Album Review - The Malibooz: Malibooz Rule!
by Phil Dirt
(Four Stars)
The Malibooz have a long history. They were a surf band formed during the heyday of surf in New York City as the Malibus. John Zambetti and Walter Egan subsequently moved to California. In 1981, they reunited with original Malibus Chris Murray, Tom Scarp, and Dennis Lopez to record a remake of their sixties single "Goin' To Malibu." The sessions were released on Rhino in 1981. Tracks from the disc have been used in films and television. Among their fine California pop vocal stylings is an instrumental called "The Fluorescent Hearse." This CD release includes not only the complete 1981 Rhino album, but 9 bonus tracks as well, including a couple of stellar instrumentals.
Picks: Fluorescent Hearse, Tower 9 (longboard version), Firestorm At Surfrider (longboard version), Tower 9 (shortboard version), Firestorm At Surfrider (shortboard version)
"Fluorescent Hearse" This riff based number grunts along like a party anthem waiting for a party. The handclaps hint at the happy throngs. It has a gutty sound, and is infused by occasional guitarology. Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Tower 9 (longboard version)" [longboard]
This is a spectacular track, with a nice melody and a magnetic moodiness, plus harmonics and ringing tone. The acid test for instros is the degree of enjoyment on multiple listenings, and this has endured. I've been playing recently on my show, and keep coming back to it. The glissando is fiery too. Gorgeous track! Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Firestorm At Surfrider (longboard version)" [longboard]
Less melodic, but just as moody as "Tower 9," track sends chills. It is intensely nerve wracking, with a nasty image produced from very clean tone. Splendid. Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Tower 9 (shortboard version)" [shortboard]
This is a thickly effected variation on the longboard version. It's less spectacular, but just as effective. It holds up well, and delivers a meaner version of the message of the longboard version. Johnn y Z's son, Johnny Z, Jr. is playing lead guitar. He was 9 when this was recorded! Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Firestorm At Surfrider (shortboard version)" [shortboard]
Much more rhythmic than the longboard version, this track uses chunk and a buried lead guitar to produce a darker interpretation. Quite appealing.
Surf Instrumental Stereo
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