Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Neptunes - Live in the Living Room
 | This is the latest demo from the main reason Fresno is still on the map, those ever wonderful double necked reverb kickers, the Neptunes! A mere six songs on their way to becoming the next album. These are relatively good sounding recordings for living room demos. |
Picks: Full Color Mojo, Stratorang, Rip It Up, Bethany Rides Again, Mr. Moto, Jack The Ripper
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
"Full Color Mojo" is a rocker with splash and big chunk. The drums and chords charge very well together, and the whammy is nicely placed for real surfability.
Surf (Instrumental)
Double picked with a bit of ominous relentlessness, big chord whammied, and hard driving. "Stratorang" is a title that suggests beastly power, while allowing for a more delicate side. The introductory chords hint of "7 and 7" is, but the song is not like that at all.
Surf (Instrumental)
Dark chunky chords and rumbling bass thunder under a fine surf melody with a gray water wall just in view. "Rip It Up" is quite an attack, and it has a rolling forward feel that carries you along a dangerous journey.
Surf (Instrumental)
Bethany must be a spy, 'cuz her melody cries out for a safehouse as she goes about her daily espionage. For a break, she hits the surf in search of a perfect curl, and demonstrates why the song is called "Bethany Rides Again."
Surf (Instrumental)
While this is not a particularly original or flashy arrangement, it's so well done and augmented with subtle changes and ample surfisms, that it is simply a pleasure to hear. Paul Johnson's classic "Mr. Moto" is twanged as if it was an anthem in Fresno. What's that mean, you ask? Hell if I know, I'm just the writer.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Neptunes rock mightily on this cover of Link Wray's most awesome song. Some variables in the melody line give it a slightly different feel, and the drums and bass rumble and roll with exceptional jungle power. Very cool!