This is an extremely varied group, with people all over the world, different backgrounds, ages and musical experience, from those who derive their sole income from music, others who have never picked up an instrument, and everybody in between.

My own background is that I've got a wife, kids, responsible day job, but play in a couple of local bands for fun and occasional profit. I manage to play out 2 to 4 times a month, which is great.

There's a handful of instro bands in town, and they tend to know each other and are generally friends. In addition, I've had the chance to meet surf musicians (or fans) on occasional travels through various parts of the USA. Most of the people I deal with locally, and that I've met elsewhere, have been pretty decent people, as well as interesting and fun and creative. This has included musical heroes, as well as others in pretty much the same boat as me.

I think I have an appreciation for anyone who plays any kind of music, compared to anyone who doesn't play at all. And, I will have a certain minimum degree of respect, or at least, indulgence, for other suf bands, even if the music they play is not exactly my cup of tea, simply because it's a relatively specialized genre, one which I generally enjoy, and so, I'm going to cut other bands in the genre a bit more slack than I might otherwise.

I tend to prefer to keep the whole thing on a friendly level, even if it means overlooking or put up with what I may perceive as musical mediocrity at times, just because it's a relatively small world, and definitely a very small genre, and personally, I much prefer modesty, and low key professionalism, to bands with chest-thumping we're-great-eveyone-else-is-shit-attitude. I get enough of that in my day-job, and elsewhere, and the last thing I want to do, is deal with it when I play music. Maybe that's a luxury I have, that comes from not having to make a living at it, but some professionals can be the sweetest guys, while some hobbyists can be some of the most difficult people to deal with.

Anyway, generally speaking, I like the approach that Big Tiki Dude and Tiki Tena bring to the music, I wish I could devote more time and money to it myself, but I've got a few other things going on that occasionally require attention too. I'm not complaining-- life is good, as they say.

Getting back to the varied nature of the membership here, I think there's plenty of room for decent reviews and comments about other music, that could be very helpful in spreading the news about bands we might not otherwise get exposure to. I think the approach and level of discussion is generally very positive in the world of SG101.

But, because of the varied nature of the membership and their varied personal tastes and circumstances, I think the reviews have to go beyond simple expressions of subjective likes & dislikes ("I think this is great" or "I think this is lousy", by itself, isn't going to communicate too much). And even critical reviews can be written in a way that is respectful of what a band may be trying to achieve, even if they fail in the execution, or whatever.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/rockinrio.delrosa

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/TheHighTides

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/pages/The-Blue-Demons

Ruhar
Spot on Rio! Well said.

One reason I love going to Canada.

"Turn the knob to 10 and break it off!" -Baja Marty

Thanks Surf Guitar, that really means alot.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

Jeff(bigtikidude)

Double-Crown-Records
BTW Ivan, sales of the Madeira discs have been just fine - if any of you don't have 'em yet go to www.dblcrown.com. OR, send me an e-mail (records@dblcrown.com) and I'll make you a deal for the purchase of both discs.

Just thought this was worth repeating. I have contacted Sean at Double Crown, and he gave me a great deal on both Madeira CDs. If any of you have ever wanted these, I really recommend taking advantage of this offer now.

skeeter
I come to SG101 mostly to read and share ideas and stuff with peers about gear, techniques etc. I don't really want to hear everyone's opinion of what bands they like and what bands they don't like. It's all subjective, so I usually stay out of those conversations.

That said, I do appreciate reviews of CDs, shows and the people who are willing to take the time to do it, so it would be cool to have a section devoted to reviews of CDs, shows etc.

This sounds like how I think about this place as well.

Tikitena
PostPosted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 12:49 pm Post subject:
Personal taste doesn't always matter. If I give an opinion about a CD, does that mean anyone will really care? Most likely not. I've only had a handful of people tell me they bought something based on my recommendation.

With that being said, I like to support the genre. It's not a big surprise that we all have our favorites for a variety of reasons. The beauty of this site is that it leaves the doors open for everyone to discover new things and discuss the old.

I couldn't begin to critique others ability due to a lack of confidence in what I do myself, perhaps if I sold 10,000 cd's and had a following plus the ability to rip shit like Slacktone Dave I might venture forth an opinion on others.

So, I'm quite happy to sit back and read, look, listen, learn and comment occasionally on things I know a little about.

Trode
I was disappointed by the new Moe Greene Specials "Open Road" most likely due to a number of vocals.

I didn't even know they had a new album out. I loved their last one, one of the coolest things I heard last year

Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio

I haven't read this entire thread, but...I spend a lot less money on music now than I used to. I'm saving to build and furnish a house and have really only averaged a few CD's per year in the last several. When I was in college I worked as much as I did to support my "habit," which was not only playing but listening to lots of music, and I went out and bought or ordered new CD's every time I got a paycheck. After that hit the wall I have had to narrow my choices, and it usually winds up with me playing catch-up; buying CD's I meant to buy years ago and never got around to. I still read about the new stuff and make mental notes, but unfortunately it'll be a while before some of that stuff hits my player.

The Mystery Men?
El Capitan and The Reluctant Sadists
SSS Agent #31

bigtikidude
Has anybody picked up the Jon and the Nightriders re-issue cd yet.
or the Bel Airs Orgins of surf cd?

I also noticed that at the Crossfire Publications website there was 2 Tornados cds.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

I ordered both the John & the Nightriders, and BelAirs CD's from
them a couple of weeks ago, but haven't seen them yet.
()&(%&^(^%&&()(^!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

Bob

I got the origins cd a year or so ago, maybe more. great document and the booklet is worth the price alone, not really a surf cd you'd play often though. I wouldnt recommend it for anyone starting in surf, but as a "historic document" a must have for the seasoned surf fan.

the J&TNR stuff is on my wishlist but last year I havent been able to afford much cds

Rules to live by #314:
"When in Italy, if the menu says something's grilled, don't assume it is."

https://www.facebook.com/The-Malbehavers-286429584796173/

Thanks Bob,
Doug from Reno was asking me about it today.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

Jeff(bigtikidude)