Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA

The remix-remaster of this already very cool album is just that much better. Even if you already own the original release, you should check this out. A few extra tracks add reward to your search for surf. Very cool indeed!

Picks: Exodus, Pintor, Man Of Mystery, Tequila, Red Top, Mission Impossible, Bullwinkle Part II, Surf Rider, Hawaii 5-0, The Jester

Surf (Instrumental)

Completely remixed (at least), with the crowd mixed mostly out, "Exodus" is just fine. The arrangement is based on The Lively Ones interpretation. Tremolo shimmer amps those big stinging chords. The mastering as well as remixing give this a lot more presence. Very cool!

Surf (Instrumental)

The Pharos' "Pintor" is richly textured and very well done. The whammy lends surf credibility to the Spanish basis of the melody. The rhythm is much more obvious on the remix, and that is a great thing. The changes are subtle, but really bring out the magic of this track.

Surf (Instrumental)

The Shadows' "Man Of Mystery" is more immediate and fuller than before. This accurate rendering is melodic, rhythmic, and infectious. It has a more surf sound than the original of course.

Party (Instrumental)

Chuck Rio's classic is faithfully delivered, and the new mastering has added warmth and fullness. Strong sax lead.

Big Band (Instrumental)

The Big Band Jive era lies mostly untapped as a source of surfable covers. The few exceptions are wonderful (Flat Duo Jets - "Sing Sing Sing"). Woody Herman's tune seems an almost natural for the fifties based instro style, though not for surf. This is a good track, but not very surfy.

Walk, Don't Run / Perfidia / Blue Moon / Lullaby Of The Leaves

Surf (Instrumental)

The Ventures medley is respectfully delivered. This is still a little muddy sounding to me.

Rock (Instrumental)

The Ventures' "Yellow Jacket" is pretty toned down despite being a little thicker than before. Tasteful and artfully done, though fairly pedestrian.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a cover of a hard driving song done with a lighter delivery. The drummer is working hard in the drum breaks.

Surf (Instrumental)

Ready for the TV OD, we are thrust into the phone booth where our ancient tape recorded self destructs. I think this is among the better covers of this tune, and it's pretty straight forward instead of being cutesy like most others. Nice subtle job boys.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a strong cover of The Centurions' "Bullwinkle." It's moodier in a toned down bluesy way. The remix is much more pleasurable aurally. Very cool in a more moody and less threatening way.

Surf (Instrumental)

Nokie Edwards' often covered intro is very tastefully done. More engaging than The Ventures' version, less magnetic than The Lively Ones' classic surf cover.

Surf (Instrumental)

Book 'em Danno, murder one." Slightly restrained performance, though tight and very listenable. The usual assault of covers is missing, but the polish overcomes the loss.