Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Vonrippers - Live Broadcast


 | This CD-R is written from the a live performance of the Vonrippers, recorded exclusively for KFJC, and broadcast on May 18th, 2002. The band was in fine form. All eleven songs are covers, yet the show was quite satisfying. |
Picks: Outer Limits, The Lonely Bull, Harlem Nocturne, Echo Park, Telstar, Sleep Walk, Skaterdater, Secret Agent Man, Blue Velvet, Music To Watch Girls By, A Day In The Life Of A Ripper
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is an excellent cover of the Mar-Kets' "Outer Limits." A sparkling opener with dissonant chords and throbbing vibrato lead. Solid and thumpin'
Surf (Instrumental)
Sol Lake's beautiful song made a hit by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass gets the vibrato treatment. Where others have slowed it down and made it shine, or cheesed it up, the Vonrippers treat it with respect without simply covering it. This is a fine arrangement, simple and direct, and very effective.
Surf (Instrumental)
Earl Hagen's glorious "Harlem Nocturne" shimmers like the Viscounts out in the cold, but without sax, it takes on a more sinewy and island sound. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
"Echo Park" sports effected chords behind trembling lead guitar. Its fluid riff and spunky textures are unusual and endearing. Very nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a throbbing vibrato arrangement, with shiny lead lines and an inversion of the meanness of Joe Meek's production. Optimistic and dribbling with surf.
Surf (Instrumental)
Surf dribble and the liquid flow of Santo and Johnny's classic slow dance number "Sleep Walk" are nearly irresistible. A fine and competent performance.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
Dark sustained fuzz delivers a careful nod to Davie Allan. This performance drives hard and flows with intense energy. Lots of flair and rising power. I'll bet Davie would like it.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
Ultra vibrato shimmer fronts this fine surf interpretation of Johnny Rivers' hit "Secret Agent Man." This venerable melody is always welcome in surf form. The Vonrippers do it right.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
It's darn scary when you can make a Bobby Vinton hit into a romantic surf epic. Very nice track.
Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
This playful tune from the last days of the instro on the top forty is a simple and pleasurable flight of fancy. Nicely done, and powerful too.
A Day In The Life Of A Ripper 


Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)
What a cool way to close out the set. Vibrato changes the whole idea behind the Beatles' "A Day In The Life." It works well, and the slower pace and sad tone of the writing seem fitting for the final hurrah of the Vonrippers.