Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

The Papaya King's debut disc is a surf monster. It is loaded with flair and power, solid writing, and exceptionally good playing. There are no dogs on the disc, and no relaxation either. Solid top to bottom. It also sports one of the best CD titles of the year! "Green Dodge Dart (with three chicks in the back)" (track 14) is a live vocal with pure surf backing and rockabilly vocal stylings, and a sense of the kinda tune that appeared in the soundtrack to Back To The Beach. This is a strong CD.

Picks: Theme, Hyperactive, The Goner, Chasing A Mermaid, Man or Mancini, Zombie Creep, Adventure, Rippin', On The Strip, Mr. Ed, Raki, The Corny One, Alone At Midnite, Theme (outro)

Surf Garage (Instrumental)

A moderately pumped version of Bobby Fuller's most familiar track. The demo thump sorta gets in the way, but the performance is spot-on, and the feel is perfecto. The guitar work is nice, especially the glowing glissandoes.

Surf (Instrumental)

A boss cover of the Astronauts rarity, rhythmically pumped out, with solid infectious textures. This is one of the Astronauts' quirkier recordings to cover, and it's melody is quite catchy. It fades in at the start. The rhythm guitar is playing a really nice little pattern that is different than the original, and it really adds to the piece. This is fairly garagie, sounding maybe like it's a live session. Excellent track.

Garage Surf (Instrumental)

The progression based tune has a charm and rhythmic attraction, as well as a surf crash sensibility.

Garage Surf (Instrumental)

Dramatic, edgy, and desperately seeking a microphone, this would be well served if better recorded. Grindy, thrashing drums, and a Link Wray in the garage sensibility.

Garage Surf (Instrumental)

The Dickster's post "Surf Beat" grinder, with a clear target on the block party. A ton of edge, a sneak assault, and a surf crasher.

Garage Surf (Instrumental)

Having fun with Henry Mancini's film theme, more surfy than Davie Allan's versions, but sloppily delivered. Can you say "party?"

Garage Surf (Instrumental)

Well, it's truly plodding, accented with reverby guitar lines, and based on a riffola.

Surf Garage (Instrumental)

The traditional Jewish song, made a surf standard by Dick Dale, and recreated in a garage across the street for you by the transportation borrowers. Spirited, but not well played.

Surf Garage (Instrumental)

This fine tune, is written most unusually, with odd progressions, a halting delivery, and a special chord driven feel. It is magically infectious.

Surf Garage (Instrumental)

This minor key tune is a progression with no sense of time, but then it doesn't seem to matter. Tunafish on a wry sense of humor.

Surf (Instrumental)

Quite reminiscent of "Born Free," this is a floating track with MOR tendencies. Nicely structured, and pleasant listening.

Surf (Instrumental)

There's a timer ticking away in this slow number, and a menacing few notes played over the spy flick backtrack. In the beak, there's some fine whammy vibrato. For such a no melody tune, it's quite interesting and fun.

Surf Garage (Instrumental)

Randy Holden (the Fender IV) released this in 1964. Here, we find the relentless drone accented by the high register second guitar chord work. The playing good, and the energy is solid.