Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Trashmen - Great Lost Album!dotdotdotdot
artworkThis is the great long-rumored send LP made up of studio tracks laid down between '64 and '66. The Trashmen were one of the most important garage bands of the surf era. These guys were just about the best the Midwest had to offer, and were more intense than just about any of their rivals. Their surf instros were magnificent. The CD release has one extra track.
Picks: (Ghost) Riders In The Sky, Greensleeves, Stick Shift, Hava Nagila, Bad News, Green Onions

Track by Track Review


(Ghost) Riders In The Sky dotdotdotdot
Cowpoke Surf (Instrumental)

This is a fine rendering of the Stan Jones song. It has the energy of the Ramrods' hit, and the solid surf pound of the Trashmen. It's moody and has a decidedly Southwest feel as well, unlike the Chantays' version. The double picked middle part is totally powerful. Magnificent.

Greensleeves dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Surf guitar does for this folk classic what it did for "The Breeze and I." It becomes both infectious and powerful, maintaining the delicacy of the original intent, and holding sway with powerful double picked reverb drenched dribbling notes. Mighty fine track.

Stick Shift dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Duals had a hit with this track. It was a fave among surf fans, even though it was not a surf song. What the Bellamy brothers lacked in surf attitude and sound is squarely implanted by the Trashmen. There's no doubt here that this is a perfect surf pounder. A melodic progression based tune with hot rod motors and delightful damped reverb lead lines. Previously unreleased from the November Kay Bank sessions. Totally cool.

Hava Nagila dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

The Dick Dale arrangement with deeper reverb via that dribbling guitar sound of the Trashmen. Fast, powerful, hot, infectious as all get-out. Necessary surf.

Bad News dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is an alternate take - at least the vocal shouts are different. It has all the enormous energy you expect from this fine band. Infectious and deliciously frat-rock silly.

Green Onions dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

Surfed up and chunky, this is a fine guitar version of the Booker T. and the MG's organ hit. It has lots of flair and cool dribbling guitar notes. Cool track.