Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA
The Trashmen - Tube City! The Best Of The Trashmendotdotdotdot
artworkThis is a fine compilation of the TrashmenÕs fine material, and features 6 instros. It is all from their Soma Records period, so you wonÕt find the Huey P. Meaux tracks here, but otherwise, it is one hot CD. This is one of the most important Midwest bands of the early sixties. They were the replacement for Auggie Garcia at the top of the most influential list, and were so popular that they headlined over the Rolling Stones on their first US tour.
Picks: Tube City, Misirlou, Bird Bath, Malaguena, Bad News, On The Move

Track by Track Review


Tube City dotdotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is an original tune with wonderful changes and intense delivery. Mostly fast and powerful, but the changes bring a slow pointed and stinging part waiting for the waves of accent. Marvelous. This has long been on my faves list. It is very infectious and powerful.

Misirlou dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

A softer sound than Dick Dale, but equally fiery. This shows off Tony Andreason's double picking prowess, and the solid sense of ensemble that this fine band reached. This is a very strong track.

Bird Bath dotdotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

When the ever nutso Trashmen decided to cover the Revels' "Church Key," they had to personalize it, like everything else they did. So, it became the demented "Bird Bath," with the gargling bird splashing in the water... The performance is hot, and the sound is pure surf.

Malaguena dotdotdotdot
Flamenco Surf (Instrumental)

Ernesto Lacuona's great song, first turned into a surf classic by this Minneapolis band. It's a fiery infectious must-have track. Major energy and finesse. There is no finer flamenco surf than this. Infectious, rhythmic, powerful.

Bad News dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

"Bad News" is a variation on "Church Key," as was also known as "Bird Bath." It's way faster, and much more frat-rock friendly. Highly spirited, and more demented than ever. Too fun!

On The Move dotdotdot
Surf (Instrumental)

This is a relatively postsurf instro, less melodic, more chord progression oriented, blues based, and lighter weight. While dryer, it still sports the rhythmic power of this band. A fine track.