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Discografie
Reviews: Pipeline Issue 2, England: A surf album from West Germany! I have to admit it comes as a bit of a surprise to find surfers with names like Wolfgang and Klaus. The Rhine is obviously far choppier than I would have been imagined! Anyway " whoever and wherever " this is a fine, fine surf record. Old beach friend like "Baja" and "Penetration" are taken for another whip through the foam, and even though you have heard them many times before you´ll be happy to renew their acquaintanceship for these are strong full-bodied versions that hold their own in comparison with the originals. "Surf Beat" in particular is great - full of dark, brooding power with acything guitar cutting through the maelstrom of sound, and with menacing background sax lending even further darkness. A brace of Gary Ushers best tunes are included - "Oceanside" and "Wheel Stands" - and Lee Hazlewood goes one better with the trio of the Astronauts "Baja" and "Movin" and Al Casey´s "El Aquila". Bobby Fullers "My Favourite Martian" demonstrates The Cruncher´s wet, splashy sound perfectly, whilst the powerful latin flavoured sound of The Sentinals "Latinia" presents no problem to them at all - nor for that matter does Dick Dale´s mexican styled "Taco Wagon" which also highlights their impressive guitar mastery. There´s also a couple of unexpected recruits in the String-A-Longs "Mathilda" and the Fendermens "Torture" both of which make the transition to surf effortless and convincingly. The Cruncher are to be applauded for an excellent album and if only there had been a few originals of comperable quality added to the tracks here we would have been talking about five star efforts.
Surfers Rule Issue 20 Sweden: When Herbert Hooke and his Cruncher released their first album "Go Surfin" it was a big surprise to everyone. Here was a new group from West Germany with a crystal clear and agressive, yet beautiful sound that was not inferior to any of the best of the original 60´s surf recordings, and that include Dick Dale too. The 2nd album "Jupiter C" is not far from being just as great as the first one. Tracks like Jupiter C, Beach Party, The Rebel, Casbah and Santa Barbara all have a light sound that you sometimes hear on Dick Dale recordings. Rock & Roll Musik - Magazin Issue 66 Germany: Nach ihrer Überraschungs - LP "Go Surfin´ With The Cruncher" im Vorjahr stellen uns die Instrumentalisten aus dem Norden nun ein weiteres Album vor. Und das braucht sich hinter dem ersten in keiner Weise zu verstecken. Auf diesem Album kommt eine Menge Lebensfreude ´rüber. The Cruncher haben sich wieder einige Standardnummern ausgesucht, aber auch weniger bekannte Surftitel finden sich wieder. Dies macht das Album zu einer abwechsungsreichen und runden Sache. Niemand würde auf die Idee kommen, dies Album stamme aus dem Jahre 1989 und gar aus einem nichtamerikanischen Land. Die Musik ist authentisch, sie ist gut gelaunt und sie ist auch rockig. TOP
Pipeline Issue 12, England: .... on a scale of one to five Surf Guitar must score at least six. It´s so good I found it almost impossible to review, it seemed like every time I sat down with pen in hand I ended up totally engrossed in the music and never wrote a word! Cruncher main man Herbert Hooke has the full array of surf guitar sounds on call, not only that but his grasp of dynamics enables him to use them to best advantage too. From the bubbling reverb rhythm of The Astronauts through the screaming assault of Dick Dale and on to the more melodic twang and tremolo of the Gary Usher groups he´s got the lot. ..... I find it impossible to select favourite tracks, they´re all so good I´d end up listing most of them again. .... I strongly urge anyone with half an ear for surf music to get themselves a copy of Surf Guitar, it´ll even revitalise the interest of the most jaded fan. Pipeline Issue 13, England: Herbert Hooke has delivered a phenomenally sounding digital collection of 22 surf instrumentals awash in dual channel reverb and stunning guitar sounds. Surf Guitar contains amazing and energetically reverbed instrumental surf music ( even a good version of the Surf Raiders´ "The Curl Rider" ). In this clean digital format, the sound is more immense and brighter than on vinyl. John Blair VSFC Hotline Issue May 1992, Sweden: VSFC are proud to present the excellent Top Class Surf Music of "The Cruncher"!!! Seldom have a surf or in fact three surf records ( LP Go Surfin´; LP Jupiter C; CD Surf Guitar ) sounded as great as these are. From the start to the end there are only first class surf music which makes you happy and in a good mood. The CD "Surf Guitar" have been getting top reviews in Pipeline , New Gandy Dancer and Let´s Go magazine. So VSFC and Hotline are there in the same line - this is great music for lovers of instrumental surf music - no doubt about it - let´s join The Cruncher for the summer of ´92. Surfers Rule Issue 25, Sweden: The Cruncher from Germany have released 2 great albums so far and now we are offered this classic 22 tracks CD. The Cruncher sometimes sound just as good or even better than the originals; Dick Dale, the Astronauts and the Super Stocks. Herbert Hooke must really have studied those acts in detail. Everyone should have a copy of this. Phil Dirt; USA: A labor of love, covers of classic and obscouros, tastefully played and traditionally arranged. A very nice CD, very listenable and fun. TOP
Phil Dirt, USA: This CD - R collects some of the more interesting Cruncher tracks, plus some new material. Herbert´s passion for the trad surf sound drives him to record pristine and reverent covers, arranged like it was 1963 and he was in the studio as a member of The Super Stocks. Well played traditional surf covers, very good listening. TOP
Phil Dirt, USA: A Man Called Curse****: A thin and distant guitar aurally creates a soundtrack sense. It dramatically introduces a great galloping instrumental that´s also been done by the "Treble Spankers". The energy and atmospherics are excellent, and the infectious rhythms are just superb. Algarve***: This is a lush and romantic song with heavily effected guitar and symphonic keys. Island references and misty atmospherics. Amapola***: This traditional European melody is done with an eye on the surf and lots of atmosphere. Pretty and almost sparkling. Beyond The Reef ***: Jack Pitman´s classic exotica epic "Beyond The Reef" flows with lush island imagery and beautiful tone. It´s quite pretty and very fluid. Dardanela***: The classic "Dardanella" is nicely played, with stylistically mature arrengement, and a gentle energy. Very pretty tone. The Good Humor Stomp***: The Avengers VI´s bouncing good fun "The Good Humor Stomp" is presented in a polished almost Super Stocks sound, though the guitar flights sometimes are more rock than surf. Quite nice. Guitar Boogie Shuffle***: The Virtues´ classic rockin´ fifties instro is played with reverence and the correct energy and rockabilly beat and in the wash of reverb, it seems to be echoing down a hidden valley. Once**: The European tendency to play electric guitar melodies with extended tape echo and beauty is well represented here. Pretty, but not really memorable. Free Fall****: Richard Podolor´s glorious Free Fall is really nice here. Rhythmic, and with plenty of the haunting ambiance that Podolor used so well with the "Devons". Very nice. The Last Walk***: Is another Richard Podolor song. This slow and silky song is made more spatial through lost of layered delay and reverb. The sound is a thick wash of returns, like hearing it wafting through the tress in a canyon. Moon Shot****: The Fireballs "Gunshot" is retitled "Moon Shot" and muted reverbed to great effect. The thick was of the rhythm track seems to work well here, and the feel of the arrangement is complimentary to George Tomsco´s masterpiece. Black Eyes***: I did not recognize "Black Eyes" right off, due in part to the pomp of the rhythm track and the atmospherics of the production. This is a haunting recording that´s on the slower side. Spooky. Santa Ana****: This Shadows song is more interesting to me than the original for various reasons of style-taste. The delicate muted reverb and sustained notes from a surf point of view add some sense of beauty and curl relevance that make this song sparkle. Stranger From Durango***: Haunting and moody, with a lush and scenic wash of sound. Richard Podolor´s "Stranger From Durango" is a flow flowing masterpiece, and The Cruncher brings out the intend well. Very pretty! Teen Scene***: The Hunters´ "Teen Scene" is surfed up with damped reverb rhythms and drums, while the melody line remains outside the genre. The contrast actually works very well. This is easily the most interesting of all the versions I´ve heard. The Breeze And I****: Ernesto Lacuona´s spectacular "The Breeze And I" has often been done hard and fast, and occasionally beautifully slow and sultry. Perhaps the Vibrants version is more emotional and dramatic, but this is more pretty and haunting. Very nice indeed! Lonely Surf Guitar***: This was the B - Side of the Safaris ( Pat and Lolly Vegas ) lone single on Valiant. It retains the shimmer of the vibrato lead, as well as the pace. A near perfect replica, except more atmospheric. YAA Rabbi*****: What a wonderful track! Yaa Rabbi is a splendidly infectious track with lots of compelling interplay. Rhythmic and enchanting, and quite infectious. I´m a sucker for Jewish melodies converted to surf. Tribute To Gary Usher****: This is a fine interpretation of the Devons´"Untitled Instrumental #2". It´s more emotional and atmospheric than the original, and it´s very satisfying to listen to. The melody is so compelling on this track, which in some ways was a prcursor to "Beat ´65". Great track. Pipeline Issue 69, England: It´s been quite a while since we last heard from Herbert Hooke, The Cruncher, the one-man surf band with an endless supply of reverb and tasty guitar licks. I´m pleased to report that this CD, despite it´s rather unimaginative title, has been well worth the wait. From the opening gallop of the curiously titled A Man Called Curse with its Dick Dale lead guitar and resounding chords you know you are in a surftastic time. The really nice thing about Herbert´s work is that he takes old European numbers like Amapola, Black Eyes and Dardanella - material that you wouldn´t really think of as potential surfers - switches the reverb to eleven and makes it sound surfy whilst still retaining a flavour of the old world too. This is a trick that is also applied to UK ´60s classics like The Shads´ Santa Anna and The Hunters´ Teen Scene, both of which sound all the better for their salt spray makeover. The CD really ignites with an old US surfer though, The Avenger VI´s Good Humor Stomp which Herbert really drives along with a little keyboard work and lots of rockin´ surf guitar. This is breathlessly followed by Guitar Boogie Shuffle and, while you´re wondering how this old chestnut can possible have any life left in it, Herbert grabs it by the scruff of the neck and breathes fresh energy into it just with the strength of his performance. Interestingly we also have no less than three Richie Podolor compositions - Free Fall, The Last Walk and Stranger From Durango - none of which would I describe as surf instrumentals in their original guise. The Devon´s Free Fall always had a subtle emotional undertow and Herbert replicates that subtlety perfectly, while The Super Stocks´ The Last Walk carries a similar poignant punch that, again, is skilfully captured. The Fireballs´ Moon Shot is delivered with considerable power and spirit, whilst ballads such as Algarve, Beyond The Reef and Lonely Surf Guitar are treated with tenderness and finesse. Surf fans will be very happy to add this worthy CD to their collections. TOP
This CD reached place 4 in 1994 of the "Billboard" Top Ten in the category "special CD productions of the year." California Music Issue 82, Australia: This has got to be one of the best surf compilation CDs ever! Herbert Hooke and Rüdiger Nehls have gone the extra mile gathering up exotic surfing sounds from all over the world. There are no weak cuts to be found anywhere on this compilation coming from NPR Records. Although all the cuts are classics, there are a couple that need to be mentioned by name: As always, The Cruncher comes through with the haunting "Theme From Sheena", an exquisite tune that would make an excellent addition to any surf movie. Jon And The Nightriders treatment of "Stampede" is noteworthy. I also really enjoy "Surfari" by The Boardwalkers. The CD is a great sampler of the different kinds of surf music that has been happening around the world since 1979. Bands from the first revival and bands from current revival are included, thus giving you a wide variety of tunes and musical style not found elsewhere. No matter where the music comes from, it is hot surf all the way! This CD is a killer and belongs in your collection now! Surfers Rule Issue 30, Sweden: This is quite an impressive line-up with 12 of the best surf-instrumental groups of today and 28 tracks on the same CD. The German NPR label has also made sure that nothing was released before to make this one quite necessary for every fan of the surfing sound. New Gandy Dancer Issue 40, England: .... Novel and bright 28 track sampler CD of the best of the US and European energy surf bands and artists from the 80´s on. Tight CD with many highlights .....So much to choose from as the thin man said to the Fat lady. Pipeline Issue 24, England: What a brilliant idea! Instead of sitting around moaning about how great it would be if we could only get some more of our kind of new music onto CD Herbert Hooke has simply gone out and done it! This compilation is stuffed full of bands and artists whose music is regulary reviewed in Pipeline but who, inevitably due to financial reasons, usually have to make do with tape or vinyl releases. Herbert has gathered together a wide spectrum of these musicians - from as far afield as America, Germany, England and Canada - picked samples of their best work and glued them all together on this superb collection. The first thing to say is how incredibly high the general standard is - if musical worth was the only criteria then virtually all of those included would be clutching freshly signed recording contracts to make their own individual CDs. Each band or artist has their own positive, distinctive character, their own little something special to offer. TOP The Looney Tunes give us something of a Dick Dale thrash on "Blues Theme", and a much more poised performance on the Latin flavoured "Sunrise Surf"; Surftrek rocks out on the very aggressive sounding "Surf Dawn" and gets the speakers throbbing with his garage band trip to "Echo Beach"; The Insect Surfers impress with their sheer class, a bit bluesy, very modern, and some wonderful guitar from David Arnson on "Psychotronic", and interesting snake-charming sax on the Eastern excursion "Mojave"; Jerry McNeish gives Dale´s "Let´s Go Trippin´" something of a R&R swing, and brings a mature sensitivity to The Ventures´ poignant classic "Changing Tides"; The Surfdusters score highly with the moody "Eclipse" which grows in stature with every play; The Surf Raiders offer their traditional wet sound on "Wave Walk´n" - particularly like the way that Linda Dalley fleshes out the band with her tasty organ sound; The Halibuts crash the party with some fine live action on "Skinny Dip" and "Don´t Back Down" - the latter also teases with the odd pinched lick from here and there; Surfzone comes up with the most beautiful sound of the whole CD on "Laguna Beach" - sort of surfin´ in the South Seas, although The Cruncher runs The ´Zone a close second with the delicate "Theme From Sheena"; The Boardwalkers impress with their musical sharpness on "Surfari" - strong drumming from Jeff Utterbeck and lead from Dan Valentie; Counterpoint really come up trumps with the brilliant Mike Maxfield composition "Surfin´ Crazee" - an inspired pick with lead guitar to match, the Maurice Preece five minutes epic "The Deep" is strongly atmospheric with churning bass and a deep, deep guitar lead that perfectly suggest the mysteries and strangeness of the ocean depth; Jon & The Nightriders confirm their top of the bill status with their trio of hot shot goodies - all the virtues of traditional surf guitar forged together with all the attack of a new wave rhythm section - bliss! This CD is clearly a complete artistic and musical success. But, more than that, it is a testimony to the kind of people involved in RI. The musicians who trusted Herbert when he said "Send me your tapes". Herbert himself for having sufficient faith to put his own money into getting his fellow musicians into the medium which they so richly deserve. With a plush 28 page booklet each of those appearing are done proud with a photo and write-up, and the whole thing can only do good for the general cause of RI. We take our hats off to you, Herbert. Make sure that you buy this and turn it into commercial success too. Not because you should, but just because it is bloody great. Phil Dirt, USA: ´94 German compilation of surf bands from all over the world. Most are vault tracks for these bands, but many are so rare, it doesn´t matter. 26 tracks not imported. This is one totally killer CD. There are few dogs in the set. A must buy! TOP
Pipeline Issue 71, England: Herbert Hooke, aka The Cruncher, assembled this monster compilation for NPR Records with two tracks apiece from 15 current German guitar bands. Unfortunately that left room for only one track from The Cruncher himself, but with his new album due in the summer we won´t have to wait long for more inspired reverb surfers like In My Chair. Yes, in the hands of a master the Status Quo hit does work as a surf guitar instrumental. The other contributors to Krautsurf share Herbert´s love of genuine reverb surf sounds in varying degrees. Although not as it is in America, it seems the term surf music has a broadening definition in Germany. Still, with 31 tracks and a CD-busting 78 minutes there´s plenty here to make this a desirable collection and the following tracks that surf fans can approach with some confidence.
Pipeline Issue 29, England: There are several features that can attract people to compilation albums. They may contain a number of hard to find collector´s items, they may be the only source of a track by a favoured artist, or they may simply hang together as a great listening experiance. Pulp Rock Instros works on all counts but is particularly useful as a collection of rarities. Clearly compiled by an enthusiast, this CD is several cuts above your standard cash-in collection of the same continuously recycled tracks. Much more of this and the bootleggers will be starting to worry! TOP
Herbert´s releases for other bands:
Phil Dirt, USA: Bustin´ Surfboards****: It all restarted right here. This track comes from the first release of the Surf Revival, 1979´s 4-song blue vinyl EP on California Records titled Bustin´ Surfboards. It was John´s first J&NR session as well. John had been in surf bands as a kid, and was itching to play again. He found buddies with an interest, and created what became the first shot in the rise of the surf instrumental from obscurity to passionate pursuit. The sond is well played, and the all the right hooks are there. This session has a fairly dry sound, and the limitations of the recording equipment is evident in the listening. Still, it´s a well done labor of love, and created a whole new generation of admirers, as well as launching a whole lot of other bands. Latin´ia****: This track comes from the LP first release of the Surf Revival, 1980´s "Surf Beat ´80" on Voxx Records. Like their earlier EP, this session has a fairly dry sound, and the limitations of the studio are evident. Still, it´s a step towards a whole new thing. The band is still formative, but has it down anyway. Bombay Beach****: This track finds J&NR doing another obscourse surf instro with increasing flair and energy. From the gong intro forward, it´s a really pleasant track, full of exotic far away imagery. Depth Charge*****: John´s first self penned tune for the surf world, and like Danny Amis´s "Calhoun Surf", it has become his signature tune, much requested by fans. A solid performance, the first of several for John´s band, and it´s been covered by Beach Coma a.k.a. the Surf Rats. Surfari*****: I think this track is the earliest that really exemplifies what was to become the signature J&NR sound, fiery leads, and totally happening machine gun drums - a very chunky sound. Surf Rider****: Competent and reverent rendition of the Nokie Edwards number made famous by the Lively Ones. The Truant****: This is a solid rendition of the Truants´ obscuro. Tuff and chunky, with edge. I´m glad this was included on this release. An excellent take. Journey To The Stars****: Totally accurate and much more magical cover of the Ventures classic single! Suicide Bay****: Cool rhythm track behind a sad/eerie instro. Moody, sullen, yet seems to imply a rebirth. A really a good listen. Banzai Washout (live)****: Stunningly hot version of the Catalinas classic, written by the late sax session player Steve Douglas. Recorded live on cassette from the audience at J&NR first live show at the Santa Monica Civic opening for Dick Dale and the Surf Punks. TOP The Force Of Gravity*****: Opening drama yields to a nice but simple progression, The Force Of Gravity pounds out a rock solid surf rage. Originally released by the Genteels, this has been in J&NR set for decades. Excellent. Mr. Moto****: A solid performance of the Belairs classic. John Blair always gets it right. His reverence for the roots of this music always shows through his recordings. Surf Party****: The Astronauts hit with this tune, which was the title track from the film of the same name. This is a great performance, as usual. Lots of spunk and rhythm. The Nightrider (live)****: J&NR signature tune is a percussive and lively surf instro, with a ton of energy and great splash. The band drives hard, and John Blair plays his heart out. Rumble At Waikiki****: This song has all the right elements, from the thundering glissandoes to the pounding percussion. Totally infectious. (I Think I´m) Surfing Japanese*****: An amazing track, inspired by the Vapours´ (I Think I´m) Turning Japanese. This not only capture all the fun new wave edge of the Vapours, but adds to it with the intensity of J&NR. It is infectious, fun, and powerful. A must have track. Produced by Kim Fowley "live in the studio" at Heritage Studios, LA 1981. Penetration****: A brief version of the Pyramids classico, recorded to a specific length for the film Surf II. Super obscure. Surfer Joe****: A very brief version of the Surfaris standard without words, recorded to a specific length for the film Surf II. Super obscure. Fuel Injected***: An original written and recorded for the film Surf II. Super obscure. Geronimo*****: One of the great modern Indian riff based surf tracks. A J&NR standard! What a great track this is - entirely infectious, and not the usual trite Indian theme stuff, but still readily recognizable as within that genre. Totally great! Charge Of The Nightriders****: It´s done before, but never pulled off. Great surfization of the William Tell Overture from 1982. The Wedge (A Run For Live)*****: J&NR resurrect the first Dick Dale arrangement of The Wedge under ist original title, but without Dick´s trumpet. This is a very flexible song, as the many covers attest to. These guys give it yet another sound and feel. Excellent. Hit Man****: The first recording of the extremely hot Dave Wronski original, now a standard fixture in this band, as well as Agent Orange, and Slacktone, both of which feature Dave´s guitar talent. Really good track! Storm Dancer*****: This is one of the best numbers John Blair has written. Very hot and infectious. In fact, this track rules! The fire in the percussion, the catchy nature of the melody, the power in the rhythm... a masterpiece! Very hot and infectious. Aside from being one of the best second wave bands, J&NR are incredibly tight and percussive. Boss****: The focus is shifted away from the sax and onto the surf rhythm for a truly Boss performance of the Rumblers´ classic hit. The rumblers declared themselves not to be a surf band, but there´s not doubt about the surf credentials of this tune in the hands of J&NR. Catalina****: Grand track, lots of melody and fine performance. It has a mysterious feel to it, slightly ominous and energetic. Excellent! Stampede****: This rockabilly standard originally done by the Scarlets has been recorded plenty as of late, but this is the first time it was surfed up, back in ´86. Hot bouncy tune. The Breeze And I*****: Among the best versions of the often covered Ernesto Lacuona Cuban Flamenco classic, 'J&NR' liquefy the song´s romance. This is a very good track! Hawaii Five-O****: Not listed, this is mystery track 29. A super short version of the TV show theme, recorded to a specific length for the film Surf II. Super obscure. TOP Pipeline Issue 25, England: The trouble with revivalist bands is that, in the end, you just somehow feel that they are simply not as good as the original bands that inspired them. As though the single fact that they showed up some twenty years late automatically disqualifys them, right? Wrong! WRONG! Jon & The Nightriders are the greatest surf band of all time. No question. And right here on this one CD is all the argument that you need. Sub-titled as "An Anthology 1979 - 1986", there are twenty eight barnstorming, gut tearing, surf rockin´ tracks. Sensibly selected from the band´s four albums ( 3 to 5 tracks from each ), with two rare single cuts ( "Bustin´ Surfboards" and "Surfing Japanese" ), two tracks from Rhino´s surf revival compilation ("Suicide Bay" and "Journey To The Stars" ), plus a hefty eight previously unreleased tracks, this really could not be better. The chronological sequencing fits perfectly because The Nightriders started out as brilliant - and just got better! By the time that you reach the end of the CD you sense that perhaps there nowhere else left for them to go, as though they had climbed the mountain, achieved true excellent, and then just disappeared into the mist. Their legacy is remarkable. Their merging of traditional and authentic surf with the energy of punk/new wave turns tracks like "Surfing Japanese" and "Banzai Washout" into lethal doses of everwhelming exhillaration. At the other end of the scale Blair translates the Tornados´ "Bustin´ Surfboards" into something that is gentle - almost delicate - and then displays his ability to breathe the fresh life into a time-served melody such as "The Breeze And I" with the greatest sensitivity. The surname of Blair is sprinkled ubiquitously amongst the writer´s credits and is quite at home with names like Nokie Edwards, Steve Leonard, Paul Johnson, and Steve Douglas. There are no pale imitations of other´s glories here, no lacklustre riffs searching for a melody - Blair compositions as good as "Suicide Bay" and "Geronimo" would rightly be regarded as classics today had they been written in the sixties rather than the eighties. So, a great sounding, great value CD, that I have no hesitation in naming THE best releases of 1994. The trouble is that this also begs two further questions. Firstly, how about a second volume, and next, what is Jon Blair doing now? With the surf on the rise again and with another generation ready to receive ist ageless message surely it is time for John to strap on his Fender Jaguar once more? There is also a certain Convention in London that would love to receive a visit.... TOP
Livewire Issue 8, Canada: What a mighty batch of guitar instrumentals - Counterpoint gives you original surf from the wave ridin´"Counter Feet" to the "beware below" feel of "The Deep"... Ventures originals both familiar ("Surf Rider") and unknown ( the ominous "Hell Surfer" ) ... dramatic country & western compositions ( "Saratoga" and "Gringo" ) and the "Counterblast" 1 and 2 medley of "golden era" instrumentals. All tunes are characterized by uncluttered BIG sounding guitar lines with the band´s soul and love of instrumental music really coming across on this CD. Git it! New Gandy Dancer Issue 43, England: Brummie band with Maurice Preece (bass); Pete Upton (drums); Mike Newey (rhythm) and latterly Mick Large and Tony Nelson on lead guitar had a welcome but inauspicious start in 1986/1987 with a single Hot Rod and cuts like "Surfin´ Crazee" and "Batman" on Swedish album and cassette. Almost a decade has passed, and they are very solid indeed and with loads of rehearsing clearly having taken place during this period, I have to say that this forthcoming CD nearly made NGD´s CD of the month. The Ventures influence stands out but it´s the quality of the production and arranging that got me. The playing´s good too before I forget! "Counterblast" is a beautiful structured medley of the Guitars On 45 style but done much better. Content varies between "Nut Rocker"; "Wonderful Land"; "Classical Gas" and more and with guest appearances on the album by Herbert "The Cruncher" Hooke and "Surfzone´s" Simon Norris this is a perfectly executed recording. Mike Newey´s "Saratoga" and "Gringo" are excellent and Maurice´s "The Deep" is atmosphericly simple - it works! Long time no hear from the US Rectunes but Counterpoint take on and succeed with Ken Dresher´s "The Tube". Ventures originals fall into place neatly as you would expect - and "Surf Rider"; "Kyoto Doll" and "Hell Surfer" are highlights. Thorough and no weak track. Great on the old ears.**** TOP Pipeline Issue 28, England: Counterpoint were originally created solely for the 1986 Ventures Anniversary Convention in Birmingham. Trouble was there wasn´t a convention! Bass player Maurice Preece ( originally with the 60´s Brummies The Cimmarons ) had devised the tribute with Ventures club president Gerry Woodage. Mo´ rounded up Mike Newey on rhythm and Tony Nelson on lead. Initially the drummer was Maurics old partner from The Cimmarons, Roger Pearson, but his drumming was too modern for the band and so Pete Upton took over the drumstool. Although the convention had been wiped, Maurice believed it was right to keep the band going. This new 15 tracks retrospective ( including new material ) proves that this decision was the right one. The CD comes with a 28 page booklet, mostly filled with an events diary of what happened and when, as recalled by the "High Preece" of the bass guitar, Mr. Maurice himself. Ex-Dakotas guitarist, Mike Maxfield, took an interest and invited them to his local Stockport studio to record seven tracks, including a Maxfield original, "Surfin´ Crazee". This track dances the waves on clipped chords and develops into an easy-flowing rocker with some fancy pickin´ midstream. It´s not surprising given Tony´s background with C & W band, Beretta. This CD features two other of these early recordings, including a haunting melody with beautiful minor chords called "Saratoga". Written by Mike, this is one of the highlights and has nice use of double tracking. The other track from ´86 is a version of Cole Porter´s "I Get A Kick Out Of You". Maurice arranged it in a Ventures style and it works extremely well with a hint of old world charm, it could easily have been recorded around 1960. By 1988, three of the Maxfield recordings were released by Triola in the company of The Rapiers, Vintage, and Maxfield himself. In October the band cut 4 tracks in a London studio, two of which are present here. "Gringo" is not The Ventures tune, Mike wrote this with the hot Mexican desert in mind and perhaps the odd Western film or two. The other is a cover of Chet Atkins´ "Windy And Warm". Now, you´ve got to be clever or a downright nerd to cover any Chet material. Fortunately Counterpoint belong in the former category, Tony picking out the melody with expertise while the rest of the band keep it cool! On April Fools Day ´89 the group were back in London for an all-night session which produced 4 new tracks. One has been re-titled from "The Juggernaut""to "The Deep" and has a relentless supply of drums and organ whilst the melody bears traces o "Apache" in parts. Overall the drama of the piece makes the deeply satisfying. Later the year they were back for four more and two are included here. "The Tube" has lovely, entwined guitars, a modern racy approach with a lovely tone and a real sense of urgency. Mo´s bass is on a mission from God. The mid-tempo "Counter-Attack" is like a latterday Shads rocker with thumping bass and snaky guitar. It souns as though a TV or film could have used such a track as ist theme. In the summer of ´90 the group recorded a medley of instro hits called "Counterblast". The first version here was supposed to have been released as a 7" single and the closing version would have been the 12". Neither was released, although the first version was made avaiable on a Swedish compilation cassette. In March ´91 Maurice played bass on one of Simon ( Surf Zone ) Norris´ projects and later the two recorded together again. The sizzling brood of The Ventures´ "Hell Surfer" has a tension that gives it an edge and makes it the star track of the CD. Ti wasn´t until 1992 that more Counterpoint tracks were released, but again it was in Sweden and only on cassette. In the spring of ´93 the group rehearsed for the first Pipeline Convention, but suddenly Tony quit - leaving them six weeks from the convention with no lead guitarist! By chance Maurice met Mick Large who had previously backed Gene Ptney and things got better. Two tracks here are taken from their Convention performance, Mick is featured on the beautiful Ventures melody "Kyoto Doll", and "Surf Rider" is taken from the Surf Zone segment with Simon Norris on lead. Both tracks played to perfection! Mick didn´t stay with the band because his night shift made it impossible to rehearse and so Simon came into the permanent line-up. The two new recordings both feature NPR boss Herbert Hooke who plays rhythm on "Counter Feet" with Simon on lead, and in lovely Astronauts type surf style too. The other trackm "Time-Lag", has Herbert on lead and romps along like it was down some Bierkeller with the audience, pissed as farts, failing to notice the Cossack dancers waving theit legs madly in the air! The music has that oom-pah sound yet still keeps inside the surf lanes that these guys inhabit. Haunting organ builds the atmosphere and this is something of a "Back To The Future" trip. The yellow Porsche on the sleeve (probably Mo´s) has the group posing against it and illustrates how showbiz people squander their ill-gotten gains with frivolous motor vehicles, terrorizing old women no doubt too. TOP
New Gandy Dancer Issue 40, England: Jerry is a past master at reproducing the famed Fireballs sound as his original authentic album showed us. This is it on CD plus seven more showing great guitar playing of a style that until Jerry´s recordings had been neglected by historians and record labels. Ave in London soon rectified that with a vengeance! This will be warmly welcomed for more Rik - A - Tik sounds beautiful put together - a genteel where appropriate and rocking elsewhere.**** TOP
New Gandy Dancer Issue 40, England: More of Mr. M, this time on a useful surf set but one which naturally includes a lot of George Tomsco influence! These recordings, according to the sleeves, are from 1987 and are of a very high standard. Jerry´s picking is right to the fore on "Our Favorite Martian" and "Surf Party" and two other special mentions must be given to a rousing "Mr. Moto" and "Surf Beat". None of the arrangements are copied - they get McNeish´s fresh outlook. Enjoyed both of these sets from NPR .**** TOP
Jim Pewter, USA:The Trashmen hail from the twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. This Minnesota selfcontained Rock´n Roll group consists of leader Dal Winslow on rhythm guitar; Tony Andreason, lead guitar; Bob Reed, bass guitar; and drummer, Steve Wahrer. Through the years they have continued to perform on various live shows throughout the mid-west and the south. The Trashmen first hit the national Billboard pop music charts in December of 1963 with Surfin´ Bird at #4. Their follow-up single, Bird Dance Beat reached #30 in 1964. The Trashmen have worked with Bobby Vee, Tommy Roe, Jan & Dean, Little Eva, Lou Christie and countless other recording stars. This latest CD "Comic Book Collector" consists of the original members and these selections are all newly recorded. Live they sound exactly like they do on tape. They are considered one of the all time cult rock bands of the mid-sixties. They continue to appear frequently throughout the midwest. TOP
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