Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

This is a CD-R written from an off-air cassette of a live show at KFJC on November 5th, 1987 as part of Adrian Mole's post fundraiser week-long thank you fest. The band is trimmed to a trio, with Frank Novicki - guitar, Randy Hyden - bass, Stretch Riedle - drums.

Picks: Let's Go Trippin' / Surf Beat, Theme From The Munsters, The Hearse, Mr. Rebel, Stingray, Mr. Moto, Similau, Calhoun Surf, Rumble, Rawhide, Batwipe, The Spin, Crime Story, Surf Rider, Boozefest, Diamond Head, Green Onions, Minor Chaos, Miserlou, Squad Car, Pipeline

Surf (Instrumental)

Solid performance, and sparkling sound as the Shockwaves splash through a pair of Dick Dale classics. Among their best deliveries of this pairing, this track opens with ultra reverb chunk and churn.

Surf (Instrumental)

While their contemporaries kept it rhythmically based, the Shockwaves went for the throat with the "Theme From The Munsters." Pure surf splash and flash.

Surf (Instrumental)

Dark and reverby, this is a fine performance of Lee Hazelwood's glorious tune. A couple of blown lines mar the track, but the richness is evident.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Eddie and the Showmen hit gets a chunky delivery with sparkling reverb and frequent lead guitar errors. Frank was not playing well for some reason, yet it remains fun.

Surf (Instrumental)

Without Jon's howling feedback, "Stingray" takes on a much more surfy identity. Strong reverb sparkle and good delivery from Novicki's ax.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a pretty straight performance of "Mr. Moto." Nicely done, but unremarkable.

Surf (Instrumental)

This fine song was chunkier than the Surfaris did it on Novicki's Mustang. The drums always seemed out of sorts with the song, yet it's quite powerful. Frank's recovery from a blown verse is actually very inspired.

Surf (Instrumental)

One of the first bands to add the Shockwaves' "Calhoun Surf" to their set, the Shockwaves played it with warm reverence, adding damped splash and flair, and making it rich in surf sound.

Surf (Instrumental)

Frank Novicki has long admired the Linkster, and this pairing reflects that. Surf tone, reverb, filigrees behind the bridge, and raw energy drive this home. "Rumble" is chaotic and full of all kinds of splashy coolness. From its long sustained last note, it segues into "Rawhide."

Surf (Instrumental)

"Rawhide" rides the waves of reverb like there's no tomorrow. Very fiery. A fine track.

Surf (Instrumental)

A solid performance of the pairing of "Batman" and "Wipe Out." It's a little too cute for my taste, but the crowds always liked it.

Surf (Instrumental)

"The Spin" is one of only a handful of originals the band did. It dates from the early days of the band, before Frank Novicki replaced Joe Kelly on guitar. Always a hit with the punters, it was carried to the Neon Spores when Roger Rush left the Shockwaves.

Surf (Instrumental)

"Crime Story" is the bonding together of several spy and detective themes, from the "Dragnet" opening through "Secret Agent Man" and the "James Bond Theme."

Surf (Instrumental)

The classic hit for the Lively Ones is well delivered in reverent style, with all the requisite fills and charm, though it's played a bit faster. Love that reverb!

Surf (Instrumental)

Frank Novicki's ultra chop chord fest titled "Boozefest" showed up on What Surf III. Here, they pull together a rockin' version of their drinkin' epic.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Shockwaves never figured out the Ventures intro, so Frank just wrote a new one, with more crunch and guitar chokes that worked really well. Splashy and powerful.

Surf (Instrumental)

Making nice with Steve Cropper's claim to fame, the Shockwaves give this classic Memphis R&B tune a whole new lease on life. Surfy, bluesy, and loaded with guitar torture in the name of art.

Surf (Instrumental)

I brought this song to the band. Frank Novicki arranged it at my insistence from parts of the Treasures and Steve Rowe and the Furies version. Always a fave of mine, it rips and shreds, cuts back and dives in. Great drumming, powerful guitar work, and solid thunder from below. Glissandoes fly up and down the neck, and the reverb sparkles. Fast, hot, and very cool.

Surf (Instrumental)

One of Franks more manic performance of "Miserlou," this drives hard and fast. Trashy chords, spitfire double picking, and lots of energy. What else needs to be said about this song?

Surf (Instrumental)

Closing out the set is a faster than life version of "Squad Car," with Jon's siren guitar replaced by Frank's raging siren double picked with extreme reverb. This is huge!

Surf (Instrumental)

This powerful thrashing of "Pipeline" closes out one of the band's more inspired sets. Frank is manic on the strings, delivering huge surf power and hard driving intensity.