Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Ben Vaughn - Mono U. S. A.
 | Ben Vaughn, ex Ben Vaughn Combo, producer of the last Los Straitjackets album, creator of the TV theme and music for the Third Rock television show, and damn fine guitarista did these sessions at home on an 8 track with a drum machine. They are wonderful. This is a fine CD. |
Picks: Cross Ties, Our Favorite Martian, Exploration In Fear, Out Of Control, Sheba
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Link Wray's tune, done with a surf orientation, and a less dominant organ. The guitar tones are pure surf, reverbed and whammied as expected. This is a rhythmic tune, with a laid back driving beat.
Surf (Instrumental)
Bobby Fullers' most famous surf tune, recreated with loving accuracy and surfy tonality. This is a fine version, with the added vibrato second guitar. Great stuff.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Ventures made this into a scary dark space thing. Ben Vaughn makes it scarier and more evil, while not losing their image. A simple progression melody pleases, while the addition of exotica percussion gives it a surreal air.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dark and assaultive cover of the Crossfires' tune, perfectly played, and energetically delivered. The Crossfires' version is edgier, but this is cleaner and more approachable. Accurate and surf driven.
Surf (Instrumental)
This is the only cover of this primed for surf Johnny & the Hurricanes instro that I know of. It's like the original, but less energetic, more delicate. The guitar is echoplexed, and the Middle Eastern feel is retained. Tribal and effective.