Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | This 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lounge Surf (Instrumental)
"Ram-Bunk-Shush" is a seldom covered song. This reverent arrangement is warm and satisfying.
Surf Lounge (Instrumental)
This is a jazzy and tribal version of Duke Ellington's marvelous song. "Caravan" is powerful but subtle. Quite cool!
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.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Impact" is a song with a fifties orientation, a jammy basis that is none the less spunky and grooving.