Surf Rock Instrumental Review (Holiday): Los Straitjackets- ‘Tis The Season For Los Straitjackets!

http://www.losstraitjackets.com

Admittedly, it is a little early to be listening to Christmas music. I could not help but put this on, though. By the end of the month, I will have had my fill of seasonal music to review, and I will be happy that it comes only once a year.

Surf-instrumental music has always been a personal favorite, and Los Straitjackets never fail to deliver a unique and fun experience. Their vibrant Mexican wrestling masks and infectious sound make them a joy to watch. ‘Tis The Season For Los Straitjackets!

Well then, now you can put all of that together and have yourself a CD that will get you in the mood for the season. Could there be a better way to jump-start the Holiday than to a rockin’ and twangy “A Marshmallow World”?  (Released on a red vinyl 45 a few years ago, B/W “Sleighride”) or “Feliz Navidad”? Even though it may not seem right without Jose Feliciano’s vocals, it still sounds great. Every song sounds so wonderful!

The CD is not too long or too short; it is just right, with 13 tracks, the longest one being a little over three minutes. You must love this kind of music to appreciate it fully, although there may be some converts just waiting for something different to feast their ears upon this year. Usually, the only instrumental Christmas CD I put on is The Ventures Christmas Album (who have a new Christmas CD out too). Now, I have another one to add to the list.

This CD is a joyous toboggan ride down a steep hill on a cold December day. The faster you go, the more excited you get! It’s a perfect blend of fun and the spirit of giving, which is what the holiday season is all about. Let Los Straitjackets’ music guide you to a season filled with joy and excitement.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

November 3, 2002

Tracks:

01. Here Comes Santa Claus (Autry/Haldeman) - 2:11

02. A Marshmallow World (DeRose/Sigman) - 2:06

03. Feliz Navidad (Feliciano) - 3:10

04. Jingle Bell Rock (Prentis) - 2:41

05. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Marks) - 2:18

06. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (Traditional) - 2:23

07. Frosty the Snowman (Nelson/Rollins) - 1:57  

08. Christmas in Las Vegas (Amis/Angel/Curry/Lester) - 2:36

09. Let It Snow (Cahn/Styne) - 2:12

10. Sleigh Ride (Anderson) - 2:33

11. Christmas Weekend (Amis/Angel/Curry/Lester) - 1:53

12. Little Drummer Boy (Davis/Onarata/Simeone) - 2:40

13. The Christmas Song (Torme/Wells) - 3:16 

Surf Instro Review: Los Straitjackets-Damas Y Caballeros! Recorded Live!

https://losstraitjackets.com/

If you have been yearning for a best-of compilation from one of the best surf-instrumental groups in the universe, the wait is over. Los Straitjackets give you the best of the best, and it’s all done live in stereo on Damas Y Caballeros! (ladies and gentlemen) Recorded Live! The songs that the group has made famous over the last five years take center stage.  Those crazy gringos in their colorful Mexican wrestling masks are at the top of their game on this twenty-track CD.

The introduction is engaging. The MC, in a humorous yet cautionary tone, advises the women in the audience to refrain from consuming alcoholic beverages, hinting at the lively and potentially rowdy atmosphere of the event. 

As the concert begins, each song is introduced in both English and the Mexican dialect. The crowd hoots and hollers in response at song breaks, reacting to every comment that is made, regardless of the language it’s expressed in.

The music is unparalleled; it comes as no revelation to this instro addict. What is so impressive about Los Straitjackets, besides being one of the most incredible bands to don a mask, is their innate ability to maintain their sound live in direct correlation to what they do in the studio. Considering that a live performance is essentially a 'one-take' situation, where there's no room for error or retakes, they do a great job. I didn’t hear any miscues. It’s all right on cue at all times.

My favorites are “Casbah”, a high-energy track that showcases the band's signature surf-rock sound, and “Itchy Chicken, a playful and catchy tune that highlights the band's instrumental prowess. “Rockula”, a spooky and atmospheric piece that demonstrates their versatility, and the classic “Sleepwalk,” a soulful and emotive number that is a fan favorite and also one of mine.

I Love everything these guys come up with. I have enjoyed all of the studio recordings; now this is the icing on the musical cake.

Viva! Los Straitjackets!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

March 15, 2001

 

Tracks:

01. Introduction Of Los Straitjackets

02. Outta Gear

03. State Fair

04. Casbah

05. Calhoun Surf

06. Itchy Chicken

07. Last Date

08. Kawanga!

09. I'm Branded

10. My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From Titanic)

11. Squad Car

12. Rockula

13. Tempest

14. Lynxtail

15. Tailspin

16. Pacifica

17. Driving Guitars

18. Sing Sing Sing

19. Sleepwalk

20. Rawhide