Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Surf Raiders - Surf'n "81"
 | This ep was recorded live at the Pasadena Ice House in 1981, during the early days of this once very active band. The sound quality is poor, but the two great tracks cuts are worth the price of admission. |
Picks: Let There Be Surf, Squad Car, Wild Weekend, The Curl Rider, Church Key, Gum Dipped Slicks
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a hot performance of the Chevells' great obscuro. It's very hot and fun, full of power. The energy is masked somewhat by the compression breathing and muddy sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
Paul Johnson's tune made famous by Eddie & the Showmen is made more reverby by the Surf Raiders. Infectious sax reed sirens, and mucho pound. Horrid drums and muddy sound sap the life out of it.
Surf (Instrumental)
A tight and solid delivery of the Rockin' Rebels' one hit. Cool, but unremarkable.
Surf (Instrumental)
Sporting a nice pick slide, this performance is really good. This is their best original melody. Pure chunky glissando driven surf.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is spunky and all, but it just doesn't hold a candle to the original. The distortion guitar in the break is an interesting contrast to the rest of the Surf Raiders' material, but that alone doesn't carry it off.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Original Surfaris cut this as a single back in '63 or so. Here, the feel is retained, while the drums are ambient and thin. The melody is so cool on this song. Nice performance.