Tribal Thunder

Dick Dale

Hightone

Yeah, he's the undisputed King of the Surf Guitar and no, this isn't a retro trip down memory lane. It's the real thing. He was a star in the early '60s and up until now he's kept a low profile.This album should change all that 'cause this guy sure can play. (CS)

 

Unknown Territory

Dick Dale

Hightone

The "King of the Surf Guitar" is back with his second album in two years, after not recording for over two decades. Backed by producer Scott Matthews and Prairie Prince (XTC/The Tubes) on dual drums and his longtime bassist Ron Eglit, he wrings notes out of his guitar like nobody else can. Yummy.(SC)

 

In Your Face

Chris Daniels And The Kings

Flying Fish

Yeah, this is great stuff. Chris formed the Kings in 1983, to provide a back-up band for former Amazing Rhythm Ace, Russell Smith. Since then the band has been quietly honing their craft in the wilds of Colorado. Sounds like they've got it down to a science. Blues with lotsa horns. (CS)

 

Bloodwood - The Art Of The Didjeridu

Alan Dargin

Natural Symphonies

In case you didn't know, the didjeridu is an ancient Aboriginal musical contraption from Australia. Alan Dargin is a virtuoso of this mysterious instrument. A member of an Aboriginal tribe, he began studying the didjeridu at age five. You won't get any closer to Australia without taking a lengthy plane ride. Intriguing. (CS)

 

Funky Dinosaur

Deep Jimi And The Zep Creams

Atlantic

If the name of this band and the album title aren't enough of a clue, I'll give you another one: Hard Rock from the 60s' (as seen on T.V.), call 1-800-Dinosaur. Yeup, this quartet from Iceland will sweep out the cobwebs and keep you in flashbacks awhile. Headphones, anyone? (SC)

 

Music For The Fifth World

Jack Dejohnette

Manhattan

Joined by the likes of Vernon Reid and John Scofield on guitars, drummer Dejohnette (along with his ensemble called, Special Edition) churns out nine tunes full of thundering percussion and searing guitars that recall the early days of fusion. One question. Has anyone seen my copy of Birds Of Fire? (BB)

 

Behind The Door I Keep The Universe

The Dentists

Eastwest

British punk/powerpop with hummable melodies, aggressive guitars and punk attitudes. Two early English albums were praised by the music press and a couple compilations of the same material have been released stateside. The liner notes offer little clue. (no lyrics) So just listen and let the music speak for itself. (BB)

 

True Love

Desert Rose Band

Curb/Mca

Chris Hillman fans, rejoice. He's back with a vengeance. Another album of "hit" bound country pop that's head and shoulders above the usual riff-raff. Almost as good as his late '70s solo albums that we've forgotten or have come to take for granted. There's "Gold" in them 'thar hills. (SC)

 

Drift

The Devlins

Capitol

Debut from a Dublin quartet fronted by brothers Colin and Peter Devlin. They create a subtle type of rock music that's driven by lyrical rhythms and pleasant melodies while power chords punctuate the gentle flow with jagged edges. It's the kind of album that reveals more with every play. Interesting. (CS)

 

Doughboy Hollow

Died Pretty

Beggars Banquet

This is the fourth release for the latest outfit to come from, "Down Under". And from the sounds of it, they've finally found themselves. Producer Hugh Jones provides a warmth and richness that was lacking in their previous LP's. Earthy and vaguely familiar while retaining a freshness and excitement. Enticing. (SC)

 

Dig

Dig

Wasteland

Five guys from Southern California (all are friends from former bands) decided to get together, set the controls to overdrive and blow the roof off the studio while making their first full length album. Three guitars, bass and drums recorded in glorious analog. Like an old tube amp cranked to "11." (BB)

 

Marshall Texas Is My Home

Floyd Dixon

Specialty

Until this disc was released, the only outlet for the abundance of Dixon's catalog was in the form of questionable bootleg albums. Thanks to the newly revived Specialty label finding some of his first-rate remastered performances is no problem. The sound quality is as good as the material. Excellent.(SC)

 

Test Your Own Eyes

Dog Society

Eastwest

The demos of "When You're Dead" and "Love Is All Gone," which landed these guys a major label contract, were recorded in a 12x12 toolshed in the drummers backyard. Aside from that, there's really nothing unique to distinguish this group or their music from the rest of the pack. (CS)

 

Jungle Hop

Don & Dewey

Specialty

The question remains. Why reissue this stuff ? This '50s duo had nary a hit although a few of their tunes stuck paydirt for other artists. As for historical content, ignore this one and buy one of the better compilations of major artists from the same period. You'll glad you did. (SC)

 

Lou Donaldson

Play The Right Thing

Milestone

With cohorts Lonnie Smith, Ralph Dorsey, Bernard Purdie and Peter Bernstein the latest release from this well rounded saxophonist harkens back to the days of "happy jazz". Without resorting to stylistic crutches they mix swing, blues and soul into a toe tapping chemistry that's sure to leave you smiling. (SC)

 

Duran Duran

Duran Duran

Capitol

Jeez, I thought these guys disappeared years ago. (At least I'd hoped so.) Guess what? They're baaack! This time though, their sound carries a surprising hint of maturity. It's actually half decent pop music. Most of the album seems intentionally dancable, but without counting the B.P.M., it's hard to tell. (CS)

 

Godlike

The Dylans

Beggars Banquet

A EP compilation of the two English singles preceding the impending release of their first full length album. If these four tunes are any indication, we're in for a real treat. A tingle of acoustic pop intermingled with the confection of a psychedelic core. When is the album coming out? (SC)

 

(SC) Stephen Curtis

(BB) Stephen Curtis AKA Ben Bland

(CS) Stephen Curtis AKA Clive Sweeney

Index

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