Search - Los Straitjackets :: Supersonic Guitars in 3-D

Surf's Up Again!

Dominique Morrow | Las Vegas, NV United States | 10/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD shows that no genre ever truly dies. This is instrumental music that recalls the era of the early sixties when groups and instrumentalist such as The Ventures, The Surfaris, Dick Vale, Link Ray and England's Shadows were roaming the charts. In this album one hears the obvious inspirations from such great instrumentals as; Pipeline, Wipeout, Telstar, Apache and Sleepwalk. If you like any of the artist or songs mentioned above then this CD is a real treat.Los Straightjackets make an obvious attempt to recreate this era by staying close to the essence. Songs are mostly performed with lead/rhythm/Bass guitar/drums with a little sax added here and there. The songs average about 2 minutes each with simple melodies (no intricate lead work). Although this CD was released in 2003 and was recorded in the digital age, the sound is kind of thin and sounds like it's coming out of a cheap transistor radio speaker, just like this kind of music should and always did. I read a couple of reviewers that cited the "poor quality" of sound and I believe that the group probably deliberately mixed it that way. This in order to recreate an era when music was often heard that way; at least that's my theory. Of course, if you have grown up with stereo systems and boom boxes, I can understand why this would sound weird. I have not listened to music through a transistor radio for a very long time. I understand, from reading other reviewers that this band puts on quite a lively show, performing in mask accompanied with go-go dancers and that theirs are highly spirited events. I can't wait to see them. The CD art can be viewed in 3-D (glasses are provided in the CD), a very unique presentation.Fans of instrumental rock music may also want to check out any of the latest albums by such artists as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and of course Jeff Beck. The music by those artists is of course much more sophisticated than the basic surf music played here and features intricate musical pieces, extended technically proficient solos (sometimes played a t blinding speed), and modern production techniques. These artist also incorporate elements of blues, jazz, classical and occasionally electronica in their music. Never-the-less, the roots of this moderm music are found in the simple instrumentals played on this CD. I think that Los Straightjackets is doing this music with a tongue-in- cheek approach and as a novelty which is stilla lot of fun However, I bet that they are not as naïve as they appear and that the talent is there to join the likes of the current pioneers of instrumental music mentioned above."

WOW! (so not all surf music sounds the same after all!!)

heulun | 09/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys always deliver the goods. Each release is always worth grabbing and for a genre that is naturally rooted in the past they manage to keep things fresh and try out new ideas and twists on their sound. This time it's a down an' dirty and groovy as hell production that brings the twist, and while the geetars are as exciting as ever it those crazy voodoo beats that steal the show for me!(esp. track 5) If this disc don't make you wanna wiggle like you got a stick up ya wazoo see your doctor quick- you may well be dead!
Any fan of Los Straitjackets knows they love a hot band with a great image and great gimmicks- this time you get a 3D pick your own cover (great portraits of the band) with 3D specs included! looks great, sounds even better!
Some people like their fave bands to give them the same album again and again. Wise boys and girls know surprises and mixing it up are how fantastic bands stay fantastic.One of the coolest releases this year from one the finest and most rewarding acts on the planet. Splendid. Full instrumental brain candy agogo!(tasty guest appearences from DJ and Billy from X & Jon Spencer too)"