Fankhauser, Merrell and Friends: Tiki Lounge Live

Merrell Fankhauser is best known for being one of the progenitors of surf rock music with the band The Impacts and their hit debut album Wipe Out! in 1963. He later went on to form Merrell & The Exiles and H.M.S. Bounty. Throughout the years Merrell has been involved with both the Californian and Hawaiian music scenes and in 2001 he debuted his television music variety show The Tiki Lounge.

On Fankhauser’s new CD Tiki Lounge Live the artist selected twelve performances from the series featuring himself and various artists such as The Brymers, Lindsey Ikeno, Ed Cassidy and Big John Fletcher.

If you are looking for a pleasant, melodic, early rock sound Tiki Lounge Live might be the disc for you. This isn’t complicated stuff but there is a certain innocence that defines this music. The first track “Fair Winds Blowin� has a care free ‘60s feel with the guitar notes clear and crisp. The Brymers perform “Love Of Rock N Roll� which is a bit more rocking. The vocals are catchy but some of the riffs sound a bit clunky. The Lindsey Ikeno piece is a little syrupy for my tastes but “Witch Doctor�, performed by Merrell’s son Tim has a cool slinky beat and nice guitar work. “Jungle Lo Lo Band� has a breezy Island feel but my favourite track is “California Cosmic Jam� which is a much more psychedelic offering with tasty guitar work and flute.

Tiki Lounge Live is a bit of a mixed bag for me but there are some nice tracks here. Pleasant enough summer listening, preferably near a beach would be quite appropriate.

Track Listing:
1. Merrell ��" Fair Winds Blowin
2. The Brymers ��" Love Of Rock N Roll
3. Lindsey Ikeno ��" My Ipo
4. Tim Faukhauser ��" Witch Doctor
5. Merrell ��" Jungle Lo Lo Band
6. Merrell ��" Sweet Janeita
7. Merrell ��" Nawiliwili With You
8. Merrell ��" Feelin OK
9. Merrell & Ed Cassidy ��" Out On The Town
10. Big John ��" Rockin Country
11. Merrell ��" California Cosmic Jam
12. Merrell ��" Tiki Lounge

Added: June 14th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 792
Language: english

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