Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Deadly Ones - It's Monster Surfing Timedotdotdot
artworkThis is a grand example of gimmick studio projects of the sixties. Unlike the "Rat Fink" mung, this has moments of brilliant instrumental surf with an edge and a unique flavor. Some of the originals here were written by (and reportedly performed by) Joe South ("Polk Salad Annie"). Most notable is "The Lone Surfer," melodically interesting enough to have been adopted as a regular part of the Berzerkers' set for the last decade.
Picks: It's Monster Surfing Time, Outer Limits Surf, There's A Creature In The Surfer's Lagoon, Surfin' Dockside, The Mad Drummer Part I, The Mad Drummer Part II, Raunchy, Rebel Rouser, The Moonlight Surfer, Help, Igor Goes Surfing, The Lone Surfer

Track by Track Review


It's Monster Surfing Time dotdotdot
R&B (Instrumental)

This is your basic R&B based instro, like a pale version of the Pacific Northwest Sound of 3-1/2 decades ago. The guitar twang is quite nice, but otherwise, it just tips it's hat to the Wailers, but does not come up to their standard.

Outer Limits Surf dotdotdot
R&B (Instrumental)

This is your basic raspy sax R&B mean rock progression theme, set for a rumble, but free of any encumbrances associated with melody. There's a bunch of screaming and shouting, and fun is had by all.

There's A Creature In The Surfer's Lagoon dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

This short introductory spaghetti western theme is spiffy, to say the least. It sports the required Italian twang coupled with modern edge. It's all of 42 seconds long, but has a lasting and powerful attack.

Surfin' Dockside dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Merging modern guitar tones and Enio Morricone's penchant for women coral accompaniment, this fine short blast (1:32) is downright infectious. It's cowpoke rhythm and beat rolls right along, and the cool cactus sounds sneak right into your saddlebags without even a whimper. Fine track.

The Mad Drummer Part I dotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

At fifty nine seconds, this doesn't leave you wanting more. Like an incidental bit from a pasta epic, it flows nicely, and has just enough coolness to make it work. Some drama, and twang jangle-twang guitar tones, mixed with light double picking create a nice balance.

The Mad Drummer Part II dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Super cowpoke fun, rampaging rhythms, and great plucking here. Melodic, infectious, and visual. You can almost smell the manure on the bottom of your shoe. Really fun track.

Raunchy dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

With a decidedly Austin sound, this blend of surf and pasta is very cool. It twangs, flows fluidly, and playfully whammies it's way into your consciousness. Infectious rhythms and melody line, and bright rich tones.

Rebel Rouser dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Pristine haunting sounds, distantly whining a mournful tune. The rhythm guitar is vibratoed, while the lead is like a lap steel carried on a warm summer breeze from far up the canyon. Slow and silky, and very hypnotic.

The Moonlight Surfer dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Intense cowchunk twang. This is entirely fun, vibrato cool, spaghetti sauce smooth, and very listenable. Big guitar twang, and a bunch of energy. very nice track.

Help dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

The lead guitar here is double picked, full bodied with round tones, but dry. Intense, chunky, and punchy. This melodic track is somewhat reminiscent of the Hollywood Surfers, but not as raw. Fine track.

Igor Goes Surfing dotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Mid to slow tempo, vibratoed, intense, dramatic, and haunting. This is a solid track, with a great sound, and a fine balance between the lead and rhythm. Cool.

The Lone Surfer dotdotdotdot
Spaghetti Western (Instrumental)

Vibrato twango long rider shimmering. The cactus needles and sunset campfire ethic are too visual. Very fine track.