Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Swamp Coolers - Dry Heat
 | This is a fine CD full of rich music that crosses a few boundaries while retaining reverb and surf roots. Great stuff! |
Picks: Escape From El Diablo (El Diablo De Polvo), Hawaii Five-0, Journey To The Stars, The Lonely Bull, Pipeline, 101 On The 101, Out Of Limits, Ms. Moto, Europa, Route 66, My Favorite Things, Sonora Sunrise
Track by Track Review
Escape From El Diablo (El Diablo De Polvo) Surf (Instrumental)
This is a richly textured track with a catchy riff and whammy chords. The sound is unique to the Swamp Coolers. While the progressions are simple, they take unexpected turns that make this a very memorable song. Very nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
Sleepy island whammy and lush palms swaying bring forth a slithery version of "Hawaii Five-0." The wholly original arrangement of the first verse gives way to a pumped and wonderful arrangement inspired by the Ventures' original. Quite nice, and very refreshing.
Surf (Instrumental)
Liquidy and reverent, this glissando laden rendering of "Journey To The Stars" is solid and fun. The arrangement is a combination of others, with a touch of Thom Starr and a chorus.
Surf (Instrumental)
Sol Lake's beautiful "The Lonely Bull" is very nicely laid down. Lush and shimmering with surf anticipation, this moderately paced take is a pleasure to enjoy on the open road.
Surf (Instrumental)
In some ways, this reminds me of Dean Torrance's 1977 version, at least aurally. The drums play the glissandos a la the Challengers, and the guitars are fairly dry. The duel lead on the bridge is jazzy. The big break is pure rock. All in all, a different take on the Chantays' signature song.
Surf (Instrumental)
"101 On The 101" is a rock instro with the shimmer of surf chords. The melody is motion driven, and the feeling of the wind in your hair with the top down is quite pronounced. Just a regional note, but only Southern Californians refer to numbered highways with "the" in front of the number. The rest of us would simply say "101 On 101."
Surf (Instrumental)
Swirly chants in the distance fade as the classic riff ensues. Slithery, smooth, and unlike other covers of this Mar-Ketts' classic. Quite a nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
This oriental-ization of the Belairs' signature "Mr. Moto" is sultry and very cool. Moderately paced and whammied out, this reverb arrangement takes on a new sound and feeling that's liquid smooth and very enjoyable.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Europa" moves slowly through a European guitar melody styling that's tremolo driven and moody. Very nice.
Rock (Instrumental)
Bobby Troup's poppy TV theme made popular by Nelson Riddle and covered by hundreds including the Rolling Stones gets yet another lease on life. This time out it's saucy and liquid, yet tuff open highway motivated.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Swamp Coolers take on "My Favorite Things" as if it was meant for the surf. What a wonderful idea. Playful, smooth, slithery, and too much fun!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Sonora Sunrise" softly oozes the orange warmth of an equatorial morning. The stereo slither of the whammy chords shimmer in the dawn's light. Quite nice.