Instrumental Rock Review: The Cadillac Hitmen-Tri-State Killing Spree

The Cadillac Hitmen have a new CD out! This is exciting if you love their music like I do. I had it out of the package and in the stereo within 5 minutes of taking it out of the mailbox. What an exciting sound they produce.

Elements of Surf and spaghetti (Western) ala Marriconne make for one massive wall of sound that will knock you out! On this outing, their second album, I noticed that they take a few different roads. The ride is a flat-out screaming drag race down an endless strip (like the album cover).

I am astounded by their ability to switch back and forth from rhythmic acoustic guitar to resounding electric chord progressions. I heard some heavy-duty Rock guitar that caught my ear a few times.

This group's original sound provides a seemingly endless journey to instrumental bliss. They must be awesome live. Jeff Morris tears it up on lead guitar. He is a talented musician. 

The Cadillac Hitmen are among the best instrumental groups in the U.S. today. No, they are not Surf. This is a multi-talented instrumental unit with enormous growth potential. The future looks bright for one of our most colorful, shining stars. 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. Black Snake Road   

02. The Bullet Dance    

03. Lock N' Load   

04. Tri-State Killing Spree   

05. Blue Agave

06. Tombstone & Gila   

07. Cold Sweat   

08. The Painted Desert    

09. El Gringo Muerte   

10. Do The Iguana

11. Race For The Border

Surf and Rock Instrumental Review: The Fireballs - Blue Fire & Rarities

George Tomsco was a fireball of energy on that guitar and still is. He gives you a tour of his exceptional guitar playing on some of his favorite songs, such as "Torquay" and "Bulldog" on The Fireballs - Blue Fire & Rarities. 

This is getting back to basics, Rock' n' Roll 101.

Insert the CD into the stereo, and class will begin.

Although most songs were recorded in the 1960s, they have that '50s rock feel, with a unique and exciting Tex-Mex twist only George could deliver. It's a musical fusion that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

I found it to be a lot of fun to listen to. There was plenty of toe-tapping when this played. This is not just a musical journey, but also a valuable opportunity to learn about George's musical roots. You'll come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of his unique style.       

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. The Fireballs - vocal Chuck Tharp - I Don't Know   

02. Jimmy Craig - Oh Little Girl

03. Buddy Holly - Bo Diddley   

04. Arthur Alexander - You Don't Care   

05. Jerry Roberts - Little Bitty Lover

06. Larry Trider - Don't Stop     

7. Don Hume - Go Right Ahead  

8. Buddy Holly - Peggy Sue Got Married

09. Pat Carter - Lyin' Ways    

10. Carolyn Hester - That's My Song  

11. Hulan Bass - Little Bitty Man

12. Fireball Country - vocal by George Tomsco - Goin' Away  

13. Tommy Haney - Like All The Others

14. The Fireballs - Walkin'  

15. Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs - Sugar Shack   

16. The Fireballs - Fiero

17. George Tomsco & The Dots - Mexican Fun   

18. Buddy Holly - Crying, Waiting, Hoping

19. George & Babs - You Don't Need Me    

20. George & Babs - Come On Home

21. Buddy Holly - Learning The Game   

22. Ben Wasson - It's Spring Time Baby

23. Gary Lee Swafford - Bandit Boy   

24. Gary Lee Swafford - Drum Riot   

25. The Fireballs - Say I Am (What I Am)

26. Wes Dakus - Las Vegas Scene   

27. Chuck Tharp & The Fireballs - Let's Take The Long Way Home

28. Pat Carter - Tell Me   

29. The Fireballs - demo - Rip It Up   

30. The Fireballs – Torquay

Surf Rock and Instrumental Review: The Best of The Fireballs—The Original Norman Petty Masters

Norman Petty was a brilliant man who saw the group's talent, The Fireballs.

The Best of The Fireballs—The Original Norman Petty Masters features great music by some very talented musicians. These are classics taken from the original masters.

The period covered the late 1950s through the early 1960s. This is essential Fireball music. It is a must-have piece for anyone who is a fan or collector of their music.

If you know anything about the history of instrumental rock, or if you don't, The Fireballs, The Ventures, and The Shadows were key components in developing the classic surf instrumental sound from the 1950s onward.

Your collection would be incomplete without it. It's good rock' n' roll performed by some true craft masters. It's a delightful journey down a road forever preserved in time.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

June/July 1999

Tracks:

01. Torquay   

02. Bulldog   

03. The Carioca   

04. Yacky Doo   

05. Foot Patter   

06. Dumbo   

07. Vaquero

08. Long Long Ponytail   

09. Gunshot   

10. Nearly Sunrise   

11. Rik-a-tik   

12. Quite A Party  

13. Really Big Time   

14. Peg Leg  

15. Fireball   

16. Panic Button   

17. Cry Baby   

18. Tuff-A-Nuff   

19. Find Me A Golden Street

20. Blacksmith Blues   

21. Daytona Drag   

22. Kissin'    

23. Chief Whoopin' Koff    

24. El Ringo    

25. Torquay