"Escapades In Space"
The Surfites
Double Crown, 2008
(Review by Jeff Berkwits)
In the early 1960s, just as
the first astronauts began orbiting the earth, the surf music craze reached
its height. Whether that's coincidence or not is debatable, but it is safe
to say that, despite numerous rosy predictions at the time, humanity hasn't
yet begun to truly surf the stars. That fact alone makes this inventive
instrumental concept album, which brings to mind that go-go era, simultaneously
evocative and futuristic.
The 15 tracks (plus
a brief bonus cut) take the listener on a remarkable out-of-this-world
journey, blending vintage surf guitar sounds with Space Age-inspired melodies.
Numbers such as "Comet's Tail" and "Danger Ahead" affectionately recall
the fun lounge-tinged tunes that accompanied such fab 'Supermarionation'
TV series as "Thunderbirds" and "Fireball XL5," even as compositions like
"Space Mover" and "Around The Galaxy" evoke a more traditional sand-and-sun
vibe. While mankind may not be riding the solar waves just yet, the extraterrestrial
twang and imaginative verve of this recording make such excursions seem
not only plausible but also altogether pleasurable.
Buy this album from
The Surfites
Website>>>
"Twisted"
Annie Ross
Jasmine, 2008
(Review by Jeff Berkwits)
Though not generally recognized for her solo
performances--she's best known for her work with vocalese trio Lambert,
Hendricks & Ross--on this platter Ross offers
memorable renditions of both classic pop standards and less-familiar fare.
It's a somewhat odd package, exhibiting different singing styles across
26 melodies, but it's nonetheless a worthwhile showcase for this relatively
unheralded songstress.
The enchanting chanteuse adopts a haunting,
heartfelt tone for tunes like "Cry Me A River" and "I Didn't Know About
You," even as she takes on an intoxicatingly sexy intensity for such numbers
as "I'm Beginning To Think You Care For Me" and "Only You (And You Alone)."
Ross exhibits similarly appealing blues chops on "Mama (He
Treats Your Daughter Mean)," along with impressive scat skills on "Annie's
Lament" and dashes of humor on both the title track and "The Fish." The
sound quality varies from selection to selection, with the difference especially
noticeable when comparing the two distinct (yet equally engaging) versions
of "Between The Devil And The DeepBlue Sea."
With one or two exceptions the disparities
don't significantly impact the music, rendering the collection, which documents
eight separate monaural recording sessions between 1952 and 1956, perfect
for either a bachelor pad bash or simply a quiet evening alone.
Buy this album from
A long-time aficionado of retro music and movies, Jeff Berkwits
has covered vintage sounds for numerous publications and websites including
Bachelor
Pad Magazine, Filmfax, Outré, and
Amazing Stories.
He can be reached at jeffberkwits@sbcglobal.net.
Hi-Fi Archives>>>
|
