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 Live Review & Interview (John Blair): Jon & The Nightriders-Recorded Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go (January 10, 1981)

Release Date:  April 18, 2014

Label: VOXX

ORDER THE VINYL

Jon & the Nightriders tore the roof off Hollywood’s Whisky A Go-Go in January 1981. This legendary venue has hosted some of the most iconic live performances in music history, and that night in January was captured for this LP.

 

The Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go LP is heavyweight quality vinyl purchased directly from Jon Blair.

 

Here is the lineup of musicians for the classic surf rock recording:

Jon Blair-Lead Guitar

Dave Wronski-Rhythm Guitar

Niki Sixx-Bass (Not the Motley Crue band member. Listen to the interview)

Dusty Watson-Drums

 

What a powerhouse of talent! Wronski’s rhythm guitar is a force to be reckoned with, a fact proven by his future lead performances with Slacktone. And with his bandmate Dusty Watson on drums, this lineup is a force of nature.

 

If you’re a surf instro fan, you will immediately recognize all the classic tracks the band covered.

The recording is excellent musically and for overall clarity and crispness of sound. Additionally, you get a download card for your digital archives with four bonus tracks. These include three alternate versions of classic tracks, providing a unique perspective on the band’s performance.  It is quite the package of music.

 

This record explodes with some incredible surf rock instrumentals. “Rumble At Waikiki” kicks things off, and it’s a wild way to start. The music is blasting at full volume. This is the way this music should be played, just as Dick Dale did when the first wave of surf commenced.

 

Every track is superbly done with the vintage reverb, tremolo, and glissando riffing in the spotlight every step of the way. For instance, on “Surf Party,” the band cranks, and you get a good taste of all those aspects of this music.  

 

While every track is played with speed and accuracy, more than a few are in hyperdrive. “Force of Gravity,” a bonus track, is an excellent example of that.

 

Worthy of note are all the transitions they make within each track. Even though the music is known for its short recording times, one of the trademarks is how transitory it can be.

 

The Marketts get a nod on the other bonus track on Side B with “Outer Limits.” The Ventures’ “Walk Don’t Run” and The Astronauts’ “Baja” get their due as well on the digital download. You will hear fired-up versions of those legendary tunes, with the bass and guitar cranking it out.

 

The six-and-a-half-minute “Medley” is excellent. As “Banzai Washout,” “Surf Jam,” and “Pipeline” get the Nightrider treatment. Chances are, you have not heard these songs played live in such a way on a surf instro LP too often. They just cut loose on every track and rock out.

 

Recorded Live At Hollywood’s Famous Whisky A Go-Go is not just a look at surf music history; it’s a visceral experience. The passion, color, and precision with which each track is played are a testament to the enduring power of live music.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder

August 4, 2025

Tracks: A1. Rumble At Waikiki 2:44 A2. Mr. Moto 1:58 A3. Surf Party 2:21 A4. The Nightrider 2:03 A5. Surfin' And Spyin'1:31 A6. Hawaii Five-O 1:39 A7. Force of Gravity * Bonus B1. Baja 2:34 Medley (6:13) B2.a Banzai Washout B2.b Surf Jam B2.c Pipeline B3. Church Key 2:15 B4. Squad Car 1:55 B5. Outer Limits* Bonus Digital Download Bonus Tracks: 15. Walk Don't Run 2:41            16. The Nightrider (alt) 2:15       17. Squad Car (alt) 1:55 18. Baja (alt) 2:47