The Swamp Coolers
Dry Heat
2005
Re-up
"Dry Heat" Named One Of The Top 12 Instrumental Surf Albums Of All Time By Dan Epstein, Editor Of Revolver Magazine (The World's Loudest Rock Magazine)
Don't know who these guys are or where they come from; but from the desert-baked sound of 2005's Dry Heat, one suspects they might have tried to surf a sand dune or two in their day. That in itself might not be the brightest move, but you can't fault their tasty playing, nor the sense of whimsy and creativity they bring to arrangements of "Hawaii 5-0," "Ms. Moto" (yes, you read that right) and even "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music as well as whammy-licious originals like "Escape From El Diablo" and "101 on the 101."
"Dry Heat" Reviewed at
ReverbCentral.com!Phil Dirt, "King of Surf Radio" at California station KFJC 89.7, reviewed The Swamp Coolers' first CD"Dry Heat". The CD received an overall rating of four stars, with "My Favourite Things" scoring all five stars, the highest rating!
Escape From El Diablo This is a richly textured track with a catchy riff and whammy chords. The sound is unique to The Swamp Coolers. While the progressions are simple, they take unexpected turns that make this a very memorable song. Very nice!
Hawaii Five-0 Sleepy island whammy and lush palms swaying bring forth a slithery version of "Hawaii Five-0." The wholly original arrangement of the first verse gives way to a pumped and wonderful arrangement inspired by the Ventures' original. Quite nice, and very refreshing.
Journey To The Stars Liquidy and reverent, this glissando laden rendering of "Journey To The Stars" is solid and fun. The arrangement is a combination of others, with a touch of Thom Starr and a chorus.
The Lonely Bull Sol Lake's beautiful "The Lonely Bull" is very nicely laid down. Lush and shimmering with surf anticipation, this moderately paced take is a pleasure to enjoy on the open road.
Pipeline In some ways, this reminds me of Dean Torrance's 1977 version, at least aurally. The drums play the glissandos a la the Challengers, and the guitars are fairly dry. The duel lead on the bridge is jazzy. The big break is pure rock. All in all, a different take on the Chantays' signature song.
101 On The 101 "101 On The 101" is a rock instro with the shimmer of surf chords. The melody is motion driven, and the feeling of the wind in your hair with the top down is quite pronounced.
Out Of Limits Swirly chants in the distance fade as the classic riff ensues. Slithery, smooth, and unlike other covers of this Mar-Kets' classic. Quite a nice track.
Ms. Moto This oriental-ization of the Belairs' signature "Mr. Moto" is sultry and very cool. Moderately paced and whammied out, this reverb arrangement takes on a new sound and feeling.
Europa "Europa" moves slowly through a European guitar melody styling that's tremolo driven and moody. Very nice.
Route 66 Bobby Troup's poppy TV theme made popular by Nelson Riddle and covered by hundreds including the Rolling Stones gets yet another lease on life. This time out it's saucy and liquid, yet tuff open highway motivated.
My Favorite Things The Swamp Coolers take on "My Favorite Things" as if it was meant for the surf. What a wonderful idea. Playful, smooth, slithery, and too much fun!
Sonora Sunrise "Sonora Sunrise" softly oozes the orange warmth of an equatorial morning. The stereo slither of the whammy chords shimmer in the dawn's light. Quite nice.
1. Escape From El Diablo
2. Hawaii 5-0
3. Journey To The Stars
4. The Lonely Bull
5. Pipeline
6. 101 On The 101
7. Out Of Limits
8. Ms. Moto
9. Europa
10. Route 66
11. My Favorite Things
12. Sonora Sunrise
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