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On the Hi-Fi:
The Surfites
"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.

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Annie Ross
"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.

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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.

Recent Hi-Fi selections:



Black Tie Spy--Spy-Fi
"The Cole Porter Mix" 
Patricia Barber
Octobop
"Cosmopolis" Laika & The Cosmonauts
Project Pimento
"The Blob"
Various Artists
The Puppini Sisters
"The Rise & Fall Of Ruby Woo"
The Puppini Sisters

 
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