Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2151
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 05:01 AM
So, what do you think are the best samples of surf records from the recording/mixing/mastering point of view, probably plus arranging, for me it’s a part of recording process. As for me some albums of The Madeira, Satan’s Pilgrims or Aqua Velvets immediately come to mind. Could we make some top 20 or 50 for example? As I got deep into recording, doing everything from composing to final mastering, I really want to be inspired by the best samples, so share your favorites!
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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simoncoil
Joined: Sep 28, 2012
Posts: 897
Berlin, Germany
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 08:31 AM
I will dvide my answer into subcategories, because even in the narrow genre of surf music there are really different approaches for records, which of course have an effect on the overall sound:
Straight Hi-Fi productions: just guitars, bass, drums and maybe some sax or samples
The Fathoms - Fathomless
Los Twang! Marvels - Jungle of Twang
Treble Spankers - Hasheeda
Les Agamemnonz - s/t
Jon & the Nightriders - Fiberglass Rocket
Straight Lo-Fi productions
The Surfites - Big Pounder
Satan's Pilgrims - Creature Feature
Phantom Surfers - Exciting Sounds of Model Road Racing
Additional instrumentation
Barbwires - Sea Rider
Frankie & the Pool Boys - The Adventures of Cap'n Coconuts
Blue Hawaiians - Sway
— Los Apollos - cinematic surf music trio (Berlin)
"Postcards from the Scrapyard" Vol. 1, 2 & 3 NOW available on various platforms!
"Chaos at the Lobster Lounge" available as LP and download on Surf Cookie Records!
Last edited: Feb 12, 2023 10:03:20
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ElectricLimnology
Joined: Nov 20, 2017
Posts: 104
Southeast MIchigan
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 09:40 AM
To my ears I’ve yet to hear any surf recordings that come close to the mid ‘90s Mermen albums “Song Of The Cows” and “A Glorious Lethal Euphoria”. Those records sound awesome and are real brain melters. For more paired down sounding stuff I think Los Straightjackets have consistently produced very good recordings.
Lo -fi, to me, means recorded on a four track or naively or experimentally at home in the basement. Charlie Megira’s “ Da Abtomatic Meisterzinger Mambo Chic” is tough to beat. There’s a band from Marquette MI called “Ramble Tamble” who have put out some great stuff recorded on four track. Due to mastery of the medium it’s almost too well recorded to truly be lo-fi even though it technically is.
— The Vicissitones
Diesel Marine
The Rasputones
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stratdancer
Joined: Dec 11, 2013
Posts: 2532
Akron, Ohio
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 10:05 AM
I put this same question to one of the FB forums and had many quality responses. I was looking for great examples of surf that could be put on a high quality stereo and be turned up loud with plenty of fidelity.
— The Kahuna Kings
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kahuna-Kings/459752090818447
https://thekahunakings.bandcamp.com/releases
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futureboy
Joined: Aug 28, 2008
Posts: 115
East Coast
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 11:05 AM
I really enjoyed the production of the Bombora's - The Return to the Up Up Sound. I believe Dave Klein recorded that album.
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chiba
Joined: Sep 02, 2022
Posts: 386
Central VA
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 04:09 PM
The Surfrajettes' full-length, Roller Fink, pops to mind.
— --
Project: MAYHEM by Hypersonic Secret now available!
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3746
North Atlantic
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 05:35 PM
These ones really stand out for me in terms of hi fidelity
Transitions - El Ray
Off the Grid - LHD
As the Dark Wave Swells - Bambi Molesters
Smoke Signals and Adios Sancho - Los Coronas
In terms of Urban Surf Kings I think our last album, Astro Surf a Go-Go, and our Ski School 45 are well produced.
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/astro-surf-a-go-go
https://reverbranch.bandcamp.com/album/ski-school
For vintage sounds I really like the recordings out Norman Petty’s studio in Clovis, NM. Wes Dakus’s recordings!
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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el_pablo
Joined: Apr 16, 2012
Posts: 91
Biot
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Posted on Feb 12 2023 07:29 PM
The Tomorrowmen - It's About Time! I don't have the recording experience to even try to describe what they did on this album but my ears like the sonic qualities of this recording very much
— Paul
The Dead Planet Surfers
Last edited: Feb 13, 2023 04:49:10
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2151
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Feb 13 2023 12:55 AM
Thanks, great list to listen) I would enjoy if the full description of recoding technics was included with any release!
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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Ariel
Joined: Aug 29, 2009
Posts: 1556
Israel
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Posted on Feb 13 2023 06:56 AM
Here's a 1'st hand report from Ivan on recording Madeira's "Ancient Winds", a perfect album.
Enjoy!
Takeaways:
- They came in, banged it and left, studio time is expensive. The songs were ready, band was well rehearsed, no mucking about, there was a schedule and a vision.
- The studio was set up professionally in advance for this recording, including for on-the-spot creativity.
- Excellent producer/engineer who was sympathetic towards the material.
- The space was appropriate for the volume. It sound loud because it is loud.
- All energy went into perfecting the product and it sounds like it. They were having FUN.
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xavier_irvine
Joined: Jun 06, 2020
Posts: 13
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 12:33 AM
Hi Everyone,
"Guitar in the Space Age" By Bill Frisell is extremely well recorded/mixed.
And "Amateurs" by Les Agamemnonz is another one that I think sounds particularly good...great natural recording and also particularly good drum sounds.
Of course the playing on these albums is extremely good, which helps a lot.
https://the-birdcage.bandcamp.com/
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jtrollmann
Joined: Jun 24, 2021
Posts: 115
South Bay, CA
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 07:32 AM
xavier_irvine wrote:
"Guitar in the Space Age" By Bill Frisell is extremely well recorded/mixed.
I particularly love his seven minute version of Pipeline.
— -John
"...enjoy every sandwich." -Warren Zevon
Fender Stratocaster American Pro II
Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue
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ElMonstroPorFavor
Joined: Sep 01, 2006
Posts: 2676
New Orleans, LA
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 11:58 AM
Two that haven't been mentioned that really grabbed my attention:
Swami John Reis & The Blind Shake - Modern Surf Classics
Of course John Reis has a pretty signature sound, so that's mostly what's on display. Big boomy modern punk guitar production.
Beach Combers - Beach Attack
Terrific reverb, has that real roomy sound that reminds me of early Dick Dale, but without getting muddy.
Also while The Barbwires - Searider sounds immaculate, some of their subsequent EPs might even be a smidge better.
As far as vintage, lo-fi sound goes, I often think of The Kanaloas - Surf A Go Go!
— Storm Surge of Reverb: Surf & Instro Radio
Last edited: Oct 06, 2023 11:59:40
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2151
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 12:57 PM
xavier_irvine wrote:
Hi Everyone,
"Guitar in the Space Age" By Bill Frisell is extremely well recorded/mixed.
And "Amateurs" by Les Agamemnonz is another one that I think sounds particularly good...great natural recording and also particularly good drum sounds.
Of course the playing on these albums is extremely good, which helps a lot.
https://the-birdcage.bandcamp.com/
Thanks for recommendations! Just listened to Bill Frisell, it’s pretty boring but played and recorded so well
Amateurs is one of my favorite albums of this year, especially after seeing them live (twice!)
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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Samurai
Joined: Mar 14, 2006
Posts: 2151
Kiev, Ukraine
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 12:58 PM
ElMonstroPorFavor wrote:
Two that haven't been mentioned that really grabbed my attention:
Swami John Reis & The Blind Shake - Modern Surf Classics
Of course John Reis has a pretty signature sound, so that's mostly what's on display. Big boomy modern punk guitar production.
Beach Combers - Beach Attack
Terrific reverb, has that real roomy sound that reminds me of early Dick Dale, but without getting muddy.
Also while The Barbwires - Searider sounds immaculate, some of their subsequent EPs might even be a smidge better.
As far as vintage, lo-fi sound goes, I often think of The Kanaloas - Surf A Go Go!
This Beach Combers album is the one I give to sound engineers as a reference)
— Waikiki Makaki surf-rock band from Ukraine
New Single is out!
https://waikikimakaki.bandcamp.com/album/rhino-blues-full-contact-surf-single
Waikiki Makaki
https://linktr.ee/waikikimakaki
Lost Diver
https://lostdiver.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/vitaly-yakushin
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revmike
Joined: Feb 26, 2006
Posts: 3746
North Atlantic
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 01:14 PM
The Fathoms’ Fathom This is a great sounding release.
Los Daytonas’ Twang or Die is nice, especially the drum sound.
Rev
— Canadian Surf
http://www.urbansurfkings.com/
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CaptainSensible
Joined: Nov 08, 2006
Posts: 643
Leesburg, VA
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 02:38 PM
I prefer stuff recorded in the 60s better than stuff recorded today.
— Sean
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IceratzSurf
Joined: Oct 22, 2022
Posts: 204
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 03:54 PM
Neon Boneyard by the Black Flamingos
..is high on my list of quality recordings, only available on Bandcamp, so does that count?
I agree with those saying Aqua Velvets too.
Probably Nomad being the best.
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synchro
Joined: Feb 02, 2008
Posts: 4132
Not One-Sawn, but Two-Sawn . . . AZ.
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Posted on Oct 06 2023 10:41 PM
CaptainSensible wrote:
I prefer stuff recorded in the 60s better than stuff recorded today.
I would agree.
— The artist formerly known as: Synchro
When Surf Guitar is outlawed only outlaws will play Surf Guitar.
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IceratzSurf
Joined: Oct 22, 2022
Posts: 204
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Posted on Oct 07 2023 06:43 AM
So for best quality recording in the 60s original Surf era, what would be considered some of the best?
I think the Ventures probably had the better studio resources.
But which album?
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