Blue Stingrays
Surf -n- Burn
Epitone/Epitaph Records, 2789 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90026
Release Date: September 9, 1997
When Tom Petty plays without his beloved Heartbreakers, it's hard for anyone but an expert to discern much of a difference. But when the Heartbreakers strike out on their own without Tom Petty . . . well, then you have the Blue Stingrays.
Surf and Burn is a thoroughly entertaining album, filled with countrified surf and just a touch of disco sheen. Unlike the ominous tones of Dick Dale's manic guitar, the Blue Stingray's take a laid-back, low-tide approach to surf, cultivating a wonderfully breezy Hawaiian feel. And like most surf albums, this one is best when listened to straight through, from start to finish, giving it time to create that blissful escapist mood.
That's not to say there aren't some standout moments, however. The band blows its "secret identity" on the rockabilly-tinged "Malibu Babylon," with its delicious blues licks throughout, and Petty's patented lovesick howl would fit nicely on top of the peppy "Ju Ju Beads." But this is a showcase for the other guys, and Surf and Burn establishes this group not only as fine musicians, but exceptionally fine songwriters as well. These are notably nimble songs, straightforward in melody yet complex in execution, with a solid structure that allows plenty of room for meandering musical side trips. Too bad this band of mystery men, so secretive about their identities that they refuse even to don a pseudonym, say they will never go on the road.
-- Chris Schwartz
schwartz@outersound.com
