Surfdaddy, the Mermen are quite simply the best band ever.

That of course is an oversimplification of my own personal preferences. Yes, they are my favorite band, but more objectively still I say that, as a surf fan, it's imperative that you hear the Mermen. I don't say that in the sense that "no surf fan has heard surf until they've heard the Mermen," I mean it because they seem the be the one band that has caused the single most controversy and the biggest infighting between the progressive and trad fans. They've taken surf farther into so many more directions than just about any other band out there. Really, nobody sounds quite like them. They're third wave and more, to the point that they've changed a lot of people's ideas of what surf can be, or caused others to go into denial about what surf can be, or they're really just not surf and they've smeared the name of the genre with their garbage excuse for "surf." It depends on how you look at it, but you should find out for yourself.
Album-wise, their first one "Krill Slippin'" is actually kinda on the traditional side. Kinda. After that, the rest of the stuff really just takes off elsewhere. "Food For Other Fish" starts getting more improvisational, with longer songs and a lot of feedback. "A Glorious Lethal Euphoria" in my opinion is a little too far down that road, and seems kinda wankerish to me at times, but still with plenty of heavy, trippy, enjoyable stuff. "Songs of the Cows" is big and intense. I like it a lot except the last song, which is just a bunch of feedback noodling. It's crap. I hate it.
That leaves "At the Haunted House" and "The Amazing California Health and Happiness Roadshow." "Haunted House" is my favorite surf album. I can listen to it over and over. In my opinion, nothing rocks harder than that album. It's HUUGE. And an incomparable trip. The covers are fantastic, and the slow songs are beautiful. "Road Show" is also a masterpiece. That's the one with "White Trash Raga," which is indeed cool. That's a small taste of what's on there; it's lush ear candy of all different styles from exotic like "Raga" to the epic to slow pretty stuff to ripping beasts. For the record, I think "Emmylou Rides Clarence..." is my favorite instrumental song.
They're even one of the few surf bands that I've gotten my sister to warm up to (the others are Pollo Del Mar and Slacktone, so for some context, that's the caliber of these guys) and, coincidentally, the inspiration for that painting that's the photo of the day right now (I'm a dork). Personally, it took me a long time to come to enjoy their stuff. The first albums I got were "Krill Slippin'" and "At the Haunted House." I wasn't too thrilled by Krill Slippin' and completely hated At the Haunted House for some time. But after getting used to that one in particular, I started thinking "hey, that part's cool" or "that song's not so bad," and eventually I did a complete 180 on my opinion of that album, and rushed out to get the rest of their stuff.
I obviously like these guys a ton, so my opinion is really biased. (So is Phil Dirt's, but check out his reviews anyways at Reverbcentral.) I really like them. Lots of people really hate them, so you'll have to find out for yourself what you think. I hope you end up liking what you hear, 'cause it'll be a hell of a ride if you do.

Nice post Wooza. I like Krill Slippin' quite a bit, though the production is pretty weak (and I just met the producer of that CD, did I have the balls to criticize it? Hell no )

I think most people here with open minds will find much to like by the Mermen. Some if it is indulgent shite, but there's lots of beauty and density.

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

I am now playing trumpet with Prince Buster tribute band 'Balzac'

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF

thanks guys!!! the mermen just struck me as---different---and that is not a bad thing. i like to hear bands that push the limits of any genre; i like to hear people create not regurgitate!! i'll finish my downloading project and knock out a cd and do some serious listening tomorrow--sunday. only day i get off, so its a good time to explore! yes, white trash raga just grabbed my ear--played it back 3-4 times and got goose bumps--always a good sign! peace

LHR
The Mermen let Jimi take over.

Other then doing Little Wing I don't hear much Jimi, what I do hear are the psych guitar influences of Barry Melton, John Cippolina even Garcia.
I loved those and to mix that with surfguitar, what more do i want.
Can listen to The Mermen for hours...
The latest download on IA is great:
Mermen
Old Princeton Landing
Princeton By The Sea, CA
2007-02-23

The Drift is my fave, and a live very heavy version of penetration, but i don't like too much of the self indulgent meanderings....
BTW Phil Dirt said they are the best band in the world too!

adam

I have 3 Mermen CDs and my favorite is by far The Amazing California Health &.....fantastic!

Great guitar sounds and incredibly inventive music but I still don't hear the connection to surf music.

WindanseaBeachBoy
If I could really play guitar, Jim Thomas is who I'd want to sound like.

I've tried my hand at a good number of Mermen songs, with very frustrating results. Cripes, it's hard. Chords my hands can't make, progressions my brain has trouble distinguishing. Jim Thomas is really one hell of a player.

hot damn these boys can cook. have listened to them for the last 2 days and yes, they are welcome around here!! no, they aren't pure surf but they sure are great to listen to!! thanks for the info on them yall!! peace

fellas, these guys are f-----g great!!!!! stinkie little kitty or little stinkie kitty--whatever---is so f-----g cool!!!!! best compliment i got is "like jeff beck at the beach!!" been running the mermen for the last 3 days in my truck on my mail route. have gotten some funny looks and a few questions--who/what is that?? i like controversy anyway so the mermen are, well---fucking cool!!!!!peace-----thanks for all yalls help