Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: The History Of Surf Music Volume 3 The Revival 1980 - 1982
 | Volume three in the series presents a cross section of the revival groups. Some carry on the traditions of the instro bands displayed on volume one, others vocalize like those presented on volume two. It was early in the revival. There were no ground breakers, but there were some really good reverent bands. Besides the seven instros, there are vocals from the Malibooz, the Bel-Air Bandits, the Toons, the Surf Punks, and Steve Goodman. |
Picks: Suicide Bay, Crash, Son Of Surf, Endless Sun, Night Of The Living Wedge, Journey To The Stars, Point Conception '63
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Cool rhythm track behind a sad/eerie instro. Moody, sullen, yet seems to imply a rebirth. A really a good listen.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Creations' "Crash" is covered here with great reverence. Pure trad surf stylings. "Crash" is a very infectious tune, and the band does well with it, fitting it nicely into their sound. Melodic, energetic, and well played.
Surf (Instrumental)
They blended really cool damped percussive obscuros with rhythmic chunky originals. Originally a four piece, they decided to remain a trio after the departure of one of many rhythm players, making them the first surf trio on disc. This track is from their incredibly beautiful Rick Griffin picture disc.
Spaghetti Western Surf (Instrumental)
This fine tune lies somewhere between spaghetti western and the Shadows. It is melodic, well crafted, and memorable. It's slightly mean, yet friendly enough to keep close at hand. A very nice track.
Night Of The Living Wedge Surf (Instrumental)
"Night Of The Living Wedge" is from their 1980 mini album on Rhino. It has been covered by the Mallards. It's a rousing modernized surf sound, with an edgy guitar and a full-on attack. Now, you'd think with all that money and them having such a strong "in" at Rhino, they could talk the scheduling masters there to release a complete Wedge CD. Their "Pipeline" from the second album is unsurpassed in clarity and brilliance.
Surf (Instrumental)
Totally accurate and much more magical cover of the Ventures classic single!
Surf (Instrumental)
This is an exceptionally good track. Better than nearly all other Surf Raider songs (IMHO), this employs a moderate pace and great dribbling glissandoes. It is melodic and very surfy. The enduring power of the track testifies to it's strength. I've been drawn to it since first hearing it in the early eighties.