This is not just a track-by-track duplicate of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Jesus Christ Superstar. The title of each song may be the same, but the interpretation is refreshingly unique. The first thing that grabs you about this 2-disc set is the eye-popping cover; the second is the title Jesus Christ Surferstar.
Some folks in a Christian mindset may not take this too kindly, just as I am sure many did when the original soundtrack was released in 1971. Take heart, my friends; it is all for the good of your spirit.
This
collection showcases a myriad of artists and musical styles, from veteran
surf-instro artists like Susan and the Surftones, Hypnotic V, and Three Piece
Suit to names you may not notice so readily, such as the Atomic Mosquitos and
the Lava Rats. This diverse lineup offers a good opportunity for these bands
and enriches the listening experience with various sounds and styles.
The
very first song is by a band called Daikaiju, and they fittingly begin the set
with passion and verve, taking on “Overture”as
if it was their mission in life to do so.It
kicks things offin a way I did not expect. I find it difficult to
put into words what I heard. Surf-rock with a futuristic twist is the best way
to describe it; it was unlike anything I have ever heard from the surf-instro realm. It is very cool
and quite different. I was very pleased with the progressive take on the style, and I
hope the genre will be heading in that direction more. If the song indicated growth or the birth of a sub-genre, we
have reason to be excited. After that song, you get what
you would expect… surf-rock-instro and some vocal tracks with a garage
sound to back it all up. Various tracks
keep your interest, which can be challenging when assembling many
tracks.
Although
this music is excellent, some areas
could improve with this package. OmOm needs some organization and structure in its
presentations. The artwork on their
covers is always good, but the layouts
on the inner sleeves need a lot of work. It is all far too busy and confusing to the human
eye. The fact that the tracks are not
numbered makes it challenging to distinguish between each disc, adding
to the disarray. It would have been more palatable if all that information was
in a booklet and the inner sleeve was
dedicated to artwork and production
credits.
This essential attention to
detail should come as second nature when preparing such a comprehensive music collection. The next step should be the
critical details of all the players and talent available. If these aspects can
change, the label will fare much better
from a marketing standpoint. Other than
that, this is an excellent collection
of tunes that I plan to have playing in the backyard this summer while barbequing and
swimming with the kids!
I
was intrigued when I received a professional letter from Paul Johnson's
management about the recent The Surfaris release. PJ, a surf-instrumental
guitar legend, and this band, one of the originals from the first wave of
surf-instrumental, coming together to remake the essential tracks that helped
to spawn an entire genre is a significant event. Their influence on the
surf-instrumental genre is undeniable, and their music should be appreciated
and respected.
Basic
Tracks
is a title that means more than it implies. These songs set the standard and
paved the way for an entire genus of music. They are classics that will never
age as long as someone is willing to play them, re-record them, and engage new
listeners.
The
Surfaris have reformed and updated each song with the crackling sparkle of a
cold wave crashing to the shoreline, that shoreline being your ears, mind, and
senses. How many versions of "Wipe Out" and "Misirlou" have
you heard? I reckon quite a few, but if you are a true instro fan,
you never tire of hearing those songs. Look at the mileage groups like The
Ventures and artists like Merrell Fankhauser (the original creator of
"Wipe Out," in case you did not know) have gotten from their catalogs
of extensive material over the years.
There
is an apparent reason for this: their music has qualities that people can
relate to; it enables listeners to find validation in a particular time or
place. This collection is no different, and the effect is the same; the songs
sound new and refreshing again.
Songs
constructed like this are different; there are no words, just music. That gives
each track an edge and flexibility, allowing many types of musical styles to be
used and reshaped time after time.
Although
this is not common practice, as these songs usually remain intact within the
framework of this particular musical style, they can come back again like
unlimited refills at a soda fountain, with a little more juice and a twist of
lime for flavor.
As
the back of this CD says, legends live forever. Yes, they do, and so does their
music.
My summers would be incomplete without a Merrell Fankhauser
surf-instrumental-rock album playing in the backyard amongst all the seasonal
activities. I will have another great rock 'n' roll album to spin this summer
by the legendary guitar man from the California Central Coast near Pismo Beach.
Rockin and Surfin Vol. 1 is the latest in Fankhauser's long line of
treasured releases. At one point, he would no longer record this type of music
because everyone from his surf band, The Impacts, had passed away, but with the
urging of friends in the music business, he decided to give it another go. I
would be deeply saddened if this man had never made another surf-instrumental
album; it would have fit him like a glove. We are the lucky recipients of yet
another masterful performance by one of the best to ever strap on a six-string.
When you hear his incredible instrumental version of Dylan's
(most people think of Hendrix)"All Along The Watchtower," you will understand where I am coming from. There are the cover tunes, as there usually
is at least one or two on any good surf-instro album worth its salt (no pun
intended). He does terrific renditions of the all-time classics
"Baja" and "Pipeline," as only Merrell can. Those of you
who are familiar with his work know what I mean when I say that.
Getting back to more updated sounds, "Wild
Gyrations" (my favorite track), which features some killer sax, and
"Rockin and Surfin" are splendid slices of surf-rock instrumental
heaven that will bring you right to that sandy white beach or a ride on your
favorite surfboard inside your mind. This music is picturesque, and it does
help you envision things related to the music and culture. The closer,
"Last Wave At Hanalei," which serves as the sunset to this great set,
saves your seat on the beach, and that is where you stay until the album is
through. It is pure pleasure, and the sun's warmth comes through your speakers.
I listen to this music, and it always makes me feel great!
Merrell is a believer in using vintage equipment to get his
unique sound. He gave me an overview of what he used for the album:
I used a 1962 Fender Jazzmaster guitar and my 78 Fender
Telecaster for the electric guitar parts, a Dobro slide on a few songs, and a
Martin acoustic steel string & classical guitar. The electric was played
through A Fender Blues Delux tube amp, and a Dan Electro' Nifty Fifty' amp run
through a 'Blue Tube' pre-amp, a Fender Bass on all bass parts. All final mixes
went down to a 2-track 1/4" Ampex analog recorder. That really keeps the
warmth in the music. I don't like Computer or Pro Tools recording; it just
sounds too digital. Surf music needs tubes and analog recorders. Chamber reverb
is all we had in the old days until the spring reverb came along. The
stand-alone Fender reverb units have the best quality for getting that original
sound we had in the early 60s. I also run Yoriko's piano and Organ / Synth
through an Apex tube pre-amp to warm it up.
Keith "MuzikMan"
Hannaleck
April 10,
2004
Rating-8/10
Tracks:
01.Rockin and Surfin (2:42)
02. Johnny B Good (3:07)
03.All Along The Watchtower (5:04)
04.Wild Gyrations (3:17)
05.Beach Boogie (3:03)
06.San Ho Zay (3:27)
07.Sukiyaki (3:04)
08.Surfin 101 (3:04)
09.La Perouse (2:59)
10.Pipeline (3:16)
11.Baja (3:43)
12. Last Wave At Hanalei (3:16)
Credits:
Merrell Fankhauser-Electric,
acoustic, slide guitars and bass
Yoriko Hongo-Keyboards
Tim Fankhauser-Guitar
Art Dougall-Drums and
Percussion
Leroy Richards-Bass
Bruce Clark-Sax and Flute
Martin Brown-Steel Guitar
Merrell Fankhauser has released four volumes of Rockin and Surfin. I enjoyed
the first volume in 2004, and now, all these years later, Vol. 2 is spinning for my
listening pleasure. I hope to hear 3 and 4 shortly.
The title, Rockin and Surfin, is a fitting descriptor for the
album's diverse musical styles. It features an eclectic mix of surf rock
instrumentals and a plethora of subgenres, making it an enjoyable and
unpredictable listen.
"Until The Ice Melts" is appropriate for the last few
days in my location with tons of snow and ice! The track is traditional surf-instro
60's style with guitar sounds you would expect to hear. It is a great rocker to
start this compilation featuring some outstanding drums.
"Back in The 60s is a more mellow sound and tempo, but it
is another reminder of what you would have heard in the early decade of surf
instrumentals. The rhythms are familiar and unmistakable 60's surf. The echoing
guitar was one of the trademark sounds so beautifully played. One of the common
threads of this music is the strumming acoustic guitar to accentuate the bottom
end and let the electric guitar stand out and take the spotlight.
"Midnight Surfer" features catchy rhythms, strumming
acoustic guitar, and a strong bass. The pleasant lead guitar is reminiscent of
The Ventures' playing at its peak. This one has a tropical-island flavor around
the edges for further sound enhancements.
"Long Boards and Cool Cars" The previously mentioned
strumming remains a considerable factor that the lead electric guitar counts on
for support. The leads are excellent, with a very warm sound with catchy hooks.
"Waimea Run" is a definitive surfer song. Immediately,
the energy bursts out when the track starts with all the instrumentation. Some
classic riffs backed by good rhythms are in place. The music is both
picturesque and colorful.
"Angel Baby" is a 1960 single by Rosie and the
Originals. It sounds more 50s-style to me. It is pop played elegantly and
perfectly, and only a gifted guitar player like Merrell Fankhauser could pull
it off. It is very chill.
"Tropical Heat" takes things in a different direction
with this compilation. The combination of acoustic and electric guitars is
superb. Again, the rhythm section does a great job of setting down a strong
foundation to which the rest of the sounds can glide. It is the most complex
track, with many layers. And with percussion added, it makes for the perfect
atmosphere so you can feel the heat!
"Tiki Lounge" is Merrell's long-running syndicated TV
series. He jams with friends and interviews people, such as Niki Hopkins, many
years ago.
The tropical feel of the track is in place, as in the previous
track; it continues with another taste of the sun and waves. All is done well,
capturing the feeling of being there with some fine slide guitar playing,
perhaps inspired by the Hawaiian Slack Guitar style. The percussion in the last
minutes and the whistle-blowing reminded me of Latino music I enjoyed from the
50s and 60s.
"Hene Hene Ko Aka" means "There is a place for
you." The acoustic guitar, bass, and drums feature beneficial rhythms. The
lead electric guitar resonates with the island sound, which was
intended based on the title. The consistent beat featured on these tracks was
always key for the lead lines.
"NawillWill With You," which I believe means By Will.
The strumming and electric guitars merge again to make for a full sound. This
time, keys are added for the first time for more texture. Again, we get the
treat of some fantastic slide guitar and good rockin' riffs. This track is
different as it has some country sounds and everything else you have heard thus
far. The eclectic guitar playing mixes several styles within one track and is
captivating.
"Corazon Quebrado" means "Broken Heart," so
along that train of thought, the music is mesmerizing, with some superb guitar
playing. An authentic surf sound and island atmospheric touch will bring you to
the beachfront in a heartbeat.
"A Long Time Ago" features a shimmering guitar sound
that reflects the shoreline's beauty and ocean blue. The slower tempo gives you
more time to reflect on that incredible gift of nature.
"Wipe Out" is not just a song. It's a live experience
on this track. It's one of the most recognizable and famous surf-instro songs
ever. Merrell wrote the song. This is a live version with Willie Nelson cutting
loose with Merrell at a live Dharma event. The video is included here. The
drums and guitar of the song will never get old; it's always so much fun to
hear it!
Rockin and Surfin Vol. 2 is one more volume
focusing on the multitude of talents Merrell Fankhauser has brought to music
for so long. His abilities on the guitar and as a composer of music are beyond
reproach. As much as I have enjoyed the tracks with him singing on several
other albums, he was totally in his element playing surf instrumental rock, and
this is one of four tributes to that legacy.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf
Music Reviews and Art Founder
