Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Sidemen - Twistzentrale Live Recordings Vol. 1dotdotdotdotdot
artworkGawd, what a great live set! Twistzentrale Live Recordings Vol. 1 is worth the price of admission for "Peter Gunn" alone! This band is very strong!
Picks: Soho, Pipeline, Mr. Moto, Havanna, Astoria, Sidemen Theme, Green Onions, Trans Siberia, Peter Gunn

Track by Track Review


Soho dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Edge, twang, and whammy suggest Link Wray."Soho" is all coolness and thick with danger. Very cool!

Pipeline dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Pipeline" starts sans the glissando, but it quickly makes up for that with the wonderful tremolo and great drums. The charm and imagery of the The Chantays' original is not lost.

Mr. Moto dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Belairs' "Mr. Moto" is reverently presented. its executed with real understanding of the song's intent. very satisfying.

Havanna dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Havanna" is slow and sad, with haunted tremolo and exotic drums. The emotional content and sense of optimism are very clear. The arrangement reminds me of dead Men Don't Surf. I like this better live than in the studio.

Astoria dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Astoria" is a splendid song with crisp imagery and wonderful tone. It makes you move, and destined for a coastal drive. The drums and bass under the moody melody are very infectious. Wonderful!

Sidemen Theme dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

I like the way the arrangement works with all instruments. There's a real sense of symmetry. "Sidemen Theme" has an infectious structure, with a near ska pulled chord rhythm, pumping bass, and great drums!

Green Onions dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Booker T. and the MG's' "Green Onions" gets covered a lot. The keys play in a more piano tone, and the guitar is thicker and muted chop wet! Rock solid.

Wipe Out dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Wipe Out" is heavy and showy, with big reverb. It's a bit of a jam, but still shouts surf. The piano gives it a Dead Men Don't Surf feel. Great bass solo and reverb!

Batman Theme dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Neil Hefty's "Batman Theme" is all about that chord progression. The Sidemen jam on it to great effect, shouting the title now and then. Thick and definitely for a live crowd.

Trans Siberia dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Trans Siberia" is a unique and raucous number with a very catchy structure. this is a superb performance, full of chunk and power. The delicate nature of the main melody lines is exquisite!

Peter Gunn dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

That dark moody whammy line and bass thunder get me every time! While it sounds like it was inspired by Dick Dale's live take at Ciro's, it's all Sidemen! Totally cool reverb and chunk!