Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
3 Balls Of Fire - S/Tdotdotdotdot
artworkThis 1988 cassette album from one of Austin's earliest instro bands contains some very nice tracks. It was recorded live to two-track Beta in '87. Mike Vernon's backup here is comprised of Vic Gerard - bass, and Chris Staples - drums, with Mike Buck playing drums on "Machine Gun," "Caravan," and "Impact." Frankie Camaro plays second guitar on "Machine Gun."
Picks: Beatnik, Atom Smasher, Island Girl, Machine Gun, The Kicker, James Bond Theme, Ram-Bunk-Shush, Caravan, Yellow Jacket, Impact

Track by Track Review


Beatnik dotdotdotdot
Rockabilly (Instrumental)

"Beatnik" sounds like it's right outta the late fifties rockabilly era. The chokes and gutty sound give this a very attractive sound.

Atom Smasher dotdotdot
Blues Jam (Instrumental)

"Atom Smasher" is a cool number steeped in the blues with a bit of a sixties jam feel, and a soulful beat.

Island Girl dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Slow pristine and scenic sounds and melody lines bring forth a vision of sultry palms and breezy sarongs. Very pleasing, quite pretty, and it gets into your soul.

Machine Gun dotdotdotdot
Surfabilly (Instrumental)

"Machine Gun" is thickly textured and rhythmic, giving it a very different feel than the Riptides' original. Though it sports less staccato firing, it retains the growl and meanness. Very nice track.

The Kicker dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

the jazzy licks of this playful track have plenty of charm. On the verge of finger poppin' choreography, "The Kicker" is simply fun.

James Bond Theme dotdotdot
Lounge Surf (Instrumental)

This is an accelerated version of Monty Norman's spy theme. Spunky and a little gutty, "James Bond Theme" is tastefully arranged.

Ram-Bunk-Shush dotdotdot
Lounge Surf (Instrumental)

"Ram-Bunk-Shush" is a seldom covered song. This reverent arrangement is warm and satisfying.

Caravan dotdotdotdotdot
Surf Lounge (Instrumental)

This is a jazzy and tribal version of Duke Ellington's marvelous song. "Caravan" is powerful but subtle. Quite cool!

Yellow Jacket dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures' "Yellow Jacket" is done in a fairly straight forward fashion. While it displays the 3 Balls Of Fire signature, it also is not really all that different from the roots, except in the much bluesier sound.

Impact dotdotdot
Rock (Instrumental)

"Impact" is a song with a fifties orientation, a jammy basis that is none the less spunky and grooving.