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Hello Trode!
Thanks greatly for piping up and adding your perspective, and
ESPECIALLY for the link to purchase Beware - I do appreciate that!
However, I must disagree on one issue with you:
You wrote:
> I concur, but would emphasize the "Adventurous" part. I don't
> find the "Lunatics" all that surfy. Although I cannot imagine this
> being a turn off.
[cut]
> The 3rd Beat Tornados album is as far from Surf as the 3rd
> Lunatics album.
Well, you know, each person on this (or any other) list has his own
definition exactly what is surf music. I'm sure none of us will
ever agree with another person's definition. The reason why I think
the Lunatics are 'surfy' is for several reasons: 1) their first
album was all sixties surf music covers and it's clear that is where
they are coming from; 2) even though the lead guitar is very dry (no
reverb), it's clear that the lead guitarist is coming from the surf
music school of guitar chops, cause he plays through a very clean
amp and LOVES to double-pick - most of the other techniques he uses
are standard surf guitar techniques rather than any modern non-surf
stuff (like heavy bending or whatnot); 3) the rest of the band's
gear and sounds of their instruments are very much grounded in the
sixties; 4) most of their melodies and chord structures, though not
completely traditional, are obviously inspired by sixties
instrumental music, whether Euro or US; 5) finally, though I'm sure
they were heavily influenced by Euro-instro, I've NEVER heard any
Euro-instro band play with that sort of energy and attack - it
clearly comes from surf music.
As far as 'Scandinavian Interlude' by the Beat Tornados, you keep
telling people it's not surf music - I couldn't disagree more. 1)
their tones are very traditional surf music, and they are using
Jags, reverb units, and big Fender amps; 2) Dick Dale and Ventures
in Space (arguably their surfiest album) are obviously big
influences for that album - "Kreml De La Kreml" is obviously Dick-
Dale-ish, "Return of the Griegster" is completely a surf
tune, "Xtabay" sounds like 'Ventures In Space', and I could go on.
Yes, there are several songs that aren't very surfish beyond the
sounds of the actual instruments, and I tried to acknowledge that in
my review, but does that mean that the album doesn't qualify as a
surf album? As far as I'm concerned, Slacktone is much further from
surf music that 'SI', yet few people argue that they are not a surf
band.
To me surf music is a big tent - it can cover many different bands.
What I look for is a particular sound consciousness as well as lack
of any intentional introduction of non-surf elements (in particular
post-'65 guitar techniques and tones). Just because someone is
pushing at the definition a bit doesn't really bother me, though.
Finally, insisting that a particular release is not surf music may
actually keep some surf music fans from checking it out, though it's
close enough and though they may it enjoy greatly. So, let's not be
so insistent on something not being surf music, shall we?
> After you post Part 3, I could add a few albums from further
> South. like "The Netherlands" Not as similar musically but just
> as impressive with the Surf genre.
ABsolutely. Anyone in the last several years? It seems like the
Dutch surf scene has died somewhat since the heights of the Treble
Spankers and the Apemen, etc.
Ivan
