Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Scott Engel - Hits and Rarities Vol. I
 | This first of two volumes collects various pre-Walker Brothers tracks from Scott Engel, as well as a few Walker Brothers classics. Among the five instros here, two actually rock, including the illusive "Devil Surfer," with a sound that begs the question "were the Monarchs really Scott Engel and company?" Better than volume two, but just for the hard core Walker Brothers collector. |
Picks: Chick's Choice, Devil Surfer, Diskoteque, Greens, Ham Hocks
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
This is a pretty rockin' version of the Rockin' Rebels' "Wild Weekend" under the title "Chick's Choice." The guitar work is fast and precise, if a little thin. The rhythm is strong and the sax is raw.
Surf (Instrumental)
This rare single featured early work by future Walker Brothers guitarist Scott Engel. It's more like a sped up Monarchs than pure surf, but it's infectious and punctuated with the best Devil's laugh on a surf disc. It's rhythmic and mighty cool.
Frat Rock (Instrumental)
This is a kinda fifties instro with a bit of the Champs sound. It's essentially an instro treatment of the Rivingtons' "Papa Oom Mau Mau" with a fifties sound.
Greens R&B Jam (Instrumental)
Ultra low grodie guitar and organ chumpin' in an attempt to create a dirty version of Booker T. and the MG's if they were from Tacoma. More a jam than a song, but darn dirty.
Ham Hocks R&B Jam (Instrumental)
In a similar groove to "Greens," with low grodie guitar, sax and organ. Again, it's more of a jam than a song, but darn dirty.