Link to the corresponding News Article.
With 22 tracks (mostly originals) there is much to choose from on this release from The Insanitizers and the guiding hand of Conrad Swartz, a member here (Squid) at Surfguitar101.com. Guitar slingers & gear nuts may appreciate that there are some eclectic choices on several of the tracks. The songs run the gamut from 1st wave "trad" surf to current-style melodic explorations, and all the way to the heavier, darker side of instrumental surf music that approaches (my term) "instrumental metal." So, literally, something for everyone.
Notable tracks include:
Shootout - Ominous surf, with a real Western kind of twang to it. Want to hear what a Rose 'Mariposa' pickup sounds like? Here you are.
Dark Eyes Rock - I like the basic song anyway, and this one is definitely spiked up with plenty of good reverb. There is also a bit of non-traditional rhythm pattern that underlies the melody as well.
Rocket Pack - Probably my favorite track on the album (read "old trad guy" here). A little 1961-ish and the guitar tones are substantial.
A Day in Tokyo - Even I could hear the traditionally-geographic influences in this one. Meaty guitar, driving rhythm, growl & reverb... what's not to like?
Revel - Being another straight-ahead twangy tune I really like this one as well. Conrad advised this (as well as A Week in Hawaii that follows) was done with his Goya Rangemaster (aka "Mixmaster") hollow-body archtop, which he bought new in '65. Some serious tone resides in this guitar, probably helped by him attaching lead weights to the vibrato plate. A wonderful, unabashed slap-echo puts the cherry on top.
A Week in Hawaii - This is simply a very pretty tune that evokes its title; string up your hammock and kick back.
W-Ray Gun: Obviously a nod to Mr. Link Wray. This track is in that category of "heavier" that I can get into & takes the imagination. I could absolutely see this song getting performed live in a packed school gym with some slightly-dazed kids because, well, they're already up way past their bedtime. And the Shop & Home-Ec teachers who drew chaperone duty at the door are nervous...
The guitar choices are interesting and, on a personal note, Conrad advises that the lead on Croak of Midnight, somewhat of a ghoulish-Halloween type tune, was done with an Ibanez Euphoria acoustic bought from a local reseller here in my little town that I've known for over 30 years. There are some tracks with multiple guitars, the use of a Roland Guitar Synthesizer, as well as a Washburn Idol with lipstick pickups ("Malaguena").
Audio-wise, for my taste, the overall package is mixed a tad darkly and I think some of the songs could've had the drum/percussion tracks mixed a bit more forward. However, in many cases for certain tracks, it clearly works. The result is (imagination working again) almost as if a band decided to record themselves at a large resort venue during the day while the vacationers were off doing whatever vacationers do. The result is, as the title suggests, "Guitar Fun."
Enjoy.
—Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.