IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10320
southern Michigan
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Posted on Jul 27 2013 12:51 PM
I got an advance digital copy of this CD from Lorenzo a little while ago, and have been enjoying it (though haven't had a whole lot of time to listen to music for the past month or two, too much going on). Just thought I'd write up a few quick comments. This is definitely one for the lovers of trad surf music! (I think it'll especially appeal to the fans of the Thunderchiefs/the Sir Finks, there's a shared foundation and vision between them.) Lorenzo obviously has a VERY deep understanding of all things surf, but especially trad surf, and that's completely evident here. This album sounds to me like a head-on collision of the Astronauts and the Lively Ones, with some minor side collisions  of the bands like the Sentinals and some other more Latino/r&b/'soul!'-sounding surf bands like Jim Waller & the Deltas, etc. The album was recorded at the Circo Perroti Studios in Gijon, Spain (the same studio where Los Twang! Marvels recorded "Jungle of Twang"), who are absolute masters of the trad sound, and completely nail it on this CD. As a result, there's a heavy Del-Fi vibe through it all.
This album is the natural follow-up to the Wadadli Riders' "Made In Antigua" CD, with Lorenzo playing all guitars and all drums, while bass is handled by another player (Diego Fuenteseca in this case), and Lorenzo also doing (nearly) all the songwriting. We all know that Lorenzo is a SUPERB surf drummer, but it's pretty amazing how good his guitar playing is given it's not his first instrument (though I must admit that I would have enjoyed hearing a bit more variety in terms of guitar tones - he's got a really nice, authentic surf tone - a Jaguar, I'm guessing - and sticks to it the entire album).
Some of the songs I enjoyed the most: the album opens with 'Macaroni Pie', a Lively-Ones-doing-Freddie-King-sounding blues-rocker that's got some grease and groove and attitude to it. 'El Senor Surf' is happy surf and a real reflection of Lorenzo's always-upbeat and optimistic personality - he IS Senor Surf! Nice melody and an excellent bridge! It also reminds me a bit of the Sir Finks & the Thunderchiefs. 'Underwater Love' sounds like the surf version of some melancholy '60s bachelor-pad lounge music, with forays into latin exotica. 'The North Swell' is the recording Lorenzo did in Antigua that I included on Double Crown's "Brave New Surf" compilation, and I still think it's absolutely brilliant - still my favorite thing that Lorenzo's done. Modern trad surf doesn't get much better than this! 'Fire Escape Rope' (LOVE that title - I wonder if there's a story behind it?) is a dark and delicate piece that reminds me of the Bambi Molesters and the Kilaueas (for whom Lorenzo's has often played drums, of course). 'Etage 8' is probably the biggest surprise of the album: a completely unique and very interesting and compelling piece of music, with a marching beat (think more subdued 'Mar Gaya' beat) with a Spanish-sounding melody and all sorts of really creative counterpoint and harmony lines against the lead. That song is credited to Gerhard Seinholz, but I have no idea who that is. It actually reminds me of some of the crazier stuff done by the Spanish '60s instro band Los Relampagos. Wild! The album ends with a recording done in Italy with Lorenzo and few of his Italian friends backing Paul Johnson on Paul's own 'Beach City Bop' - otherwise known as 'Small Fry', as recorded by the Challengers. Paul unleashes some guitar fireworks on multiple lengthy solos, and it's a great way to bring things to close.
All in all, a real fun album and another fine accomplishment for Lorenzo! How can one guy do this much??? It's amazing. Lorenzo, 
— Ivan
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Last edited: Jul 27, 2013 15:38:21
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3742
North Atlantic
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Posted on Jul 27 2013 05:17 PM
The album preview at Green Cookie sounds great. Lorenzo has always been one of my favourite surf musician. Playing with him in 2009 & 2010 was a real pleasure. His drumming makes playing effortless. Looking forward to the release!
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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PolloGuitar
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 5080
San Francisco
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Posted on Jul 27 2013 05:26 PM
I thank Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini for sending me a pre-release copy of his new Surfer Joe solo album, "El Señor Surf". Right off the bat, I have to say that this is one of the most authentic, 60s style albums I have ever heard. It's a really great analog recording, and I love hearing the heavy tape compression that brings the reverb textures, both from the guitars and the very natural room sound, to the foreground. The sound is thick, but clean. And the songs are songs, they aren't jams or mood pieces, they have verses and choruses, are well structured and are harmonically interesting, without straying from the rules of the genre.
Another cohesive element is the consistent vibe and tempo of the songs, always in the beach party style. Many surf bands will try and do an album of songs that sound like other touch-stone hits from the era– maybe one is a little like "Endless Summer" and another like "Miserlou". But the songs on El Señor Surf follow Lorenzo's mind set, always suggesting the twist party that starts right after the luau ends, the beach bonfire is lit and the rum begins to flow.
Lorenzo is very lucky to have a drummer like Dick Dodd, a guitarist like Art Fischer and a composer like Paul Johnson all living inside his head. It could be said that Lorenzo is a one man Challengers Band, his own surf supergroup.
— Buy Speed of Dark @ Bandcamp
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 28 2013 06:50 AM
Guys, I thank you very much for the kind words. The reviews are listed on my web site
lorenzo.surferjoe.it
Ok I want to reply to Ivan on some point of his looooong text (thanks for that!).
TRADITIONAL SURF into Senor Surf
True. Nothing to say. It is important for me to specify that I did not started this project wanting to DO a vintage record, it came out this way. So the first wave sound is obviously inside myself more than anything else. In the end I recorded with a guitar straight into a reverb tank and an amp, a basic drumkit and a bass. All done the classic way (tape recording, editing, mastering). So this is almost the ONLY sound that could have come out.
GUITARS
No Jaguars here... only on a few rhythm. All the record is done using a new Jazzmaster (Crafted in Japan) and a Tokai Gakki from mid 60s. Jorge at Circo Perrotti proposed me on the first song to try this guitar and I did and I remained absolutely surprised as it sounds like a Jazzmaster with a more aggressive/dirty tone. I loved that!
ETAGE 8 (the 8th floor)
Gerhard Siebholz was a composer for GEMA in Germany in the early 60s and the guitarist in the SPUTNIKS. Someone mentioned in other posts the songs "Sputnik Thema". This band came out with 4 songs recorded in am album called BIG BEAT in 65-67 (cannot remember well). Not to be confused with the many SPOTNICKS around there, DIE SPUTNIKS were forbidden in the early 60s by the Government as their rock n roll was too much revolutionary for Germany. So they moved to instrumentals quite successfully BUILDING their own guitars and amplifiers, and obviously influenced by the sound of UK of those years. Sputnik Thema, Etage 8, Nordlicht, Guitarren Twist are incredible songs. I decided to record ETAGE 8 as I fell in love with this tune, it is incredible to me. I replaced the organ with a back guitar and - believe it or not - it took me and Jorge about 4 HOURS just to find the part of the second guitar. It is a great part because if it is not done right it looses the peculiarity of the song and THAT melody. Unfortunately the political pressure was too strong on those days and Die Sputniks split soon on late 60s, but they recently reformed and for what I know they are still playing.
FIRE ESCAPE ROPE
Let me tell the story once and for all. I was in Japan in a little mountain town called Hakone. I was at the 3rd floor in my hotel and it was a typical japanese accommodation. At the window I did not have security stairs so they just put a ROPE with a sign that says "FIRE ESCAPE ROPE" meaning obviously that if the place gets on fire you are supposed to jump out of the window from the 3rd floor using that rope. This certainly reminded me to surf music...
MY FAVORITE TUNE
For my personal taste I am surprised of the result in a song not mentioned by Ivan, CAVALCADE OF SURF. This puts together a lot of things, particular tempo on drums, fast rolling snare, typical surf guitar, a fun bridge reminding to mexican feelings and the best analog compression. I love the way this tune has come out, especially because when I got to the studio it was absolutely not completed... so I just sit and did it... whatever comes out...
I wait now for more comments and BUY BUY BUY the record, it is very beauuuuutiiifuuuulllll !!!
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3742
North Atlantic
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Posted on Jul 28 2013 09:33 AM
Those Tokais are great guitars. Glad you had the chance to use one.
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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IvanP
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 10320
southern Michigan
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Posted on Jul 28 2013 01:09 PM
Thanks for commenting and clarifying, Lorenzo, very interesting stuff, especially about the Tokai guitar - wow! Very cool! As far as "Etage 8" and Die Sputniks, thanks for clarifying that. I have two "Surfbeat Behind the Iron Curtain" CDs that have a few Die Sputniks tracks, which I haven't listened to in AGES. I'll have to check out those tracks again. Unfortunately, "Etage 8" is not on them, but "Sputniks Thema", "Spanish Gypsy Dance" and "So Much Love" are. And fire escape rope was exactly what I expected, though it's difficult to believe that anybody could really be serious about that!
Anyway, great job, Lorenzo! Good luck with all the touring and REALLY looking forward to seeing you again in only 12 days!
— Ivan
Lords of Atlantis on Facebook
The Madeira Official Website
The Madeira on Facebook
The Blair-Pongracic Band on Facebook
The Space Cossacks on Facebook
The Madeira Channel on YouTube
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bigtikidude
Joined: Feb 27, 2006
Posts: 25309
Anaheim(So.Cal.)U.S.A.
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Posted on Jul 28 2013 04:53 PM
I've heard the album a few times.
And while I certainly can't compete with
Ivan or Ferenc in the writing of the review
Dept. I hope my enthusiasm for this record
Is felt.
I really think that it is on par with
A few of the great trad surf releases of the 90s
And 2000s. Surely a must have release for any
True surf fan.
I'll admit that I am a fan of the off the beaten
Path, when it comes to instro.
But trad. surf,when it's done Amazingly well,
or even perfect (if I can dare say this cd is).
It gets me all amped up, and reminded why surf
When done right, can be so awesome!!
Congrats Lorenzo and all involved.
Sign me up for a CD and LP!
Can't wait to see you soon,
At the Surf Guitar 101 convention.
— Jeff(bigtikidude)
Last edited: Jul 28, 2013 21:21:16
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 28 2013 05:34 PM
Thanks Jeff I REALLY appreciate this!!!
See ya soon my friend!
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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simoncoil
Joined: Sep 28, 2012
Posts: 897
Berlin, Germany
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 04:14 AM
Lorenzo, it is so cool that you covered a song by the Sputniks! And it's even cooler that it is not another version of the "Sputnik Thema" but a rather unknown song. And from what I can hear on the preview, your version is amazing! I will add a youtube link of the original for those, who do not know it already.
However I can't resist to make some corrections and additions to your backstory: An important thing to keep in mind, when talking about the Sputniks is that they were from EAST Germany (Ivan already hinted at this), where Rock'n'Roll (or Beat) was considered part of a decadent capitalistic lifestyle and therefore not suitable for the youth. Playing instrumentals helped you to stay out of trouble for some time, because there was no obvious message to them, which could corrupt the oh so innocent socialist teenagers. 
And so the recording output of most of the early beat bands from the GDR was instrumental (the Shadows being their biggest influence), but in the long run it did not help them much: Most of them were forbidden in the end, some members moved on to form other bands, others tried to emigrate. The official policy toward rock music changed a little in later years, but till the end of the regime there was always strong pressure on the bands to prevent any form of counter culture.
Gerhard Siebholz by the way was not a member of the Sputniks, but a composer, whose main works were corny pop songs and musicals, but he also worked as a producer and and studio technician and did some movie scores.
But the most remarkable thing is, how well known the Sputniks still are among the generation of my parents, although they only issued 2 singles and a few songs on the two "Big Beat" compilations. It often happened that, when people from that generation heard my bands, their response was: "It sounds a bit like the Sputniks."
However the Sputniks today... I saw them once, when they played together with Los Apollos (then with Ralf Kilauea on guitar) and the Stingrays (a trad surf band from Berlin). They only played few instrumentals and only one of their classic songs (Sputnik Thema of course), the rest was "oldies". The odd thing was, that the Stingrays also played "Sputnik Thema", which at times was a bit of a standard for surf bands here in Germany, and they did it better!
Sorry, this turned out longer then expected!
I hope the record is not already sold out, when you come to Berlin the next time! Wait, I hope it IS sold out and you will have ordered new ones till then. 
— Los Apollos - cinematic surf music trio (Berlin)
"Postcards from the Scrapyard" Vol. 1, 2 & 3 NOW available on various platforms!
"Chaos at the Lobster Lounge" available as LP and download on Surf Cookie Records!
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 04:35 AM
This is great Simon!!! A great info. In Germany with Jonpaul we managed to find another copy of Big Beat (I had it already and was mentioning to him).
Are you sure about Gerhard not being a member of Sputniks? I remember clearly seeing him listed in the band somewhere, but of course I might be wrong.
Anyway YES I left the fact the band is from EAST Germany. I am digging a lot of what Amiga label produced and checked with Anne sometimes their catalog to see what they were able to reprint in the region from the American classics and so on.
Record is not sold out yet but you did not get your Frankie CD also... I am in Germany now but moving to Netherlands today.
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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HallmarkSweptWinger
Joined: Jul 27, 2006
Posts: 1284
Berlinesia, Germanifornia
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 04:40 AM
@simoncoil: The LP is available in a few record stores here in Berlin soon! Keep you updated where you can get it!
Yes, buy it if you see it! I am sure that this album will be sold out very soon!
I am listening it to it this moment! THANKS Lorenzo!!!!!
Pazzo furioso sensazionale!!!!
Wow! I like it a LOT! Nice nice sound!!!
Great songs! The surf feeling is soooooo good! The absolutely positive feeling and attitude of surf music, it`s all in this album!
I dont know which song is my favorite... "Underwater Love" and "Cavalcade of Surf" are definitely one of my faves. "The North Swell" is yet a great modern surf classic!!!
Oooohh, "Changing times"!!! What a wonderful nice melody and arrangement! (Is the guitar a bit out of tune at the end of the melody? If so, doesnt matter. Ah, I think I am wrong...)
I also like the graphic style on the LP. (Haven`t seen a CD yet.)
Go Go Go!!!! Yesyesyes!!!!
— Twang cheers!
Ralf Kilauea
www.kilaueas.de
https://kilaueas.bandcamp.com/album/touch-my-alien
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simoncoil
Joined: Sep 28, 2012
Posts: 897
Berlin, Germany
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 06:26 AM
Ralf, I'll gladly take your hints for record shops, although I must admit, that I would prefer a CD.
Lorenzo, I get most of my information on GDR pop/rock from this german website, which also lists the members of the bands:
http://www.ostbeat.de
The peculiar thing about Amiga was that they always had to find a middle way between what people wanted to hear and what was accepted by the socialist regime. This led to the strange result that sometimes counter culture rock was more acceptible than mainstream pop. For example "Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd was released on Amiga with an essay on the cover, which "explained" that this band obviously had an anti-capitalistic attitude. Original blues and some folk artists were also okay, because they had the background of the "oppressed working class of the US".
Similarily local bands were only allowed to release songs that had passed censorship. And there was no alternative since there were no other labels!
In any case the print runs were always very small because of the limited materials and there were almost no re-releases. In an interview after the dissolution of the GDR one of the heads of Amiga said: "The worst thing that could have happened to us in these days would have been a real hit." There simply would not have been the capapcities to produce enough copies for the public!
In consequence the "Big Beat" LPs have always been hard to find and were always pretty expensive. You do know of course, that there were two volumes, right? The second one showed the famous self built triple neck guitar of the Franke Echo Quintett:
image
A final remark to get back on topic: I always liked the idea of surf music being international and I think one will hardly find any better example for this than an Italian who recorded a song from east Germany in a studio in Spain with a Californian Sound!
— Los Apollos - cinematic surf music trio (Berlin)
"Postcards from the Scrapyard" Vol. 1, 2 & 3 NOW available on various platforms!
"Chaos at the Lobster Lounge" available as LP and download on Surf Cookie Records!
Last edited: Jul 29, 2013 07:10:45
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MadScientist
Joined: Jan 17, 2008
Posts: 2188
Atlanta, GA
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 08:50 AM
I'm really looking forward to picking this up at the convention! I enjoy the Wadadli Riders CD quite a bit, so I imagine I will enjoy this one as well!
—
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 11:39 AM
thank you Simon for your cool research,
I absolutely very interested in these matters.
so again thank you for posting!
of course I know that there is big beat 2 which I still don't have an there is also this release of the Sputniks on CD when they did the reunion.
your final sentence is cool, international capitalistic surfmusic business pazzo furioso!
STORES IN BERLIN AND EUROPE
very soon on my website I am going to post a list of all the stores where you can physically get the record, CD or Vinyl.
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 29 2013 11:41 AM
MadScientist wrote:
I'm really looking forward to picking this up at the convention! I enjoy the Wadadli Riders CD quite a bit, so I imagine I will enjoy this one as well!
hi Jamie, you're going to like this, guaranteed!
see you at the convention!
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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HallmarkSweptWinger
Joined: Jul 27, 2006
Posts: 1284
Berlinesia, Germanifornia
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Posted on Jul 31 2013 11:10 AM
YES! YES!
Tomorrow you can get it at VOPO Records Berlin.
http://www.vopo-records.de/_framset.htm
On friday in more record shops in Berlin!
— Twang cheers!
Ralf Kilauea
www.kilaueas.de
https://kilaueas.bandcamp.com/album/touch-my-alien
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 31 2013 02:34 PM
HallmarkSweptWinger wrote:
YES! YES!
Tomorrow you can get it at VOPO Records Berlin.
http://www.vopo-records.de/_framset.htm
On friday in more record shops in Berlin!
Oh yes! Go and buy it GERMAN surf fans!
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3742
North Atlantic
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Posted on Jul 31 2013 06:16 PM
Pre-ordered the vinyl. Looking forward to this. (Gotta learn the tunes after all) 
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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surferjoemusic
Joined: Jan 01, 2008
Posts: 2105
Livorno
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Posted on Jul 31 2013 06:23 PM
Yes thanks Mike! Of course learn the tunes, I will come to play them there soon... and you know you are involved!
— Lorenzo "Surfer Joe" Valdambrini
(www.surfmusic.net)
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arny
Joined: Aug 22, 2010
Posts: 608
Netherlands, Europe
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Posted on Aug 01 2013 01:04 AM
Hi Lorenzo,
I'm sorry to say I will not attend your DJ show at the Rambler in Eindhoven this weekend (big festival in my hometown at the same time). But since Eindhoven is only about 45 minutes from Venlo, the biggest and best independent recordstore of the Netherland is Sounds in Venlo. The have a nice surf & garage selection on CD & vinyl. Only a 10 minute walk from the trainstation, and they are open every sunday!
Check out their website for details: http://www.sounds-venlo.nl/
Oh and there is a great Irish Pub on the other side of the street, so if you would like to meet for a guiness 
— www.alohasluts.com
Aloha Sluts on BandCamp
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Aloha Fest on facebook
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