They can call it surf. And I can call a pile of manure soil enrichment paste. But the rest of the world knows what it really is.
The Jack White/White Stripes routine (no bass) has had its day (Thank God). This is an even lamer rehash. The video with the girl drummer running through the streets (of Brooklyn) means ????

If it looks like $#@! and sounds like %$#@!, what conclusion does one come to after gathering but a few IQ points and brain cells together.

Nahhh! - it's just me.

J Mo'

Ok guys, here's how I see it.

First off, they (their record label, producer whoever) is not constricted to the self-imposed limitations to which we ascribe as to what does or does not constitute 'surf'. Remember, even Dick Dale did (does) vocals.

They've obviously added a bunch of surfy motifs to their videos- sharks, waves, Fender amps etc. adding to the surf 'vibe' ie making them 'cool' or 'hip' possibly ironic (gag).

The band: Kurt Cobain look-alike and cutesy-pie drummer who doesn't mind dressing for effect (fish-net hose, running through the streets in her dressing gown) = basic instinct attraction. And yeah, the whole White Stripes vibe 'we're so cool we don't even care that it shows' is a marketing ploy just sitting on the shelf to be exploited.

And they don't sound horrible.

So they call it surf, so what. Maybe it'll lead to more searches for 'surf' bands. Are they going to hurt our record sales? At this point, pretty much any young hippidy-dipster wouldn't be listening to us anyways.That market needs groomed.

I heard bits and pieces of twang. Don't worry about the bar being lowered. We can always reset it later.

Da Vinci Flinglestein,
The quest for the Tone, the tone of the Quest

The Syndicate of Surf on YouTube

http://www.syndicateofsurf.com/

http://sharawaji.com/

http://surfrockradio.com/

I'm with Syndicateofsurf. I go nuts trying to find the surf groups among the bands that call themselves surf (there's a band playing straight up dreampop calling themselves Surf Rock is Dead...) but it's a losing battle. The surf influence in bands like La Luz is obvious, but they get trampled on in this forum for their capability on their instruments. I'd rather listen to them than a lot of the groups stuck playing a faithful rendition of Diamondhead.

I love a sunny 60's california surf instro, but I think we get really selective of who's let into the surf club. "Surf" holds back instro. Man... or Astro-Man generally doesn't sound too faithful to any 60's stuff, but they cover the Avengers VI so they get a pass I guess.

And that's fine. I love them, worship them. But my point is I think it's better to be more concerned with who surf fans would like, rather than who's misusing the term. Tikiyaki Orchestra is a pretty far cry from surf, but I get why they're thrown around in surf circles. If we're scrutinizing these guys for being a two-piece, do we not like Flat Duo Jets? They're not surf, but the overlap with surf fans is huge.

Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio

JObeast wrote:

So why do they call it surf?

Because that is what the cultural scene they are identifying with is lumping themselves in with. Many don't know/care about instrumental surf. They are based more in a California chordal structure and associating themselves with a lifestyle.

I have no idea. I've just admitted to myself that we don't own the term.

Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio

Django,

"No bass in the Belairs".. why yes that's true - very profound observation on your part. But the Belairs had rhythm guitar and a sax, I believe - as in more than just drums and some guitar wanker.
Kind of like the difference between an apple and a stinking onion.
Or does that tiny difference just make no difference?
(Jesus!)

j Mo'

I just listened to the song. Add reverb and there is no way any of us couldn't deny it was a surf song. The tropes are there for all to see.

It's not bad, but not particularly good either. Listenable, par for the course. I've heard worse actual surf bands.

Kids playing loud raucous music and a bunch of old men don't like it, that's nothing new!
Honestly I don't see what all the hatred and vitriol is about. I thought the instrumental is pretty good- has a link Wray vibe and cool guitar tone. So what if they're copying the White Stripes, As if no one around here ever copied anyone right? I don't understand why single these guys out and rip on them? That's kind of against the whole spirit of this forum, which is usually very suportive and encouraging. All I see are some young people having fun and rocking out. Who cares what it's labeled. I mean how exactly does that affect you? At least they're going for it, writing, recording and performing - not an easy thing to do. If you don't like it don't listen, simple.

"The Beatles? Just another noisey group copying other peoples music"
Joe Meek 1963

https://www.facebook.com/coffindagger
http://coffindaggers.com/
http://thecoffindaggers.bandcamp.com

Last edited: Oct 24, 2015 12:39:56

Psychonaut,
There is music out there that is just plain bad. Opinions vary in this forum. Not everyone likes everything and some of us say so. That's called having an opinion. And like sphincter muscles, everyone has one.

Taking your route of only saying something positive - So what do we say,then??
How about:
Great band - they are the "last winners" as far as good listenable music goes. Does that go down better?
J Mo'

Psycho,
I'm reading your post.
'Tis not me who sounds bitter. Read your post. 'Tis you. Maybe?
As for my musical skills.. they are totally personal - as in beyond your reach and understanding.
That's why I can comment. I keep almost all of what I do musically quite private. Isn't America great?
Who says I have to display it, post it on youtube, play out..,
blah,blah,blah? You?
Without attacking anyone (and I didn't except perhaps in your perception), I just said the tune and video was a tad lame.
Peoples thoughts are just that - peoples thoughts. And you really don't warrant any explanation beyond that.
And I "back it up" by simply stating it's my opinion. That's all the justification I need.
BTW - I don't like sauerkraut, either.
See?
J Mo'