Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | There are some great live takes here, showing off a band that's got their sound down, and have spent significant time on arrangements. I sure would like to get them into the Pit one day. There are a half-dozen or so vocals in this set, including an arrangement of "Temptation" that cries out to be converted into an instrumental. |
Picks: Miserlou, Comanche, Rebel Rouser, Surf Rider, Harlem Nocturne, From Russia With Love, Pipeline, Peter Gunn, Caravan, (Ghost) Riders In The Sky, Pedal Pusher, Magnum, The Godfather, Bumble Bee, Let's Go, Lonely Girl, Journey To The Stars, Peter and the Wolf, Fugitive, Diamond Head, Caravan
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Miserlou" is done in a way that brings to mind the Challengers, not that it's that dry, but it has similar energy. Nicely played.
Surf (Instrumental)
A gong opens this very liquefied version of the Revels' "Comanche." Nothing like the original in feel, the song is more sultry, though it retains the energy. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Duane Eddy's classic "Rebel Rouser" is delivered in full twang and cowboy beat. Almost simplified from the original, or perhaps more restrained, the song stands up well in this arrangement. The midsection is morphed significantly.
Surf (Instrumental)
One of surfdom's great classics, "Surf Rider" is virtually always a pleasure to hear, with its easy gate and smooth flow. Surferigno do well with it, retaining the feel while meandering off shore somewhat. Fine track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Earl Hagen's saucy "Harlem Nocturne" is played a little faster, bringing out the quirkiness of it more. Shimmering surf guitar and a Ventures-like feel, with a sorta Perry Mason edge.
Surf (Instrumental)
This classic song is nicely morphed into a lounge-surf mold that's fitting for the melody and feel of the writing. More than just pleasant, it entices.
Surf (Instrumental)
Morphed and evolved at least as much as the Neon Spores did, this rhythmic and original arrangement of the Chantays' classic "Pipeline" is well worth seeking out. It has an inviting sound and rhythm, and a different enough feel to avoid the "just another cover" label. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Henry Mancini's inspiring and often covered "Peter Gunn" is nicely packaged in a blend of silk and guts. The guitars play off of each other well, and the arrangement is quite good. The middle section is based on the main riff, but has a disturbed edge to it.
Surf (Instrumental)
An island adventure calls with tribal drums and distant silky guitars. The chop rhythm is very cool here. It's more a tropical jam than a song, yet is very satisfying!
(Ghost) Riders In The Sky 
Surf (Instrumental)
Surferigno play nice with Stan Jones's great epic of the plains. Delicate and cowboy cool, "(Ghost) Riders In The Sky" moves with a light hearted lilt and big twang. Totally cool! Keep them doggies moving!
Surf (Instrumental)
This Ventures' song is seldom done, and is very nicely arranged here, with a more fluid sound and performance. Tasteful track.
Surf (Instrumental)
This Spanish flavored track is fluid and exotic with its percussion and delicate shimmering vibrato. Pretty and very visual, with a rich arrangement. The song attracts and satisfies, with something for the tropical soul and the warm breakwater as well.
Surf (Instrumental)
In a tango mood, Surferigno plays with the theme from "The Godfather" as if it was a genuine song of the people of Sicily. Great drums, rhythmic second guitar, and dripping double picking. Pretty cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov's often rocked up melody is done in the Ventures mold stylistically. This recording is a more murky than the pervious tracks here, but the thunder of the drums and the drama of the performance is quite good!
Surf (Instrumental)
Chunky surf chops rhythmically drive this studio cheerleader classic. One of a handful of cool covers of this song.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a very nice track, with a warm progression and very friendly sound. Ringing chords and circular riffs, with a sad melody line. Quite enjoyable.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Ventures' classic space-surf epic "Journey To The Stars" was often covered during the original surf era, but is mostly overlooked these days. This is a solid and very reverent performance.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is brilliant! I've hoped for a surf cover of this song forever! Funky, playful, and very fun, yet seriously cool! There's nothing silly about the arrangement, just solid imaginative surf! Great track!
Surf (Instrumental)
One of the Ventures' more frequently covered songs, "Fugitive" is well done here, with great drums, solid bass, and good guitar interplay. Rhythmic and very inviting, with an infectious rhythm.
Surf (Instrumental)
More than just reverent, Danny Hamilton's "Diamond Head" is really cool! Great rhythm guitar and glissandoes, to say nothing of tuff drums. It's all held together by the solid bass. Quite nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
An island adventure calls with tribal drums and distant silky guitars. The chop rhythm is very cool here. It's more a tropical jam than a song, yet is very satisfying!