - Three Window Coupe

Big Wednesday

Surf (Instrumental)

At 1:26, this short surf blast shimmers with a tasty vibrato lead and relentless drums. The great whammy chords and Catalinas style bongos make it stand out. and This is a pretty decent surf instro as studio concoctions go. The session was taped on May first, 1964. Specific musicians are hard to determine, but guitarists may have included any of Tommy Tedesco, Billy Strange, Carol Kaye, Jerry Cole and/or Glen Campbell.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rip Chords - Hey Little Cobra and Other Hot Rod Hits

'40 Ford Time

Backtrack (Instrumental)

This is essentially an undubbed backtrack to "Little Deuce Coupe" with a fuzz lead inserted in spots. Mostly a progression that never really gets off the ground.

Bunny Hill

Surf (Instrumental)

Not bad... a progression based on "Louie Louie" and a moderately interesting lead here and there. Sure sounds like a backtrack, yet it's interesting enough to work as is. The chunky rhythm and carries the day.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Johnny Rivers - Meanwhile Back At The Whiskey A Go Go

Un-Square Dance

Country (Instrumental)

This is a short but rousing version of Chet Atkins' "Wildwood Flower," cut live with an immediate sound. At 45 seconds long, it's barely enough to get a-hold of, yet it shouldn't be any longer. Country guitar and sub-surf energy.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rivieras - California Sun

Church Key

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a pretty pedestrian performance of the Revels' classic hit. The Rivieras seem uninspired, and the organ is too overbearing in the mix. The drum arrangement is a lot like the Dave Myers & the Surftones version, but that's where the comparison ends.

H. B. Goose Step

Organ (Instrumental)

This is a Johnny & the Hurricanes inspired track, with a whistling organ lead, a sorta "Rockin' Goose" melody. It's a cool organ instro, but lacks the variations and spirit of it's mentor band's creations.

Battle Line

Surf (Instrumental)

The "Battle Hymn Of The Republic," played with a vibrato lead, and a moderate pace, and little energy. It's an interesting variation on this ancient number, but not terribly vibrant.

Bug Juice

Organ (Instrumental)

This is another organ lead number, less Johnny & the Hurricanes inspired, but still pretty derivative of their sound. The guitar break is simple, but is also a pleasant change from the relatively staid sound of the rest of the track.

Church Key Part II

Surf (Instrumental)

Better than the prior track, the guitar dominates, and is pretty edgy. The playing is quite mechanical, and still there is little feeling present.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rivieras - California Sun

Church Key

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a pretty pedestrian performance of the Revels' classic hit. The Rivieras seem uninspired, and the organ is too overbearing in the mix. The drum arrangement is a lot like the Dave Myers & the Surftones version, but that's where the comparison ends.

H. B. Goose Step

Organ (Instrumental)

This is a Johnny & the Hurricanes inspired track, with a whistling organ lead, a sorta "Rockin' Goose" melody. It's a cool organ instro, but lacks the variations and spirit of it's mentor band's creations.

Battle Line

Surf (Instrumental)

The "Battle Hymn Of The Republic," played with a vibrato lead, and a moderate pace, and little energy. It's an interesting variation on this ancient number, but not terribly vibrant.

Bug Juice

Organ (Instrumental)

This is another organ lead number, less Johnny & the Hurricanes inspired, but still pretty derivative of their sound. The guitar break is simple, but is also a pleasant change from the relatively staid sound of the rest of the track.

Church Key Part II

Surf (Instrumental)

Better than the prior track, the guitar dominates, and is pretty edgy. The playing is quite mechanical, and still there is little feeling present.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Roadhouse Rockers - He's My Tiger

Fiebre' Del Rey

Guitar (Instrumental)

An excellent tribal beat backs up a dangerous and dramatic melody line over sultry walking bass lines. This is infectious and rhythmic, and just plain fun! Edgie guitar and cool chops, and spiffy percussion. Yeow!

HanginÕ Ten With Tut

Big Guitar Surf (Instrumental)

Can you spell T-H-R-O-B? This is a menacing Link Wray inspired piece with no shortage of coastal flair and big surf danger. Brilliant dark instro work from the most effective rockabilly trio out there. When they do things like this, they redefine surfabilly.

Back Beat

Guitar (Instrumental)

Super spiffy rockabilly slab bass and military drum cadence under a big guitar wham. "Back Beat" is one infectious number, more fun than a barrel of surf bunnies, and it demonstrates the power of the simple riff well defined. Minimal can be more. Originally cut by the Rondels.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Roadhouse Rockers - Feel Like Rockin'

Roadhouse Rockin' / Torture / Rumble

Guitar (Instrumental)

Part one of this track is a solid rockabilly vocal, but then with 2:46 remaining, it moves into a medley of Link Wray's "Rumble" surrounded by the Fendermen's "Torture." Instrumentally, this is infectious and unique. Originally, "Torture" was the B-side on "Mule Skinner Blues" and was recorded when the Fendermen were a duo, just two Fender guitars. "Torture" is bit more reverby here, and with drums added, it takes on a more dynamic quality. "Rumble" is less stark and more throbby here than when Link Wray did it in 1957. It's still an awesome mean number, but is played more in line with its surroundings. Very infectious.

Rampage

Guitar (Instrumental)

Using the same drums beat as the "Superjet Rumble," this fine cover is full of spunk and flair. Micky Rae's excellent walking upright bass lines are superb. Not very melodic, but double picked jammin' solid!

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rockin' Rebels - Tom Shannon Presents...

Wild Weekend

Rock (Instrumental)

This is the one. This is the song everyone thinks of with this band. It was cut originally as a theme for the Tom Shannon Show on Buffalo, New York's legendary WKBW, from whence came free form progenitors Tom Donahue, Bob Mitchell, and Peter Trip. This is growly, dark, evil, chunky, melodic, and features near-surf rhythm guitar behind a raw R&B sax. A great and necessary track.

Rockin' Crickets

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This track has been done a few times by others. This take features great behind the bridge through an echoplex guitar work, and that raw sax sound that is their trademark. Simple and unpretentious pre-surf fun.

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

MOR Rock (Instrumental)

A sax lead instro version of the Jerry Lee Lewis standard. It's energetic, but unremarkable.

Another Wild Weekend (Loaded Dice)

Rock (Instrumental)

A Perez Prado "Patricia"-like bit of fluff.

Rumble

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Vibrato lead guitar, ominous slowness, and a decent delivery, more like the Viscounts than Link Wray. Not special, but definitely worth a spin. Dramatic and big.

Hully Gully Rock

R&B (Instrumental)

"Fanny Mae" goes instro, with a no-melody riff lead.

Flibbity Jibbity (Boss Action)

R&B (Instrumental)

Lightweight, keyboard driven, R&B fluff. Nothing boss about it, and no action to be discerned.

Honky Tonk

R&B (Instrumental)

A pedestrian cover of Bill Dogget's great R&B standard.

Happy Popcorn

Rock Fluff (Instrumental)

Take the Marathons' "Peanut Butter," add Billy Joe & the Checkmates' "Percolator," and some brooding sax, and you get this fun but unremarkable track.

Monday Morning

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Similar to "Wild Weekend,' but slower, less powerful, but still interesting. The sax is less dominant.

Sweet Little Sixteen

Fifties Rock (Instrumental)

I'm sure Chuck didn't intend this. It's just a pedestrian fifties instro.

Buffalo Blues

Fifties Mean (Instrumental)

"the Way I Walk Is Just The I Walk" sorta backtrack and growling sax. Mean R&B growler. Cool fifties grind.

Tequila

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

A nice treatment of the Chuck Rio classic. Slightly different than the pack, and infectious too.

Wild Rebel

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"You Can't Sit Down" and a surf backtrack and a growly sax. Not very melodic, but interesting anyway.

The Third Man Theme

MOR (Instrumental)

Holy cow, how MOR can we get?

Wild Weekend Cha Cha

Pre-Surf Cha Cha (Instrumental)

I've always liked this variation the best. It's funny how much difference a cha cha near ska backtrack can make to a song. It's not as powerful as the original, but it's so cool.

Ram-Bunk-Shush

R&B (Instrumental)

The R&B standard is done with little feeling or panache.

Telstar

Supermarket Rock (Instrumental)

Yeah, right. Think for a minute what lounge singers do to rock hits. That what the sax player does to this usually intense and powerful song. It is a totally unique arrangement, but then it's only fit for the supermarket.

Donkey Walk

Novelty Rock (Instrumental)

As the sax cries "E-Or," the band plays a nothing backtrack. It's a novelty song.

The Stripper

Lounge Rock (Instrumental)

How can you take a wailing Vegas strip anthem and make it fit for the aisles at K-mart? Simple, play it like you don't want to wake anybody up, and backtrack it with jazzy chords a,d shimmer. Jeepers, what a loungie load...

Coconuts

R&B (Instrumental)

Pretty standard R&B Champs-like instro fair.

Loaded Dice (Another Wild Weekend)

Club Rock (Instrumental)

Yet another variation on the theme, even more laid back this time. Smokie club stuff here.

Happy Popcorn

Rock Fluff (Instrumental)

Take the Marathons' "Peanut Butter," add Billy Joe & the Checkmates' "Percolator," and some brooding sax, and you get this fun but unremarkable track.

Anyway You Want Me

Prom Rock (Instrumental)

Slow dance prom rock fluff for the last dance. Who will remember?

Theme From The Rebel

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Johnny Yuma was a rebel. This was his TV theme. No, not this version, that's where the song comes from. Odd guitar sound, but a lot more edgy than any of their other stuff. Cool.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rockin' Rebels - Wild Weekend

Wild Weekend

Rock (Instrumental)

This is the one. This is the song everyone thinks of with this band. It was cut originally as a theme for the Tom Shannon Show on Buffalo, New York's legendary WKBW, from whence came free form progenitors Tom Donahue, Bob Mitchell, and Peter Trip. This is growly, dark, evil, chunky, melodic, and features near-surf rhythm guitar behind a raw R&B sax. A great and necessary track.

Rockin' Crickets

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

This track has been done a few times by others. This take features great behind the bridge through an echoplex guitar work, and that raw sax sound that is their trademark. Simple and unpretentious pre-surf fun.

Tequila

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

A nice treatment of the Chuck Rio classic. Slightly different than the pack, and infectious too.

The Stripper

Lounge Rock (Instrumental)

How can you take a wailing Vegas strip anthem and make it fit for the aisles at K-mart? Simple, play it like you don't want to wake anybody up, and backtrack it with jazzy chords a,d shimmer. Jeepers, what a loungie load...

Ram-Bunk-Shush

R&B (Instrumental)

The R&B standard is done with little feeling or panache.

Honky Tonk

R&B (Instrumental)

A pedestrian cover of Bill Dogget's great R&B standard.

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

MOR Rock (Instrumental)

A sax lead instro version of the Jerry Lee Lewis standard. It's energetic, but unremarkable.

Wild Rebel

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

"You Can't Sit Down" and a surf backtrack and a growly sax. Not very melodic, but interesting anyway.

Telstar

Supermarket Rock (Instrumental)

Yeah, right. Think for a minute what lounge singers do to rock hits. That what the sax player does to this usually intense and powerful song. It is a totally unique arrangement, but then it's only fit for the supermarket.

Hully Gully Rock

R&B (Instrumental)

"Fanny Mae" goes instro, with a no-melody riff lead.

Sweet Little Sixteen

Fifties Rock (Instrumental)

I'm sure Chuck didn't intend this. It's just a pedestrian fifties instro.

Rumble

Pre-Surf Rock (Instrumental)

Vibrato lead guitar, ominous slowness, and a decent delivery, more like the Viscounts than Link Wray. Not special, but definitely worth a spin. Dramatic and big.

Wild Weekend Cha Cha

Pre-Surf Cha Cha (Instrumental)

I've always liked this variation the best. It's funny how much difference a cha cha near ska backtrack can make to a song. It's not as powerful as the original, but it's so cool.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Rodney and the Blazers - The Complete Recordings 1660 - 1964

Summertime Rock

Pre Surf (Instrumental)

1960 pre-surf madness, with the guitar playing low-E ultra vibrato, the piano tinkling, and then, the pace doubles and the sax wails. Gershwin's tune has seen many a reworking. Here, Rodney and the Blazers give it the raucous treatment, and it's a great vehicle a for budding surf band yet to be.

Warpaint

Rock (Instrumental)

Vibrato and Indian tom toms, a rockin' throbbin beat, and a raw sax. Mostly like a jam, it does drip authentic rock and roll.

Oriental Nightmare

Rock (Instrumental)

Overworked far east themes here and there, but mostly it's a throbbing vibrato bruiser. Nasty and crude, big in a small town way, "Oriental Nightmare" is a mighty cool bit of obscurity.

Dumbell

Rock (Instrumental)

Cheesy organ Las Vegas Grind kinda stuff... a riff and a walking bass line.

Long Walk Home

Rock (Instrumental)

This is a slow strollin' number backed by a soft sax. Nice melody and shimmering lead guitar. Very pretty in a bluesy kinda way. Even the chorus is OK.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Romans - You Only Live Once

Runway

Surf (Instrumental)

"Runway" sports an infectious melody line, with an almost sparking sound, like the brighter moments for the Wedge, but with a more light hearted feel. This is just plain fun, and the melody strays with you long after the track is gone. Surf tones, glissandoes, and a snappy beat. A must have eighties surf instro track.

Iron Cross

Surf (Instrumental)

A little more on the downer side, "Iron Cross" features a chunky post-punk chunka rhythm and an ominous bad-day-at-Mavericks kinda feel. Hard driving and melodic, and powerful too.

Shorebreak

Surf (Instrumental)

This is an unusual track. It floats gently in and out in the "Shorebreak." It's infectious, and more than that, it holds your attention. The progression seesm to circle around, and the sound of the surf is everywhere. Fascinating.

Birdbrain

Surf (Instrumental)

Somewhat dissonant, a little off the beaten path, and just inside the walls of the asylum, "Bird Brain" portrays a slightly surf image of a can short of a six pack holiday. Unusual and intriguing.

Nazarene

Surf (Instrumental)

Dramatic and sporting discordant tonality, "Nazarene" is menacing and tribal, tom tom laden and edgy like fingernails on the blackboard of life. Intense and rumbly.

Blob

Surf (Instrumental)

An eighties bouncy beat carries the "Blob" across the monitors with all the chunka chunka it can muster. Riffologically driven, with great drums and cool moody sax.

Motu Tapu

Surf (Instrumental)

On the edge of the atoll, "Motu Tapu" drives for the lip without cutting back. Optimistic and spunky, with a sense of shortboard exhilaration. Action and adventure, fun in the sun.

What Gives (Jan's Theme)

Surf (Instrumental)

On the jazzy side, "What Gives (Jan's Theme)" is a groover, a sax and guitar jammer with a slight funk and a watery edge. Slightly mean, on the cool side.

You Only Live Once

Surf (Instrumental)

Big thundering drums, menacing sax, angry bass, and driving guitars cut through the chop with abandon. The danger is clear, but so is the courage, or at least the disregard for the risk. Out front with fast shortboard action.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Romeo Void - White Sweater c/w Apache

Apache

New Wave Surf (Instrumental)

This is reverent, without being at all a copy. The thick bass and drums track is entirely new wave, and the guitar has that late seventies (on the clean side) sound, intense and dry-dry-dry. very interesting,m and a pleasant side trip down retro lane.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Roof Dogs - Having A Rave Up With The Roof Dogs

Cannon Beach

Surf (Instrumental)

Super garaged cover of Cannon Beach, with eighties guitar twang, and a ton of edge. The sound is something like the Surf Trio's first ep, thumpy and demo-like. Lots on energy and enough power, and a solid performance.

Christmas

Fuzz (Instrumental)

This is close to Robert Calvert's Ejection, at least the rhythm guitar is. The chord progression is right on the money. The melody is not the same, but the strength of the rhythm is overwhelming. Edgy ugly space surf.

Down 1-5

Fuzz (Instrumental)

The Surf Trio did this years ago. This is a fine version, with a different take on the textures and energy. This is more subtle, more ringing, much smoother and more sustained. It makes a world of difference.

High School Drifter

Fuzz (Instrumental)

Hmm... Is High School Drifter really High Planes Drifter? Pomp and circus pants, as a former Seattle used to say. This is thick and dark, and very late eighties club band sounding. Interesting enough, but kinda unremarkable and derivative.

Out Of Limits

Fuzz (Instrumental)

This is a fast and furiously pumped garage arrangement of the Mar-Kets' studio hit. I didn't like this much on first listen, but I found that it grew on me as I wrote this review. It has a grodie edge, and is different enough, but it wasn't that that sucked me in. It was the haunting ambiance of the break, the organ eeriness, the ghostly air of danger. The faster pace of the signature guitar run during that part reminds me of police sirens. Very cool.

Red Tide

Fuzz (Instrumental)

This is a swell cover of the Impact V's single,all grunged out, and seared at the edges. The fuzz gives this a completely different feel. The arrangement is original, and the energy is intense. Fine hot double picking with extra compressed intensity.

Reptile

Fuzz (Instrumental)

This grodie rumbler evilly stalks the innocent from the the dark corners of the room after too much pizza for dinner. Thick, fuzzed, brooding and threatening, this is a grand example of how mean simplicity can be. The whistling organ is subtly low in the mix, adding a haunted air to this scary track.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rosebloods - Anthem Of The Sun

Anthem Of The Sun

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a very nice instro. Its warm guitar tones are slightly country, while its melody is upbeat and beachy. The sun surely shines in this track. Excellent writing and a crisp production give this a solid sound. Optimistic and afternoon drive down PCH pleasant.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

Rover - Surf Meets Che Guevara

My Fellow Americans

Rock (Instrumental)

The melody of "My Fellow Americans" borrows from classics in spots. The tone is distortion, not reverb, and the second guitar is dry. It's a nice track, with more energy than you'd expect from a totally solo effort.

The Cherry Pie Three

Rock (Instrumental)

Semi crisp tone echoed for sustain playing a bit of a spy based riff. Solid twango, with a round and full sound. I'm not sure about the title.

Panama's Root Canal

Rock (Instrumental)

Double picked surf with a sorta tropical feel to the melody, along with some drama. It's short and to the point, with a solid drive and fluid flow. The samples interfere with the song.

Spanish Imposition (Prisoner Pinochet)

Rock (Instrumental)

Not much about this is Spanish. It sports an interesting riff, and a kind of nervous edge. The composition is solid.

I Have an Honor Student at the School of Americas... and So Do You!

Rock (Instrumental)

"I Have an Honor Student at the School of Americas... and So Do You!" is a flowing number with no sense of the title, but the feel of an open road in the distance. Somewhat dramatic, somewhat fanciful, and with the Sergio Mendez chorus, somewhat weird. It's an interesting composition, but also seems a little contrived.

Giuliani Get Your Gun

Rock (Instrumental)

Keyboard boing boing for 40 seconds, and just about when you think it's all over, the song comes in. "Giuliani Get Your Gun" is a fluid number with twangy whammy second guitar, and a melody line just east of surf. Quite a nice composition, actually.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Royal Flairs - Surfin With The Royal Flairs

Baja

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a competent cover of the Astronauts' interpretation of Lee Hazelwood's finest moment. Garage surf with an honest approach. Historical, but not otherwise significant.

Pipeline

Surf (Instrumental)

The Chantays' classic is performed with Midwest flair and reverb. A small combo sound, but without the delicacy of the original.

Sniper

Surf (Instrumental)

"Sniper" was written following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It's a decent original, melodic enough and surfy too. It doesn't invoke Lee Harvey Oswald's mug, but then I suppose it's just one more part of the lone gunman myth.

Surf Sight

Surf (Instrumental)

Hmm. More surf riffery, issued from the garage and captured on the home recorder. Interesting, but more historic than groundbreaking.

Let's Go

Surf (Instrumental)

This was cut in mid 1962, and released on SAM Records in October of that year. It is very similar to the Routers' release of the same name, and predates it.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Royal Knightmares - Surf's Up! Vol. 3: Sounds From The Ocean Side

Sullen Road By The Ocean

Surf (Instrumental)

Great moderately paced vibrato tune. Would be great recorded properly in a good studio.

Surf Date

Surf (Instrumental)

"Surf Date" is a moderately paced Eddie and the Showmen-like song. It's a gentle melodic surf number with ocean sounds featuring nice picking, good interplay between lead and rhythm, and an over all pleasant sound.

Ol' Woody Stomp

Surf (Instrumental)

The lead is almost totally lost in the "mix." It's a bit like "Moon Race."

Crashin' Wave

Surf (Instrumental)

Just a so-so riff with no direction.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rubinoos - Paleophonic

Surf Trek

Campy Surf (Instrumental)

Brilliant! Only the Rubinoos could blend credible surf and Swingle Singers cheese in a cover of Alexander Courage's classic theme to Star Trek. All the silliness of the TV theme, the absurdity of the Swingles, and the glissandoes and drive of surf coexist in this campy morphing. The only word that fits is "suave."

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The Rumblers - Boss