Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Surfriders [Paul Johnson] - Surfbeat Volume 2
 | Paul Johnson's studio project, and essentially a Challengers side project. Players include Paul and Art Fisher on guitars, and maybe Phil Pruden on sax. |
Picks: Wipe Out, Teen Scene, Memphis, Hot Pastrami, Surfbeat, Rum Runner, (Ghost) Riders In The Sky, Sloop John B., Ram-Bunk-Shus, Surfer's Blues, Sunset Surfing, Love Potion #9
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Using Dale Smallen's introduction to the Surfaris' hit, the Surfriders play a pretty straight version of "Wipe Out." It's one of the few where the drummer really grooves.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Hunters' groovy little instro "Teen Scene" is delivered in a surfy environ with precise and pristine guitar and tasteful piano. Lots of fine twang.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is basically a nonplused presentation of Lonnie Mack's variation on Chuck Berry's "Memphis." It has energy, but it's just not particularly memorable.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a pretty direct version of the Dartells' "Hot Pastrami" without the organ focus. The sax, bass and guitar team the melody line.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dick Dale's "Surf Beat" is dry and rhythmic, with solid drums and great plinking piano. Pretty fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
This Journeymen song is groovily rung out. The catchy riff tweaks your interest, and the combo cuts it well. Lots of twang and tuff drums.
(Ghost) Riders In The Sky Surf (Instrumental)
Very cool cowboy rhythm backs this catchy version of Stan Jones' classic tale of the west. It's not very surfy, but it sure does grab your sox. Excellent track.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Dick Dale arrangement less vocals, violins, and reverb. Nicely done, probably much as the Belairs did it in concert.
Surf (Instrumental)
Who was it, Freddy King or Bill Black or someone hit with this. Lots of fun as opposed to essential. The sax work is quite good. Sounds like Phil Pruden?
Surf (Instrumental)
This Journeymen tune was co-written by Paul Johnson and Art Fisher. It's a blues jam more than a song.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a fine melody line, warm and displaying that classic Paul Johnson flow. Paul co-wrote it with Terry Nolan. Great guitar and sax, and an infectious rhythm.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Coasters' hit gets the sax and roll treatment. Great whammy guitar chords and a nasty edge.