Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Los Mel-tones - Remainders
 | These five tracks are the remaining unreleased sessions from Los Mel-tones before Mel Waldorf moved to California. While not commercially available, the material is of such quality as requiring at least a public review and acknowledgment. |
Picks: Dueling Deuces, Distant Shores, Cabo del Cabo, Fuzzy Navel, Surf Clam!
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This thick number sports excellent reverbed rhythm guitar, and great writing. The melody is pure Los Mel, and the chunk characteristic of this band. It has a somewhat Spanish feel. The double picked lead is solid, and the melody line very good.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Distant Shores" is not a soft piece, but it does shout out images of Baja beaches. The melody is really nice, and the arrangement solid. In some ways, there's a hint of Mark Brodie in the feel. Excellent track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Mexico drips from every lick of "Cabo del Cabo." It's a gentle piece, picturesque and very pleasant. A beautiful piece with a warm breeze feel and a sense of restful hammock afternoons while the lawn mows itself. Excellent.
Surf (Instrumental)
Belly button lint and intoxicating wistfulness float across your mind as you imbibe in a "Fuzzy Navel." Playful, bouncy, and perhaps fit for a Drew Weaver interpretation.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Surf Clam!" is a double picked fluid piece with an adventurous riff with a slightly melancholy feel. Lots of fine glissandoes and playful changes. The vibrato guitar over the walking bass line in the break is a very cool idea. Love the reverb crash at the end.