Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Bikini Beach Band - Sour Cream For The Soul
 | The Bikini Beach Band have specialized in surfish inversions of chart hits for quite a while. This album continues the trend, and shows off a band that has really learned to record and mix. Lots of fun stuff here! |
Picks: Galloping Medley, Feel Good inc., Rehab, The Model, Tequila Rockingbird, 007 Theme, Aquafiestas, Another Brick In The Wall, Crazy, The Can Can
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a modern-ish number with an infectious beat and a bluesy motion driven sound. Aptly titled, "Galloping Medley" is a splendid sequencing of the cavalry charge finale of Gioacchino Rossini's "William Tell Overture" and at least one song I don't recognize, possibly from "The Osmonds" based on writers credit.
Surf (Instrumental)
Gorillaz's "Feel Good inc."' is a really fun popster with very coo whammy and twang. The beat and bass are infectious, and the guitars are warm and catchy. Very nice track.
Surf (Instrumental)
Amy Winehouse's "Rehab" fairs remarkably well as a surf instro. The rich bass and delicately reverbed guitars are perfectly complimented by very excellent production. Moody, soulful, sad, and yet suggesting a brighter day ahead. This is really well done.
Surf (Instrumental)
Kraftwerk's "Das Model" has found surf arrangements before, but most are not lush and romantic like this. Lovely tremolo shimmer, cool percussion, fluid bass, and wonderful guitar duets. I like this a lot!
Surf (Instrumental)
Very infectious rhythm and drums provide a foundation for OutKast's "Hey Ya!," but while it's very pretty, it doesn't change enough as it unfolds for my taste.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Tequila Rockingbird" is a splendid song with a great melody line and rich sound. Jangly rhythm, solid bass and great drums, but it's the superb, almost dribbling muted guitar bridges and lovely tone that make this just sing! The whistling is interesting too. Excellent!
Surf (Instrumental)
Monty Norman's "007 Theme" is done with all the spy required, and the lead guitar is more surf than British spy, so it takes on extra richness. This is a fairly straight forward arrangement, and yet it's very satisfying.
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor Surf (Instrumental)
Well now, Arctic Monkeys' "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" is an odd choice, yet it seems to work OK instrumentally. While it's not exactly melodically fluid, it's familiarity carries it along.
Surf (Instrumental)
"Aquafiestas" is a really fun track with an infectious guitar riff and rich, sort of bluesy feeling. Delicately played and hinting adventure and the beach. This really grows on you as it plays through.
Another Brick In The Wall Surf (Instrumental)
Experimental covers of Pink Floyd's "Another Brick In The Wall" have surfaced before, but this is the first time I can recall where it's been tremolo charmed. It's slow pace and lush guitar tone and finger poppin' coolness really add up. Like a sad lagoon anthem, the track engages, relaxes, and lures you in.
Surf (Instrumental)
Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" gets a sort of military country island treatment. It becomes lovely when the bongos and dribbling double picking comes along. Very nice.
Surf (Instrumental)
"The Galop" from Jacques Offenbach's "Orpheus in the Underworld" is a classy choice. Its bouncy melody line is enriched by very cool drums and bass boom. The delicate guitars give it charm. "The Can Can" is simply a delight!