Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Tarantulas - Greatest Hits Or... The Big Sellout!
 | 9 very impressive instros with wholly original arrangements and writing. This is a very strong release. About a third of the album is vocal, including one really cool song called "Blonde Hair and Roses" that is mostly a very haunting and intriguing instro injected with light almost psych-era vocals. Its vibrato and darkness, shimmer and heavy thunder make it very cool. |
Picks: Surf Out!, Shark Attack!, TR-6, Skateboarding Is Not A Crime, No Gato, Bato!!, Third Break (From The Shore), Freakazoid Mind Warp, Death Zone, Banditos de Rojos
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
It's amazing when a very simple riff is coupled with a perfect backtrack and just the right spirit, because it becomes a splendid record. Infectious and rhythmic, and a simple pleasure. Tasteful glissandos and a big chord end add real surf playfulness.
Surf (Instrumental)
Big swimming chords, splashy reverb, and a dangerous edge. "Shark Attack!" has a bit of a dark side, with a melody line that's not optimistic. Great dribbling glissandos and menacing tribal thunder.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Sandals classic "TR-6" is done with a rich darkness that it did not possess first time around. It seems a bit slower, yet is meaner and more defiant. Quite cool!
Skateboarding Is Not A Crime Surf (Instrumental)
This is an almost flippant song with a bouncy beat and light heart. it seems at odds with the little snots that tackle pedestrians and destroy private property with their makeshift ramps and graffiti. Very fun.
Surf (Instrumental)
Well, this is interesting! Classical flamenco and surf intertwined for a deliciously contradictory ride. Great acoustic guitar and reverbed splash. It's amazing how well this works. Wonderful.
Third Break (From The Shore) Surf (Instrumental)
In a not-to-subtle nod to Hendrix's title, the Tarantulas blast off with a playful and thoroughly delightful song. Great muted splash, delicate notes, ska-like rhythms, twanging chords, and just too much fun!
Surf (Instrumental)
This bonus track is a punchy and trippy track with very cool military drums and a highly unusual sound and structure. It's endearing right from the start. Superb!
Surf (Instrumental)
What a fine track. The guitar plays like it's made of liquid, with splashy notes flying about in a most playful fashion. The Leslie whirls and the drums rock. A totally cool track.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a splendid live rant with rich Spanish flair and tribal thunder. Black-laced senoritas and outboard reverbs are a deadly combination. Plenty of energy and lots of flair. Exciting and cool.