Surf Rock Instro Review: Swivlin Wahine - Various Artists

What do we have here? Another surf-instro compilation called Swivlin Wahine? Yes indeed, and a double CD! Skully Records has outdone everyone this year with a double whammy of some of the best surf, instro, and garage music put together on one disc.

 35 tracks of great music that evoke images of beach culture, loud guitars, and beautifully tanned beach bunnies waiting for their heroes to come in from the thundering waves.

Whether you're looking back in time or thinking about the present day, it all stands for the same thing: loud music and fun in the sun. As plain and simple as the music that drives the stories, this is music to relate to. If you live in Minnesota or California, it doesn't matter. Anyone with an ounce of Americana running through their veins can find some pleasure in this music. I love it, and I always have. I'm sure you will too.

 

You will recognize some of the names, while others may be unfamiliar. Some of the heavyweights of the genre make an appearance…Slacktone, The Balboas, The Exotics, The Aquamen, and Plank. The list is endless. Even the tracks with vocals, which are often overlooked, are of exceptional quality. Now that says a mouthful regarding the quality and consistency of this recording. This CD doesn't lack in any areas; it's a real keeper. Now go get your Wahine Swivlin!

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 16, 2000

Tracks:

Disc One:

01. Jonny and the Shamen - S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Girl      

02. Glamour Puss -Space race

03. The Swamis -Swami Shot     

04. The Supersonicos -Execute Plan A

05. Slacktone - Gung Ho for Don Ho   

06. The Papaya Kings - Zombie Creep

07. The Balboas - Mt. Olive     

08. Voodoo Court-Fun Love In A Thong Bikini

09. Call Me Pepe - Mayday Malone   

10. Brazil 2001 - Girl From Orange County

11. The Exotics -Taste Of Honey   

12. The Del-Vamps - Monkey Surf

13. Partia -Pociag Do Nikad     

14. Las Patatas Bravas -Return of the Thin Man

15. Reach Around Rodeo Clowns -Bad Dudes A Surfin   

16. The Redliners -Crime Scen

17. Austin Transit Authority -Bock’s Car

 

Disc Two:

01. The Vibro Counts - Voyage Around The Moon   

02. Lonely Knights - Crash   

03. Urban Surf Kings - Giant Cow

04. The Lucky Shoes - The Wedge    

05. The Bone Sharks- Shark Byte

06. Mill Valley Taters -Hey Mr. Rock N Roll (part 4)   

07. Captain Bigwheel - Barbecue Gone Bad

08. Dirk Doom and the Overdrive Orchestra - Come Get Some   

09. The Waistcoats - Trailspotting

10. The Deadcats - Dragstrip 69   

11. The Aquamen - Rioja

12. 3 Balls of Fire - Island Girl    

13. Aqualads - Hotbox

14. Splashback - Over The Edge  

15. Los Mel-Tones - Breakers At Hanalei

16. Swamp Donkeys - Viva Sateanico  

17. Plank -South Sea Island

18. Da Surfones -Solo Surf

Surf-Rock-Pop Instro Review: Seks Bomba - Operation B.O.M.B.A.

Seks Bomba's Operation B.O.M.B.A. is a play on original motion picture scores, with all the suspense and adventure of the spy thriller movies it emulates. This CD presents an exciting and explosive sound.

The music encompasses surf, rock, lounge, and a fair bit of pop. The vocals are perfect for this setting, as they make you feel like a young boy sitting in the movie theater getting a thrill watching 007 smooch all the beautiful girls. Yes, this young man did just that. In my heart, I would like nothing more than to return to those days. Music like this really takes me there. 

The music is more than appropriate for a spy flick; it fits like a glove. The group does a nice job switching from a rocking instrumental jaunt to a lounge, sexy spy song—the kind where he gets the girl. Need I continue? I found this to be a very upbeat production. It made me feel great, and I was smiling inside.

The result is that the music accomplishes what it sets out to do. It sets the mood for the movie soundtracks that it spoofs and runs you through the gamut of emotions, like it is supposed to.

This is such a strong effort from Seks Bomba. The music would get your heart pumping, and the movies would be secondary. This excellent work deserves all the recognition and accolades that all the great soundtracks get, even if it is a spoof!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999

Tracks:

01. Jet City  

02. The Right Track (Baby) 

03. 'To Kill 89': Theme  

04. Bright Lights And You, Girl  

05. The Cat

06. 'Mondo Edgar': Theme  

07. Do You Know The Way To San Jose? 

08. Klown Kar  

09. Operation B.O.M.B.A.

10. 'Satan's Shriners': Main Title & Love Theme  

11. Last Call  

12. It Had Better Be Tonight  

13. Rum Holiday

14. The Seks Bomba Theme Part 1  

15. Bonus Track: The Seks Bomba Theme Part 2

Surf Instro Review- Get Wet - Self Titled (Les Fradkin)

 https://lesfradkin.com/

Les Fradkin and Get Wet surf at hyper speed! Whew, this cooks! Several tracks on this CD are soaked in surging saltwater reverb. It's getting plenty of attention on the MP3 throughway. (MP3.com was on fire then, and some artists were making good money!)

Les Fradkin plays guitar like there is no tomorrow on this release.

It starts with a killer rendition of "Bombora" and maintains momentum until your CD player takes a break. The covers are skillfully crafted, offering a unique take on familiar tunes. It's a treat to hear a cover version that surprises and delights.

When artists choose to cover a song, they can infuse it with their unique style, and Les does this with convincing flair.

The cover art perfectly captures the essence of the Surf genre, with its picturesque ocean view and charming palm tree hut. Be sure to visit their website to enjoy more of their music. Ready to get soaked in reverb? Dive in headfirst! 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. Bombora   

02. Surfin The Classics Pt. 2   

03. Apache   

04. Surfin The Classics Pt. 1   

05. Body Surfin'    

06. Telstar

07. White Sands   

08. Walk Don't Run 2000  

09. The Cruel Sea  

10. Sandblaster   

11. Walk The Nose   

12. Reverbia              

                             

Surf Instro Review: Monster Summer Hits Wild Surf- Various Artists

This is not just music; it's a fun in-the-sun party! I have noticed that children tend to enjoy this type of music. My five-year-old son can't get enough of it! Thanks to Dad, he has received good training in surf music.

Monster Summer Hits: Wild Surf - Various Artists is packed with hits.

The best thing about surfing comps is that every song is generally around two minutes or so long, so the listener benefits from getting a CD with 26 tracks. Loaded with hits.

Take a look at the cover of the classic 1960s surf art. You know, I remember when my brother would get all those models to put together and paint, including the crazy monsters and rat finks. Man, those were the days! 

Note: This was my first year of writing reviews, so it is rudimentary; however, I did my best to edit it for improvement.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

1998

TRACKS:

01. Surfin'-Beach Boys   

02. Surf City-Jan & Dean   

03. Surfer's Stomp-The Markettes

04. Theme From "Endless Summer"-The  Sandals    

05. Hawaii Five-O    

06. Surfin' Safari-The Beach Boys

07. Finksville U.S.A.-Mr. Gasser & The Weirdos   

08. Shoot The Curl-The Honeys

09. Tell em' I'm Surfin'-TheFantastic Baggies  

10. Ride The Wild Surf-Jan & Dean

11. Surfin' Bird-The Trashmen  

12. Surf Age-Jerry Cole

13. I Live For The Sun-The Sunrays  

14. Surfin' U.S.A.-The Beach Boys

15.  Papa-oom-mow-mow Rivingtons  

16. Wipe Out-Ventures

17. Pipeline- Jerry Cole & His Spacemen   

18. Summer Means Fun-The Fantastic Baggies

19. Pray For Surf-The Honeys  

20. Surfer Girl-The Beach Boys   

21. Goffy-Foot Glen-John Severson

22. Sidewalk Surfin'-Jan & Dean  

23. Surf Route 101-The Super Stocks

24. Doin' The Surfink-Mr. Gasser & The Weirdos  

25. Muscle Beach Party-The Super Stocks

26. Come September-John Severson

Surf Instro Review: The Iliusions-Surfin' and Stompin'

The Illusions group never made it big with record companies in the sixties. The music business can be vicious and unfair. I interviewed with Larry Ellis; it was interesting.

They were as good as all the groups they opened up for at many of the live dates that were so popular at the time. I can't understand why they never got a record deal. 

Larry Ellis, one of the lead guitar players, is a wonderful man who has corresponded with me recently. He has been invaluable and a joy to work with.

The Surfin' and Stompin' compilation was put together by one of the better labels, Gee Dee. If you like vintage Surf music, this is your cup of tea. I found it to be a delightful experience. This is the time when it was all happening in the surf community. All the great stories come to life through the music.

This is a remarkable testament to the sound of the day. There are some great surf intros on this disc! Finally, this great group of yesteryear is getting the much overdue respect and exposure they should have gotten thirty years ago! I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

2000

Tracks:

01. Surfer's Lullaby   

02. Lido Stomp   

03. Que Paso   

04. Jezabel   

05. Nitemare   

06. Lonley, Lonley Nights

07. I Want To Be With You   

08. Lonely, Lonely Nights (version 2)  

09. Earthquake  

10. OOH-POOH-PAH-DOO

11. Moanin'   

12. People Say   

13. I'll Go On Loving You   

14. If I Had A Hammer   

15. Summertime

16. Don't Take Your Love From Me   

17. People Say (1966 Version)   

18. Laura   

19. Gremmie Suicide

20. Endless Sun

Surf-Instro Review: The Vara-Tones-Jetty Subject To High Surf

Bill Epps and Rich Campbell, the founding pillars of The Vara-Tones in 1961, were among the pioneers of the surf-instro genre during its first wave. Their peak years, '63 to '65, coincided with the height of the surf-instro craze.

Over three decades later, they have returned as the revitalized granddads of a genre experiencing a remarkable resurgence, drawing renewed interest from all media outlets and a fresh, hip fan base with Jetty Subject To High Surf.

 

Yes, another group has risen out of the ashes to reclaim its territory. This is an excellent time to be making music. The world has never been more open to new and different sounds. The Vara-Tones, with their unique, familiar, and innovative sound, have never really received the recognition and opportunity it is now experiencing. No one deserves the accolades and fame more than the guys who were there initially, shaping the essence of the surf-instro genre.

 

With their unwavering commitment to the original sound, the Vara-Tones hold a clinic for eager ears willing to learn. They have successfully re-ignited their original sound with the help of today's technologies and equipment, ensuring that the base sound is still there, now with a little more oomph (as Phil Dirt says). 

 

The original hit "Repeto" (1964) has been given a shot of new life with an upbeat rockin' flavor and a new title: "Repeto 2000." The group plays the original and updated versions, giving you the best of both worlds. 

 

Speaking of the best of both worlds...When many original surf groups reform and combine their music with today's sound, it sounds so much stronger, with a new fullness and freshness. What was once a mere ripple from a recording standpoint is now a Tsunami headed your way to give you the ride of your life. It all sounds better now because of the enhanced and improved sound quality and sonics.

 

The Latin, island-flavored tunes are immensely viable. "El Sereno" and "Midnight In Mazatlán" are as picturesque and inviting as the beaches you envision while listening.

 

Welcome back, Vera-Tones. The surf-instro community needs more groups like you to reform and remind people from whence they came. How can you knock a group with a URL like www.speakerrepair.com/varatones, which is a nod to its roots and a testament to its enduring legacy?

 

Fair warning- if you have a surfboard in hand, and if this music is played loud, the jetty is subject to high surf.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck 

May 29, 2000

Tracks:

01. Surf Blaster 

02. Over The Edge 

03. El Sereno

04. Invasion Of The V-People 

05. Midnight In Mazatlan 

06. The Jetty 

07. Rendezvous Run 

08. Vara-Tone Stomp 

09. Varafied

10. Repeto 2000 

11. Sunset At The Wedge

12. Groo-V-Chicken

13. Drumbox 

14. Repeto ('64) 

Island-Surf Instrumental Review: Miles Corbin - Sounds From The Tiki Hut

Miles Corbin is best known for his contributions as lead guitarist for The Aqua Velvets, an instrumental surf group. He released his solo album Sounds From The Tiki Hut in 1999.

Bandmate Michael Lindner was a special consultant on this ambitious project, keeping the Aqua Velvet’s elemental musical tides flowing.

The Kahunabud performs on the Maui log drum, Selim Nibroc plays the Moroccan bongo, and Juan Amoratima performs percussion duties. As you can see, Corbin assembled quite a varied group of seasoned musicians in the studio for this session.

The only song that sounded like the Aqua Velvets was the last track, “Trail to Magic Falls.” Everything else sounds fresh and different.

What I noticed straight away was the simplicity and enchantment of the music. This isn’t like the lush, layered arrangements he plays on his regular gig; these are bare bones and stripped-down numbers. The drums lull you into a hypnotic daze, and the guitar will keep you going along for the ride. As pictured on the cover…it’s like sitting on the beach and playing your guitar to the sounds of the surf. Much like it’s depicted on the cover, the music is the romance of the beach in a beautiful island setting. It’s not hard to picture clear blue tropical water, sandy white beaches, and warm breezes when you listen to music so picture perfect.

How can you miss with alluring titles like “Sister Moonlight,” “Indian Summer,” and “Enchanted Island”?

The titles of the songs give you a hint of what lies in the story, and then the music paints the picture on the island canvas in your mind.  This isn’t surf music, so I call it Island Surf-Instrumental. The music stands alone waiting for a partner… it wants you to dive in, drown yourself in the salty air, and feel the ripples of musical delight brush against your senses and engage your imagination.

Grab your suntan lotion and coconut with your drink of choice and enjoy this beautiful music. Paradise awaits your beck and call…

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
May 23, 2001

Tracks:

01. Tiki Hut  

02. Coconut Syrup Daydream Skies   

03. Sister Moonlight  

04. Indian Summer   

05. Quintana Roo  

06. Enchanted Island  

07. Beats Around The Bush

08. Kahuna  

09. California Slack  

10. Trail To Magic Falls

Instrumental Surf Review: Randy Holden-Surf Guitar God 2001

Randy Holden, the self-proclaimed guitar god, has a special treat for his fans who remember him from his days playing guitar with a surf-instrumental group called The Fender IV. 

Yes, Mr. Holden has been around the block a few times. Calling himself a guitar god sounds like pretty heady stuff. Well, let me tell you, he can back up every word of it. And his guitar playing is a living testament to the title of the seven-track Surf Guitar God 2001.

Holden is not the classic once-bitten, twice-shy indie artist; he got screwed enough to make him reevaluate the music business. Back in his days with Blue Cheer, around the time Woodstock made history, some events nearly pushed a great artist to extinction. The self-imposed exile lasted for twenty years, and then he emerged from it, thank God. (There is a lot to that story in my interview.)

Holden is fiercely independent and motivated to succeed, and he has achieved this with great success. Holden himself painted the cover of this CD. As you can see, he is a very talented man.

Talking with Randy made me realize what a deep and sensitive artist he is. He is the consummate guitar player and technician. I referred to "Prayer To Paradise" in a previous review as a jam, and he quickly set me straight in an interview I conducted with him. He told me it was a sonata, not a jam. Jams are disorganized, and he loathes disorganization when he creates music. It makes perfect sense to me, and I learned the actual value of his creations in the process.

There are some great songs on this CD. "Prayer To Paradise" and all the other extraordinary compositions belong on this disc. For instance, "Hawaiian Rain," which epitomizes a tropical rainstorm, is the difference between getting showered with actual raindrops and an awe-inspiring blend of guitar chords. It beckons images of the beautiful island in your mind's eye.  The notes come raining down upon your consciousness. 

"Highway Surfer" and "Malibu Run" combine traditional surf and modern elements nicely. I realize that seven tracks don't look like a long-running CD, but do not be deceived by this. "Prayer to Paradise" runs 23:54, and "Hawaiian Rain" is 17:04. The rest of the songs are typically two minutes long, which is standard for the genre.

I have come to truly admire this man, not only for his complete artistry but also for his unyielding spirit and strength. He is a great man, playing great music. Anyone who can paint a picture like the one on the cover of this CD, enabling you to see it by listening to the music, has a gift that needs to be shared. Thanks for sharing your gifts with me, Randy.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 30, 2001

Tracks:

1. Margaya  

2. Highway Surfer   

3. Everybody Up   

4. Malibu Run    

5. Little Ollie    

6. Prayer To Paradise   

7. Hawaiian Rain