Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | Several of these tracks are versions of the same songs on The Astronauts' Competition Coupe album, almost to the point that one wonders which came first. "Little Ford Ragtop," " Devil Drivers Theme," "Happy Ho-Daddy," "Chevy Scarfer," "Devil Driver," "4.56 Stingray ," and "55 Bird" are all in common between the two albums. The Vettes sound like a studio creation with the usual suspects in tow. Produced by Bruce Johnston and Terry Melcher. Historically interesting, and if you're at all into the studio system and producer-pop, this is a cool and obscure bit of the story. |
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Track by Track Review
Hot Rod Horror (Instrumental)
Grumbly and droolingly mean, this cover of the Astronauts' "Devil Driver's Theme" is more about menacing and less about skill. The sound suggests a studio band, and the wolf howls add a little terror to the mix.
Surf (Instrumental)
Certainly less interesting than The Astronauts' version, but with a certain charm. The drums sound like Hal Blaine. Mostly a sax rocker with some rockin' guitar jammin'.
Surf (Instrumental)
Electric piano guides this riff rocker. It may be a fun jam, but it's not particularly well developed, despite layered instruments and some chemistry.
Surf (Instrumental)
Continuing down the path of part 1, with nothing new to add.
Surf (Instrumental)
Some great drums from Hal Blaine, and spunky sax hollerin'. Lots of energy and spirit, but much more a jam than a song. Mostly sax lead and guitar noodling.
Surf (Instrumental)
Pure studio jam here, sans peanut butter! Spunky and well recorded, but musically nothing more than a jam. There are some very nice sax moments - squonkin' cool at times.
Surf (Instrumental)
Typical Bruce Johnston beat and jam, a bit like The Piltdown Men, and perhaps interesting for the use of fuzz. "Shutdown King" has some charm.
