Album Review - The Malibooz: Malibooz Yule
by Phil Dirt
(Four Stars)
Johnny Z and the lads have cooked up a broad cross section of holiday cheer, mostly California beach vocalizations, plus a couple of really cool instro tracks. "Carol Of The Swells" totally shredzzzzz! The Malibooz have a pedigree that emanated from the mid sixties, when they were an East coast surf band that features both instros and vocals. In the early eighties, they re emerged in a highly polished form, and in 1992, Iloki Records's Chris Ashford put them into the studio to do this Christmas album. This web page is an instrumental surf spot, so none of the vocals have been picked, but all are reviewed. Walter Egan and John Zambetti have recorded a pretty straight seasonal CD here. The best track is the grand "Carol of the Swells."
Picks: Little Surfin' Drummer Boy, Carol Of The Swell (Carol Of The Bells)
"Little Surfin' Drummer Boy"
The Malibooz deliver a grindy rendition of this holiday classic, with some vocal accompaniment. The guitar work is fine, the surfiness is adequate, and the energy is solid.
Christmas Surf Instrumental Stereo
"Carol Of The Swells (Carol Of The Bells)"
This is one hot Christmas track! The intensity is unparalleled for this sort of classical number, usually reeking of gentleness. It screams out "listen to me" with totally marvelous tone and spirit. The sleigh bells add to the feeling, the gradually building power makes for a monster track. The drums pound, the swell of the music is irresistible. I always get requests for this stellar holiday performance. Wonderful!
Christmas Surf Instrumental Stereo
Go Back