Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Collection: Paul Buff Presents The Pal And Original Sound Studio Archives, Vol. 4
 | Nine instros ride among a plethora of vocals from the Pal and Original Sound archives. The Cordells' "Happy Time" is particularly cool! |
Picks: The Cordells - Happy Time, The Hollywood Persuaders - Drums A Go-Go, The Masters - Tropical Toothpick
Track by Track Review
The Biscaines - Menagerie Jazz (Instrumental)
Jazzy piano with New Orleans rolls and hand claps. "Menagerie" is a fun jam, but of little consequence.
The Bongo Teens - Last Night Bongo Rock (Instrumental)
This is a pale version of The Mar-Keys' "Last Night." Its arrangement sound contrived. Organ lead, guitar breaks, and bongos.
Paul Buff - Blind Man's Buff Pop Rock (Instrumental)
"Blind Man's Buff" is based in large part on Andre Previn's "Like Young." It's played on cheesy organ. Not very interesting.
Paul Buff - Runaway Wedding Song Rock (Instrumental)
Slow stomp progression rock that sounds like a backtrack waiting for a lead or vocal. The churchy organ plays part of the wedding march. Piano bass and drums pomp and circumstance.
The Cordells - Happy Time Surf (Instrumental)
This is a splendid surf instro. The melody riff is very cool, and the surf guitar rocks while the ax break ensues. "Happy Time" is as happy as its title. Great drums and reverb!
Mike Dineri - Stormy Weather Rock (Instrumental)
Billy Holiday's "Stormy Weather" has been a thousand times and much more interestingly. Basic sax, piano, bass and drums. If you never heard this, your life would not be diminished.
The Hollywood Persuaders - Drums A Go-Go Go-Go (Instrumental)
This is one of the best examples of sixties go-go instros, and it clearly illustrates the roots of disco. All you need to do is add a black singer and your there. This is hypnotically rhythmic melody free, and targeted squarely at the dancer. This is a cool track, both historically and rhythmically. Exceptional drums, big organ, and real hypno-thud.
The Masters - Tropical Toothpick Exotic Rock (Instrumental)
"Tropical Toothpick" is a slowish, slightly exotic track with some near surf guitar lines. Vibes in the break add a Caribbean sensibility. Consider it part way between surf and beach and tropical holiday. Pretty cool!
The Pal Studio Band - Walkin' Out Rock (Instrumental)
"Walkin' Out" is a classic example of studio creations based on a jam-like structure. There is a melody riff, but the song sounds like it does not come from a working band.