Photo of the Day

I just recieved a copy of Los Kahunas "El fantastico sonido Surf & Hot Rod de Los Kahunas" CD two days ago: it's been playing in the DaveJeep non-stop ever since! I am smitten by these reverb-drenched caballeros.

Los Kahunas is an Argentine four piece surf combo consisting of: Big Papu on "guitarra lida" (lead), Alexis B. on "tambores" (drums), Picky Carmoon on "bajo" (bass), and Antonio Carlos on "guitarra ritmica" (rhythm guitar). dressed in their trademark blue tuxedos, Los Kahunas provide the soundtrack for a long summer road trip in the trusty Plymouth Valiant non-stop down south to Tierra del Fuego.

On "El fantastico sonido...", Los Kahunas plays straight-forward surf to the hilt. The CD opener, "Mavericks" reverb-crashes onto the wide open Patagonian plains like a wild herd of Spanish horses released and newly free. Bollos in hand, I don't think you'll stand a chance at catching one.

"Another Summer Song" is a very catchy and bittersweet tune that waits patiently for December, and the Southern Summer, to finally arrive: oh those sweet days in the Argentine sun, surfing on Christmas day. If surf music was ever to be played on the public airwaves again: "Another Summer Day" would likely break the Top of the Pops.

"Costa de la Muerte" is an ominous ode to the "Coast of Death"...heaven help the surfer who approaches unwary or unsure.

Rhythm guitarist Antonio Carlos steps up to "guitarra primerra" with his trusty Danelectro in hand for an absolutely fuzzed-out version of the Venture's classic "Hotline". The fuzzbox makes a second appearance on this album with the bands blazing tribute to Davie Allen: "Riding with Davie". If you dig the fuzztone, you really should check out these two cuts.

Other covers include a swell version of Gary Usher's (and Jon & the Night Rider's) "Midnight Run" as well as a smooth-as-silk rendition of the Looneytunes' "Desert Bound".

"Surfer's Paradise" is VERY reminiscent of the "Theme from Endless Summer": as Bruce Brown reminds us "each day, it is Summer somewhere on the planet"...which, geographically-speaking, isn't absolutely correct...but, I think you get the point.

"El fantastico sonido Surf & Hot Rod de Los Kahunas" is a wonderful sounding album, production-wise. Not exactly "lo-fi"; but also not extremely "polished", the production actually leaves little to be desired in the way of improvement. "El fantastico sonido..." is simply surf music done right: pure and simple...but, with plenty of heart, soul and devotion.

Give it a spin, I think you'll like it.

You can check out the video of "Another Summer Song" on YouTube

or visit Los Kahunas at their website.

Vaya con Dios, Caballeros y Caballeras.