Surf Instrumental, Rock, Garage Rock Review: Jesus Christ Surferstar - Various Artists

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 off in 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!

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

April 4, 2003

Surf Instro Review: The Surfaris-Basic Tracks

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. 

"Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

February 18, 2003

Tracks:

1. The Wedge

2. Penetration

3. Apache

4. Point Panic

5. Hawaii 5-0

6. Misirlou

7. Wipe Out

8. Similau

9. Link Wray Medley 

Credits:

Robert Watson-Keyboards

David Raven-Drums

Brian Condren Hampton-Percussion

Jim Fuller-Acoustic Guitars

Jay Truax-Bass

Greg Simp-Band Tech

Paul Johnson-Guitar

Jim Pash-Guitar/Saxophone

 

The Final On Vinyl Podcast: Merrell Fankhauser Interview - January 15, 2025

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I have been covering Merrell Fankhauser’s music since 1999, when I conducted a two-part internet (email) interview with him.

This current audio interview was long overdue and was my absolute pleasure. Merrell was one of my primary inspirations when I started reviewing music.

His longevity in the business speaks volumes. He started in the ’60s and is still going strong at 81!

In this interview, he discusses how his music has reached fans over the years and his relationship with keyboard player Nicky Hopkins (Rolling Stones, etc.)

Please sit back and listen to a music legend about how he has stayed fit and successful, and take some time to stream some of the best of his catalog via Spotify.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Founder

January 19, 2025

Surf Instrumental Reviews: The Knights-King Richard's Red Hot New Mexican Chile Stew – Art

One of the progenitors of surf instrumental music, Dick Stewart, and his band The Knights returned in 2006 with a new release titled King Richard's Red Hot New Mexican Chile Stew – Art. The title is a playful nod to Stewart's love for spicy food and Southwestern roots. I knew the band's previous release, In Progression, would be hard to top; it is my favorite, and I do not think The Knights will ever come up with anything better than that album. It stands alone in uniqueness for the instrumental genre. That does not take anything away from this new release; it is destined to be a classic as well. This excellent CD will find its way into the hearts of the true instrumental fans waiting for a new release from the Stewart camp.

You may recognize some of the tracks on this new album from the band's 1998 CD release, Surfin' the Web. This CD is no longer available, so hang on to your copy if you have one. The tracks on Surfin' the Web were never mastered, so Stewart decided to fix that and add a few new twists and turns, such as updated arrangements and improved sound quality.  One of the tunes, "Cool Links," now has a son, Jason, ripping off some slick fretwork on the bridge to make the newly mastered recording sound as crisp and powerful as possible. Listening to the Stewarts play is like guitar 101—old school vs. the new wave; it is a lot of fun, and the contrasts are fascinating and can be very educational if you own your six-string.

 

The first track kicks things off with style with a haunting wind blowing as "Phantom Riders" begins-it is Dick's own "Ghost Riders In The Sky" 2006 if you will, which he happens to cover on this release as well (remastered and reissued). I love the song; it has the melody and rhythm you cannot resist, and I think it will go down as an instrumental classic—you heard it here first. An essential nod for a job well done goes to Dick's son Richard for his fine bass playing on the track.

 

"Riley's Switch" (formerly "Surfin' The Web," now updated and mastered) is a tribute to the legendary town of Clovis, New Mexico, once called Riley's Switch. One thing you can count on with Dick Stewart when he records an album is that you will get a history lesson about the area in which he lives. He is an avid historian and has studied meteorology over the years. His music uniquely blends history and culture, offering listeners a rich and intriguing experience.

 

Stewart's love affair with the Southwest continues with this brilliant release, from "Chas" Pike's colorful and cultural artwork on the CD cover to the surf-rock-country (with Southwest spice, incorporating elements of traditional Southwestern music) influenced music you will hear on this CD. Other outstanding new tracks are the atmospheric (evoking a sense of space and depth) "Cimarron," "Waterfalls," with its rapid-fire metallic picking pushed through a phase shifter, and the self-explanatory "Calm and the Storm."

 

Once again, King Richard and his court have gathered to delight all comers to his castle instrumental. I am glad, but I expect it to be when a new album comes out. Dick Stewart is a fantastic man; he is 66 with the heart and spirit of a man 30 years younger. It’s no wonder he keeps crankin' out the tunes with regularity. There are not many original '60s instrumental dudes around still making music. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to hear one of the best still bending the strings with passion and purpose.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

August 10, 2006

Tracks & Credits:

01. Phantom Riders (Dick Stewart – first lead guitar, Jason Stewart – second lead guitar, Ritch Stewart – bass) (3:58)

02. Cool Links (Dick Stewart – first lead guitar, Jason Stewart – second lead guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:47)

03. Riley’s Switch (Dick Stewart - lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:30)

04. La del Moño Colorado (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (2:20)

05. Ghost Riders (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:59)

06. Mother Road (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (5:14)

07. El Rancho Grande (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (2:32)

08. Cimarron (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:28)

09. El Incendio de Los Alamos (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (3:16)

10. Waterfalls (Jason Stewart – all instruments) (2:08) 

11. Poco de Todo (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Little Ralph Pais – backup lead guitarist, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (2:30)

12. Penetration (Dick Stewart – first lead guitar, Jason Stewart – second lead guitar, bass, and keys) (3:22)

13. Surfin’ the Rio Grande (Dick Stewart - lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (4:16)

14. Here Today, Gone Tomorrow  (Dick Stewart - lead and rhythm guitar, Gary Snow – bass, Steve Hudgins – drums) (4:13)

15. Calm and the Storm (Jason Stewart – all instruments) (4:12)

16. A Medias de la Noche (Dick Stewart – lead guitar, Little Ralph Pais – backup lead guitarist, Floyd “Flaco” Gonzales – rhythm guitar, Jose “Prospero” Montoya – bass, Anthony Lucero – drums) (3:12)

17. Adios (Dick Stewart – lead and rhythm guitar and vocal, Jason Stewart – keys) (1:52)

Surf Instrumental Review: Satan's Pilgrims-Plymouth Rock- The Best of Satan's Pilgrims

Website: https://satans-pilgrims.com/

 

The time has arrived in Satan's Pilgrims' career to release the best of the set, and it is about time. Plymouth Rock—The Best of Satan's Pilgrims celebrates 10 years of successful recordings in the popular yet underrated genre of instrumental surf music. 

I am getting further and further away from referencing the surf influences, but it is necessary because that is where it all started and why bands like this carry on and continue to make such great rock 'n' roll today.

CD 1 offers 20 tracks of the boys' very best, and CD 2 is nothing but new, rare, and unreleased music with a bonus video section. They should have left out the videos; they are of inferior quality, visually and in sound. The music is the most essential thing, so other than the video extras, this is a fine two-disc set.

There are not many new things to say about this kind of music unless there is some experimental mixing of different styles; it is similar for the most part (but you could say that about other genres, too!). However, only the great bands cover all the styles within the genre, and this band offers up that smorgasbord of sound. I greatly enjoy this music; it's a necessary evil for my listening pleasure. I always thought these guys were among the best, right up there with their peers.

Plymouth Rock- The Best of Satan's Pilgrims is pure, unadulterated fun that has always been the attraction for me with this kind of music, and the added benefit of nostalgia and the culture that goes with it makes it more colorful. It is well worth picking up if you love surf-instro music.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

March 26, 2005

Rating-7.5/10

Space Pop-Surf Review: Merrell Fankhauser-Area 51 Suite

Website: http://www.merrellfankhauser.com

It has been several years since Merrell Fankhauser released new studio recordings (he has also released several compilations and DVDs over the years). Rockin and Surfin was a 2004 release that I enjoyed immensely, so it was no surprise that I had a similar experience listening to the latest release, Area 51 Suite. Please remember, music fans, that Fankhauser has been getting it done in the recording studio since the '60s and has overcome health issues and every other obstacle thrown his way to continue entertaining us all. Two versions of the release are available, the CD and the CD/DVD, which feature music videos and interviews with people from the ET and Sci-Fi community.

 

This collection of tracks, called space pop, is a delightful blend of influences with a significant surf undertone. The subject matter, revolving around space and extraterrestrials, adds an intriguing layer to the instrumental tracks, creating a unique and captivating hybrid of 'space pop.'

 

The first and title track, "Area 51," effectively creates an air of mystery and intrigue. Indeed, that was the intent, so mission accomplished and a great way to open the curtain to the show.

 

"Signals From Zoran, " also an excellent track, takes a page out of the surf-instrumental book.

 

The following track, "Stardazed," is a slower bluesy ballad that puts you in a starry-eyed mood and may have you looking up at the sky, wondering who is out there watching us.

 

"Bimini Road," an underwater rock formation near North Bimini Island in the Bahamas, is a very appropriate surf-blues number that takes you on an underwater adventure. Instrumental music, if it is terrific, takes little time to create a picture of the track title in your mind; here again, Fankhauser succeeds.

 

"Shadow People" is a picturesque instrumental that brings those in the shadows to life. The music flows along and rocks its way into your psyche, making it inevitable to start thinking about unexplained phenomena and people you do not know or why they are here. It's one of the more complex and changing tracks that takes things to another musical level for the artist.

 

Then, to switch things up yet again, "Cocktails In Space" is entirely different from all the previous tracks. It includes a segment with a flute, giving it a new-age feel and texture.

 

When "Crash Landing" comes at you with a synthesizer depicting a spacecraft coming your way and Merrell's guitar kicks in, it forms a spy thriller surf sound that keeps you hooked. This track was the one that reminded me a lot of his previous surf-instrumental work. Many tracks begin with a spacey laser or craft landing-like sound to ensure you stay with the overall Area 51 Suite theme.

 

The biggest treat for old and new fans will be Fankhauser's most prolific track, "Calling From A Star." I go back to 1999 with Merrell, and that is when I first heard of this fantastic track. The title says it all, and his voice is exceptional, backed by perfectly placed instrumentation. I don't think he could have recorded a better track in his long and influential career. Every track offers the listener something different, and even though the premise is visitors from outer space, you will hear the diversity of an artist on display at every turn. Surf, space, pop, rock, blues, and country- about every main genre- get superb coverage on this eclectic slice of musical excellence.

 

This is a solid release and one of Merrell Fankhauser's most exceptional releases in his career. He has made some great music over the years, and this reminds us all once again of his importance to the history of rock music and how his capabilities to entertain have not waned. His candle is still burning brightly, and Area 51 Suite gives you a one-way ticket to the stars.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Area 51, Calling From A Star, Crash Landing

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com

May 12, 2013

Tracks:

Disc 1

1. Area 51

2. Signals From Zoran

3. Stardazed 

4. Bimini Road 

5. Catalina USO 

6. Crash Landing

7. Aliens In The Mist

8. Shadow People 

9. Cocktails In Space

10. Lost Continent Blues

11. Alien Talk

12. Calling From A Star

 

Disc 2

1. Area 51 

2. Vitina Marcus: Interview

3. Alien Talk

4. Dr. David Jungclaus: Interview

5. Out on the Desert

6. The Little A'le'inn 

7. Beyond The Rainbow

8. Calling From A Star

Surf Rock DVD Review: Merrell Fankhauser-Rainbow Bridge Revisited

Merrell Fankhauser and the island of Maui have a strong connection. The artist lived there for 14 years, during which Maui became a hotspot for UFO sightings. Fankhauser not only experienced these phenomena himself but also came to know the people who were eyewitnesses to those events, forming the basis of his unique perspective and musical inspiration.

Rainbow Bridge Revisited is a CD/DVD set that Fankhauser put together for Gonzo Multimedia and was released in June of this year. It offers a unique blend of music, interviews, and original footage, making it a must-have for fans of surf rock and UFO phenomena. Fankhauser's ability to translate his experiences into music has carved out a unique niche, and this set is a testament to his multifaceted talent.

 

Rainbow Bridge, the original movie, was the Jimi Hendrix movie. Fankhauser sets out to interview some of the remaining cast members of that movie. On the DVD, you get firsthand accounts of UFO sightings through interviews and original footage of surfers set to some of Merrell's great surf rock tracks. This unique blend of music and UFO stories, including the classic and appropriate "Calling From A Star," Will pique your interest. The rocking surf tunes set the tone. One of my all-time favorites and the best Merrell has ever performed is "Monster Swell." The track is filled with all the drama and unpredictability of the ocean. The song goes through several changes and is a complete surf-rock masterpiece. "Wild Gyrations" is another classic that will put the sun in your heart, the beach's warm sand on your toes, and images of surfers riding the immense waves of the Hawaii surf.

 

Although the footage of the surfers is quite old, it conveys the theme and location quite well. If you are looking for an HD-quality video, this is not it. If you appreciate up-close interviews, hearing about experiences of UFO sightings, and surf rock music, then you will love this set.

 

Merrell has always done a terrific job providing fascinating stories, interviewing people with tales, and adding great music to complete the experience. His dedication and passion for this project are truly admirable, and it's something you, as a fan, will surely appreciate.

 

Watching and listening to all this puts your head elsewhere, offering a different perspective. Some of the people being interviewed were spaced-out old hippies, but you cannot deny some of the events that have taken place on the islands of Hawaii. These accounts are just a part of the long history of extraterrestrial sightings that have been witnessed over the years, a history that you, as a fan of surf rock and UFO phenomena, are undoubtedly part of. What makes it unique is the involvement of Merrell Fankhauser, one of the most respected and admired musical talents ever known. This is a documentary you will not want to miss!

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Founder MuzikReviews.com

October 13, 2013

LP Review: Hola Ghost - Chupacabra, Hate & Fight

Some bands click with you immediately, and I love it when that happens because I never expected it. Hola Ghost is one of those bands that I like the most. They call their music Mexican Death Metal (which may refer more to their makeup than their music). It is challenging to define their sound, so you must decide what that is for yourself if you enjoy them as much as I do. Their music uniquely blends rock, metal, surf, and a little country. I had been listening to them for weeks, waiting for the vinyl to arrive.

Here's some background: Hola Ghost started as a duo in 2007, creating the soundtrack for the American horror comedy movie Cannibal Flesh Riot! by Academy Award winner Gris Grimly. The band was formed by Peter Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix) on vocals and guitar, Jeppe B. Jessen on bass, and the haunted drum machine Ghost 707. Later, drummer Kristian Sandorff (ex-Nekromantix) took over drum duties, skillfully replacing the machine's haunted beats. The band has since evolved, adding a horn section, "The Haunted Horns," to their live and recording crew.

 

Chupacabra, Hate & Fight are two previously released EPs bundled into one LP with two bonus tracks and one new track, "Iron Reich." It is available via Svart Records in three exclusive vinyl editions: magenta, solid magenta/black splatter, and classic black. All this will be packaged with a printed inner sleeve containing lyrics and a collage of rare and previously unreleased photos. There'll also be a limited CD edition of this fantastic compilation album.

 

Side A opens with the explosive "Chupacabra" (a mythical creature from Mexican folklore). The guitar sounds fuzzy, with effects starting with a definite Spanish flavor (which you will often hear along with the horns, which have the same cultural sounds). It is a fantastic opener that gets those juices flowing to rock out more, and you will. Peter Sandorff has a unique vocal style that you can recognize, separating him from all the others. And that is a good thing. This is my favorite track; I can't get enough of it.

 

"Mexico" starts with the haunted horns (ala Herb Alpert and the TJB), then a slick guitar comes in nice and slow, and then boom! It explodes into a wave of sound. They are very adept at playing this way and constantly keep you on your toes in anticipation. The guitar playing is fast from the electric six-string with some acoustic lines added. Here, you cannot miss their Mexican death metal moniker. A few surf runs are also added; they run up and down the neck of the guitar like a round from a live machine gun. Then, another super-fast surf segment takes hold with an extended instrumental break and good guitar work with solid bass and drums. All of this makes for a very entertaining toe-tapping rocker. 

 

"Soldadera" is heavy metal initially, but then it reverts to surf guitar lead (which is very cool; I love it). The bass and drums are tight and hold steady. What you will hear is an excellent instrumental. The horns add another mystique to their sound, as the only words they sing are "Uno, Dos, Tres, Quatro" (1-2-3-4). The rapid picking is in the glissando style, which relates to the surf intro music.

 

"Copenhagen Gringo” (By the way, that is where they are from) is a country-tinged track with catchy rhythms and a step away from all the previous tracks, but very good.

 

Side B opens with a rousing manner with "Hate." They sing, "Hate, follow Me." This dark but energetic tune has a super-spirited bottom end pounding away. Typically, some fine guitar work populates the track with an exciting merging of many sounds towards the end when it all reaches a boil, then slows down with those contagious horns from hell assisted by a melodic bass line and guitar that leads you into a mesmerizing instrumental run and they sing "To love and let die." This was the segue from the previous track and an exciting twist that you must pay attention to while listening.

 

"Fight" is a good follow-up. The band plays, and the vocal screams out, "Hate! Fight! Ghost Brothers! Come on and join the fight." This one is rockin' at warp speed. The vocals are outstanding, as unusual as they may sound to some people. It may be that way at first, but with that rough edge, it's ideally suited to their music, and you will appreciate it quickly. Just listen, and you will see what I mean.

 

"Funeral March" is a slow burner with acoustic guitar and horns for that perfect recipe and atmosphere of death and a feeling that you are watching this happen in Mexico. An extended instrumental run plays before the wind blows for more effect.

 

Then "The Bottom of the Well" begins, another favorite of mine. A steady guitar and bass come in, then it changes to more electric sounds with a surfy reverb. The drums crash, it gets better with the horns added (it always does), and it continues to build and build. It is a masterwork of sound and atmosphere.

 

"Iron Reich" is their latest effort (which will be followed by a new album, and I hope soon). It is a dark and bold track with edgy music to get the lyrics over more effectively. The song's title and lyrics, along with the tone of the vocals, make it all believable. This is fierce music with many changes and great vocals that project the visual they are trying to create for you. The guitar provides a lot of effects to get you there.

 

Hola Ghost is anything but one-dimensional. They are as eclectic as any band I have heard this year. They are not your typical power trio, and you will realize that once the first track starts to play, each successive track throws more curveballs at you. It's all good, and I am so excited that Svart Records introduced me to them. I can't wait to see what they come up with on their next album. The anticipation is real.

 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews Founder

September 11, 2024

Tracks:

Side A:

A1. Chupacabra

A2. Mexico

A3. Soldadera

A4. Copenhagen Gringo

A5. Old Barn

Side B:

B1. Hate

B2. To love and let die

B3. Fight

B4. Funeral March

B5. The Bottom of the Well

B6. Iron Reich

Review: Susan & The Surftones-Wrap-Around

If you want to Wrap-Around some of the best  surf instro music on the planet, I have just the group to set you straight. Susan Yasinski and her group, The Surftones, blaze a trail in the sand and leave a huge wake in a sea of music with their sizzling instrumental surf rock band.

Not only is Yasinski an inspiration to women everywhere in music, but she has also become a pioneer of a genre. With each successive album the band has released, there has been growth, evolution, and maturity. They proved that they could cover all of the classic first-wave surf-instro hits with proficiency, and over the last few years, they have earned their keep and gained respect as original artists. It is a huge accomplishment in a genre with little room for experimenting and expansion. After hearing this new album, it is more than apparent to me that they have come full circle in their development playing this style of music. Therefore, what could be next to overcome and accomplish? We must find out when a studio album comes out next time.

This album has a vibe and feeling that has never been there before and is very cool. Fresh, tight, crisp sounds come straight at you on tracks like the excellent "Clash "and "Should I Stay Or Should I Go," the impressive curtain closer "Blues Theme," and the reflective and powerful "Lonely Crimson Sea."

The names of the tracks alone invoke visions of pounding surf, beautiful sunsets, and Enrico Morricone films while the music sets the stage. "Ghost Riders In The Sky" has enough to get up and go to give you saddle sores from the fast and furious ride…and what a great version of that classic tune. Think Clint Eastwood and spaghetti westerns, and you will get the picture.

There is enough excellent music on Wrap-Around to create plenty of soundtracks inside your head. Good instrumental music can do that.

The Surftones Are:

Susan Yasinski-Guitar

Avory Gray-Organ

Bob Becker-Drums

Jim Fritz-Bass

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

December 11, 2002

Tracks:

    01. West 30

    02. Wrap Around

    03. Blondes In Cars

    04. Peter Gunn

    05. Lonely Crimson Sea

    06. Nina’s Empty Glass

    07. More

    08. Moon Woman

    09. Ghost Riders

    10. Leopard Spots

    11. Sand Dreamer

    12. Should I Stay Or Should I Go

    13. Casper Reef

    14. Blues Theme

Review: The Ventures - Play The Greatest Surfin’ Hits Of All-Time

The timeless quality of this music always resonates. With The Ventures themselves re-recording it, the sound is not just better, but it's a testament to their enduring legacy. The clean, precise guitar licks, enhanced by today’s technology, breathe new life into the old. Except for one of the 18 tracks, recorded in 1981, all were re-recorded from 1996-2000, preserving the essence of the original compositions. 

From the first notes of “Walk Don't Run '64,” the power and clarity of the sound are undeniable. It bursts off the disc, grabbing your attention, and this energy carries through every track that follows, keeping you engaged and excited.

What other group could claim the title of defining surf-instrumental more than The Ventures? Their influence is undeniable, and their music is a proud part of the genre's history. After over 40 years, it's no surprise that they are the proud owners of several of these model surf-instro classics, a legacy we, as fans, can also take pride in. 

This, indeed, is the definitive surf instrumental collection. It does not get any better; each song gets the respect it deserves when the best instrumental band in the world pays tribute to each song.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck

December 24, 2002

Tracks:

01. Walk- Don't Run '64 (Smith) - 2:28 

02. Penetration (Leonard) - 2:08 

03. Mr. Moto (Delvy/Johnson) - 2:07 

04. Out of Limits (Gordon) - 1:59 

05. Lonely Surfer (Nitzsche) - 3:30 

06. Baja (Hazlewood) - 2:35 

07. Let's Go (Duncan/Duncan) - 2:17 

08. Diamond Head (Hamilton) - 2:15 

09. Pipeline (Carman/Spickard) - 2:22 

10. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue (Rodgers) - 2:14 

11. Bombara (Biondi/Tran/Vehle/Weed/Weisman) - 2:15 

12. Hawaii Five-O (Stevens) - 1:47 

13. Surf Rider (Bogle/Wilson) - 2:24 

14. Ninth Wave (Bogle/Edwards/Wilson) - 2:23 

15. The Cruel Sea (Maxwell) - 2:27 

16. Surfin' and Spyin' (Caffey) - 2:18 

17. Perfidia (Dominguez/Leeds) - 2:09 

18. Wipe Out (Surfaris) - 3:52