Surf - Rock Review: The Torpedoes - Good For The Country

http://www.thetorpedoes.com/

The Torpedoes, a power trio of surf enthusiasts with heavy-laden guitars, are a force to be reckoned with. Their unique blend of surf and rock, as showcased on Good For The Country, is a refreshing departure from the norm and a testament to their innovative sound.

It's hard to tell where they fall. The guitar progressions I heard are on the fringes of alternative rock, yet the port from which they carry out each mission is undoubtedly anchored in the surf!

The unconventional methods of groups like this have pushed an entire genre to the edge of creating an entirely new type of music. It has become so inviting and so aurally pleasing that I crave more. 

One striking aspect that caught my attention immediately was the distinct appearance of the three members of this trio. In contrast to the typical surf group aesthetic, each member exudes a unique style.  The guitar player, 'Big B', has a rock star/hippie look, the bass player, Jason Brown, could easily be mistaken for a Stray Cats tour member, and the drummer, Brandon Watson, resembles a jazz musician from the 50s. This visual diversity adds an intriguing layer to the band's persona.

One aspect that I rarely discuss but was impossible to ignore is the unique way The Torpedoes present themselves. The most notable track, "Theme From The Ipcress File (A Man Alone)", is a testament to their style.

With 17 tracks of crunching primitive power, Good For The Country is potent, high intensity, and outright gripping. It's like a wave of energy from the murky deeps, slashing and snapping at you, leaving you exhilarated and wanting more. 

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 1999

Tracks:

01. Manta Ray  

02. The Hornet  

03. Interplanetary  

04. Spanish Main 

05. Nebula 33-7  

06. Green Light  

07. Half-Pipe

08. The Mummy 

09. Midnight Surfer (Ode to Mark Foo)  

10. Gyro-scopic Control 

11. Theme From The Ipcress File (A Man Alone)

12. Secret Agent In Berlin  

13. The Naked Spur  

14. Stockyard-250  

15. Torpedo

16. Tarantula  

17. The Snake

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-Pop-Rock Review: The Lively Ones Hang Five!!! The Best Of The Lively Ones / Heads Up! The Best Of The Lively Ones Volume 2

Some groups have distinct and solid links to the original '60s surf sound. The Lively Ones are one of those select few that can stake a claim to that honorable distinction. They were an exciting surf instro /pop/rock/group that enjoyed doing originals and several covers. 

Hang Five!!! The Best of The Lively Ones and Heads Up! The Best Of The Lively Ones Volume 2 spans 47 tracks!

With their unique flair and color, The Lively Ones transformed covers into something new and exciting. Their renditions of other groups' songs always bring a fresh perspective and unexpected twists, making each tune a delightful surprise.

Volume 1, with its 24 tracks of surf music, is a treat for any surf music lover. The saxophone, a constant presence, adds a unique dimension to each song. It's a testament to the complexity of surf music—when a group incorporates the saxophone, the music transforms into something entirely new.

This is why The Lively Ones' cover tracks sound so fresh and exciting, not like the typical rehashed covers that can be tedious. This volume perfectly introduces one of the most crucial surf groups of the original first wave, released in 1995.

Heads up! The Best Of The Lively Ones Volume 2 is Del-Fi's most recent package of tracks. This CD features more of the trademark surf instro sound that you had the pleasure of experiencing on the first volume, as well as 23 more tracks of great originals and covers.

You must realize that if you have Volume 1, you must have Volume 2, right? Well, it's true! It's another slice of history that any surf music enthusiast would appreciate. This group is one of the founding fathers of that surf sound.

Forty-seven tracks are more than enough to cover this fine group's history and overall importance. Surf is currently experiencing a resurgence, or renaissance, if you will. It is only fitting that groups such as The Lively Ones can enjoy the renewed interest.

It's no surprise that Del-Fi is in the thick of everything as they were when it all started. With a gallant nod to the past, The Lively Ones and Del-Fi show you the way.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

April 1999
 

Tracks:

Volume 1

01. High Tide (Tranquilizer)  

02. Walkin' The Board   

03. Goofy Foot (Surf Battle)  

04. Surf Rider 

05. Misirlou

06. Chicken Scratch  

07. Surf Beat   

08. Exodus 

09. Caterpillar Crawl, The  

10. Telstar (Surf)   

11. Mr. Moto

12. Cryin' Guitar (Surfer's Lament)  

13. Livin'   

14. Guitarget(Hotdoggen)  

15. Crazy Surf  

16. Paradise Cove

17. Bustin'Surfboards  

18. Raw-Hide 

19. Shootin' The Pier  

20. Forty Miles Bad Surf   

21. Rik-A-Tik  

22. Happy Gremmie

23. Night & Day     

24. Hey Scrounge

 

Volume 2

01. Pipeline     

02. Surfin' U.S.A.   

03. Let's Go Trippin'   

04. Heads Up   

05. Tequilla   

06. Hot Pastrami   

07. Soul Surfer

08. Malibu Run  

09. Rumble   

10. Wipe Out   

11. Surfin' Safari  

12. Tuff Surf    

13. Surfer Boogie   

14. Stoked  

15. Guitar Man

16. Surf City   

17. Mexico   

18. Latin'ia   

19. Wild Weekend   

20. Sleep Walk   

21. 40 Miles Of Bad Road    

22. Torquay

23. Shut Down