Surf-Rock Instro Review : 3 Balls Of Fire - The Best Of The Balls (1988-1998) 10th Anniversary Edition

https://www.3ballsoffire.com/

The 3 Balls of Fire is a group of exceptionally talented musicians known for their fiery guitar performances. Their latest achievement is the release of a compilation CD that is a true testament to their instrumental prowess, titled The Best Of The Balls (1988-1998) 10th Anniversary Edition.

Ten years is a long stretch, especially when picking and choosing the best tracks within that time frame. This CD contains fourteen tracks of this group's best.

 

I had never heard of this group until now; I don't know why. The 3 Balls of Fire are as good as any instro group I have ever heard, better than most. So why haven't I heard of them, you ask? I'm baffled that I haven't.

 

They come from a literal hotbed of music, Austin, Texas. They most definitely haven't got the national acclaim that they deserve. Unlike hundreds of other local bands strewn about the country, they are good enough to be recognized as a top-flight act. Whether or not that ever happens for them remains to be seen. Too many variables contribute to a group's success; unfortunately, one of the most critical points isn't always a factor: the group is outstanding.

 

This CD is a masterpiece! As a passionate fan of instrumental music, this compilation perfectly fits my musical preferences. The 3 Balls of Fire have genuinely outdone themselves with this one.

 

The most attractive concept about any instrumental music is its flexibility and ability to blend diverse styles to invent a new sound and style. The 3 Balls of Fire's music is a conglomerate of surf, rock, blues, and R&B played with spirit.

 

They can get it cookin' or slow it down to display their versatility and any subtle nuances a number may have. Those very factors require immense talent and patience to produce.

 

It's a shame I didn't hear about these guys ten years ago, but that doesn't matter now. Now I know who they are and can enjoy their music, and so can you! After hearing this overview of their career, I am sure you will seek more material from this group soon.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 28, 2000

Note: Spotify stream now includes 20 tracks!

Tracks:
01. The Men With The Burning Guitars  

02. Chicks On Choppers  

03. Atom Smasher 

04. Island Girl 

05. The Kicker 

06. Black Out! 

07. Pipeline To Baghdad 

08. El Malpais 

09. Journada Del Muerto 

10.  Risin' Surf 

11. Machine Gun 

12. Kind Of Green

13. Beatnik 

14. The Men With The Burning Guitars (Reprise)  

Surf-Rock-Instro Review: Melenhead - Self-Titled

Let's talk about Melenhead's self-titled CD, a game-changer in Surf-Rock-Instro. The pumping and driving saxophone, just like it was meant to be, has redefined the genre's formative years. The sax, a welcome addition to the instrumental scene, has changed how the music is played forever, and Melenhead is at the forefront of this revolution.

Melenhead is a band that's not just good but exceptional. James Dziubia's horn skills (tenor and baritone saxophone) are nothing short of awe-inspiring, and he's backed by the equally talented Colin Kenny (lead guitar), Doug Leibinger (bass, baritone saxophone), and Stewart Jean (drums). Their collective talent serves up a well-balanced attack of rock and intro that's a testament to their skill and dedication.

The saxophone's poignancy is prevalent in each song, changing the feeling and atmosphere with a richness and flavor that I find beyond compare. The saxophone's soulful sound, often associated with R&B and Soul, flows like a river through the elemental foundations of surf and rock, adding emotional depth to the music.

It's interesting when you listen to such simple and free music, how it can become so ever-changing and complex with adding one instrument. When one looks at that one aspect it doesn't change the fact that it remains, and is, kick ass rock n' roll music. Alas, many facets are found within the music if you can listen well enough.

I could feel the warmth of the sun and a cold glass of lemonade traveling down my throat. Oh, the visionary power of music—isn't it beautiful? This set my soul free. It may be temporary, but it felt terrific while it lasted.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 31, 2000
 

Tracks:

01. Millions of Tiny Bubbles  

02. Mantilla  

03. Chrysanthemum and the Sword  

04. Party Time! With the Little Big Horn 

05. The Melen Mambo   

06. Framed In Shadows  

07. Jack Lord Is Bored 

08. Rave Up!   

09. Hole in the River   

10. Psych A-Go-Go 

Susan And The Surftones - This Ain't No Beachparty!-7" Vinyl EP

https://susanandthesurftones.com/

Fresh off a successful overseas tour, Susan and The Surftones have assembled a four-song 7" vinyl EP titled This Ain't No Beachparty! It's a special 2000 tour edition. 

The best time to record is when a group is in a groove from touring; one listen will validate that!

This group shows no signs of slowing down. A killer version of "Baja" jump-starts this whole thing, and they never take their foot off the gas. The surf-instro on this platter is the best you could find.

The group corrals the tremendous power of surf music. They use everything at their disposal. The group's innate ability to combine the several dimensions of the genre into each tune is a valuable asset. The traditional sound is paid homage to and respected, while the new edge is employed to make it pop and crackle. This music has the effervescence of a cool ocean wave.

Susan and the Surftones nail it on this release. They are locked in on four successive waves of dynamite surf! 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 09, 2000

Tracks:

Side A
01. Baja

02. Stinger 67

 Side B
01. Blue Hammer

02. G.I. Blues