Feb 2022 surf surfrock garagerock guitars combo-organ fuzz
**Update - kind of a FAWM tradition with me, especially with songs that have cold titles - I forgot to turn the furnace back on after I recorded the drum part this morning (it is right next to the drum kit) - About dinner time my wife and I both realized it was getting kind of cold in the house, haha
First song out the door - FAWM has begun! I went for a traditional (for me) surfy-reverby- instrumental and it was a LOT of fun. We have had a lot of really cold weather this winter with temps lately in the teens and single digits. We are supposed to get a bunch more snow the next few days. *Currently* it is 40 degrees but the temps are nose-diving again. I also just saw some great pictures from a friend who went to see some frozen waterfalls. I am sure someone has tried to snowboard down one of those, so I say we go surfing at Temperature Falls. :)
(pic at bottom courtesy of my friend Tom - Tahquamenon Falls in upper Michigan.)
I was tempted to add this to the body part challenge, since I've nearly frozen some body parts off lately! ;)
Instruments:
Eastwood Surfcaster
Eastwood Sidejack Deluxe Baritone (through a JHS Fuzz)
Squire Jazzmaster
Surfybear Reverb
1970's GEM combo-organ
1970 Traynor YGM-3 amp (for the Surfcaster, baritone and organ)
1973 Traynor YGL-3 for the Jazzmaster
Harley Benton P-bass with flats
1973 Ludwig Hollywood drum kit.
Skimming those icy waves... (here in Michigan)
But in a warmer climate... @fearlessflight2014 is having a go at these. Stay tuned!
@elainedimasi Mar 2022
Came here from the Liz @fearlessflight2014 vocals version to soak in what she heard to work with. This song has such great bones and the execution both times is enviable, and so enjoyable to hear. Applause.
@ahumburg Feb 2022
Great flow and feel to this song! Well done!
@enzo Feb 2022
what a great sound! What a great instrumental!
@stevenwesleyguiles Feb 2022
btw - this instrumental track is killer but I also just hear what @fearlessflight2014 did with it...and WOW. It was elevated! (And this track is already super strong as is...so, that's saying something).
@jeustan Feb 2022
Oooh this nails the cold weather surf vibe, which as a Michigander whose never considered the idea, this makes me very happy. It's like northern surf is to surf rock what northern soul is to soul music. Very cool (pun intended).
I think it's the baritone guitar + fuzz but it sounded like a saxophone to me at first. You really do a lot with tone alone, but then you whip up these super cool arrangements. Killer stuff.
@natalie Feb 2022
I feel like I'm at an outdoor concert, rocking out with the masses to this incredible ensemble piece. Never mind the cold! We'll be dancing so hard we won't even feel it. Really good stuff, this!
@chipwithrow Feb 2022
Yeah! Fun idea - surf rock in the frozen tundra. Some elements of prog rock, too. I like the change-up from big chunky chords to soloing at about 2 minutes in.
We've even turned on our heater a few times here in Florida, including last night.
@fearlessflight2014 Feb 2022
I really love this!! Can I have a go at writing a lyric?
@robheron1 Feb 2022
Great song! Love surf garage grooves. Your recording is excellent...especially drums. I do the furnace turn-off thing too...didnt know it was a basement studio cliche.
@cabinmonster Feb 2022
Really enjoyable listen. Great beat! Have to apologies for my lack of musical terminology but love when you change it up and it goes down the scales. I'm picturing hitting a waterfall while whitewater rafting and descending over the edge! A rocking tune!!
@p3t3h4rv3y Feb 2022
wow this is some next level recording shizzle! I was lead here after downloading a couple of your drum loops - splendid
@lowhum Feb 2022
Yeah, as probably was said, like the interstellar overdrive chromatic downfall. Great sound all around.
@frozenlonesome Feb 2022
Really enjoyed this. Everything works together and it’s airy and ease at the same time. So much to like here. Thanks!
@guitarpatz83 Feb 2022
Ooh I love that P bass tone with the flats! That chord hook is really cool, lots of 70s feels in that. The build back into the solo flows beautifully, and as always the drums absolutely on point especially with those little fills before the descending section. Great work!
@theawkwardsleep Feb 2022
Instantly gets you in a groove. This is fantastic. Damn. That’s some good ear candy. I feel those waves.
@richaaaay Feb 2022
Totally enjoyed that!
@elesimo Feb 2022
John, what a great song! I was already rocking at the first notes. What a groove, it's the best way to keep the cold at bay!
@kenmattsson Feb 2022
I can just see myself getting into my parka and getting my surfboard out of the shed to catch those frozen waves. Love the gnarly chords changes in the middle.
@saulius Feb 2022
Love those drums! The organ too!! I love the entire vibe of this. In fact, I wanna learn how to do some this. Last summer I got a blue Squire Jazzmaster and a Tonemaster Deluxe Reverb, so that I could practice surf and rockabilly in my tiny apartment without getting evicted.
@owl Feb 2022
Awesome groove with that funky verse(?) part sliding into the more classically surfy chorus(?) bit with the modulation. Love the drums too, so satisfying to hear all the big crashing in the last half. Excellent way to kick off your FAWM!
@carleybaer Feb 2022
I listened to this yesterday and forgot to comment, because I was driving to school. But let me tell you, it was the perfect soundtrack for coming across the Fremont Bridge, with the skyline off to the left and the hills of Forest Park to the right. Made having to go to school not so bad! :)
@loveonamixtape Feb 2022
yeahhhhhhh hella groovy! Great buildup and love when that extra fuzzy lead line comes in. That kind of dark descending breakdown is awesome, too. The whole thing has kind of a dark energy to it, which is super fun for surf rock. Calling this genre Night Surf for now until someone comes up with something cooler. Dug this a ton!
@adforperu Feb 2022
That frozen waterfall picture is both beautiful, and also what i imagine the tray at the bottom of a fast food soft drink dispenser looks like at closing time.
Onto the song, it wouldn't be FAWM without a bit of zecoop surf! Big fan of the descending progression both times. Is that the JHS Fuzz that handles the solo in the latter half of the song? Sounds like a distorted sax or something, ace!
@guatecoop Feb 2022
This is "surf", but you've taken it to a different place...on its own. All of the parts just flow into the next and make for a really nice trip...down the road....in a convertible...to California. Your kick is so different this year and really GREAT! Everything sounds right on point. The descending thing is a great addition, especially since you took it farther than most people would expect. The toms on that part when it is coming toward the end really highlight how great your drum sounds have gotten. Really cool song!
@b3nut Feb 2022
Man...fuzz and Jazzmasters and other cool gits and combo organ...love this! Damn I wish I had real drums in my place over here...this is top notch surf/psych rock! I'm digging this! (And I can relate, MI born and living in WI...brrrrrrrrrr!!! :D )
@robynmackenzie Feb 2022
Oooh, loving that progression! Great beat, and I love the chord choices you use. Rawk on!
@n1742 Feb 2022
loved it. really got me in a great mood when I've only just finished my first FAWM song. It's got so much energy and verve. Loads of nice changes and different sections kept me rocking on my seat. We had a bit of a collaboration last year with one of your drum tracks so looking forward to hearing your songs this time around. brilliant.
@b4rkst4les Feb 2022
I dug it man, I liked the flow of the piece.
@toms Feb 2022
Classic. Great fuzz sound! And I soooooo much love that GEM.
@downburst Feb 2022
Geez, I think I'll just retire. I'm so envious of the sheer over the top-ness of this. Really fun. Love that grimy octave stuff a couple minutes in.
@logrinn Feb 2022
Very cool. I really enjoyed this.
@bachelorb Feb 2022
Nice!!! I too really like the sound of the bass. ooooooo...... and the middle restart!!!
I too play furnace games in my home studio. I set the thermostat high in between recording times since I am the take-master :)
@coolparadiso Feb 2022
yup spot on where you said you were going! great surf rock! good listen
@gordon Feb 2022
Really lovely production and a bit of a toe-tapper. Really enjoyed this. Makes me want to head to the beach!
@jacobeverettwallace Feb 2022
There's nothing quite like some classic Cooperider surf rock to get the blood pumpin' for FAWM! Gawd, that bass tone is delish. ALL the tones are on point honestly. Love the bounce and repeated riffs. And the walk down! Fun!
@thedutchwidows Feb 2022
Bang on! Bounces along like a bouncy thing on a trampoline. Not sure that's a good metaphor - the song's better than that. Guitar tones are so good with some lovely interplay between them. You have begun!
@theodamus Feb 2022
What would FAWM be without a zecoop surf rock kick off! This one really gets under my skin, feels a little spikier than a lot of surf rock, it’s got teeth… or maybe its the icicles? I would jam out to this anytime
@paulh1237 Feb 2022
That starting choppy riff really grabs you and does not let go! I love the off-kilter statement stabbing chords as well. Such a good feel tune!
@yarimurray Feb 2022
Awesome first effort! Great sounds and infectious groove. That Harley Benton bass is fat and full. I love their stuff. Great start and way to suffer (freeze) for your art.
@spazsquatch Feb 2022
What a groove. Love it.
@ceilidh Feb 2022
Nice groove! Definitely makes ya moooove :)
@beyondthelimes Feb 2022
Oh yeah! This really swings.
@dogparkwest Feb 2022
Wow!! What a fantastic, infectious groove!
@gilhari Feb 2022
Really nice feel! Delivers a great frozen surfy vibe…
@kanttila Feb 2022
Solid groove, drums sound great. Nice clear mix. All the guitar parts are cool, lots of neat stuff going on. Enjoyable listen!
@estebanlartigue Feb 2022
Liking the vibe!!! Starting strong!!!
@readwrite Feb 2022
Really fun classic sound with inventive twists: and I love the image of surfing icy waters... Icelandic surfers in wet suits...
@shortdan Feb 2022
Yeeeeeeah! Bouncing my head from start to finish. Great opener!
And yeah, I'd read about the temperatures you guys were getting at the moment. We moan about the cold over here (north of England) all the time but honestly, we don't know what cold is!
@wingandwaltz Feb 2022
@zecoop This tune even sounds icy! This is way cool... I'll be doing "the swim" in my snow suit, lol. Just fat and tasty sounds. Slayin' that entrance! Happy FAWM!
@vomvorton Feb 2022
Whoa, totally agreed with @bradbrubaker on the saxyness of that fuzzy baritone guitar. Really feels like you're taking the surfy vibes in exciting new directions here, maybe that's the influence of the frozen waterfalls!
@deena Feb 2022
Great guitars and rocking right from the get go!!! Energy!
@slawbleu Feb 2022
Leading off with the surf tune!! Also, you've acquired some new instruments since I've last seen you! That baritone sounds killer - and what's this P-bass of which you speak? I love that you kept the half-time feel instead of the more obvious "surf beat" - gives it a grungier vibe. Very cool!
@karlsburg25 Feb 2022
Ah man what a tub thumper of a start. I love the chromatic chord movement of the second section on top of the descending scale. I bet you had a tonne of fun with this. The chunky rhythm riff is one for all surfers and non surfers to shake their big assess to all over their boards i tell ya. The end reminds me a bit of a verve B side which always made my hairs tingle on the back of my neck. Top stuff dude
@bradbrubaker Feb 2022
You know I am always here for the surfy vibes. At moments, the fuzzed out solo guitar sounded like a saxophone! Crazy. I hope you don't mind compliments by way of comparison, but this one feels like some of Dangermouse's stuff he did with Beck.
@lissielou79 Feb 2022
Yes this is the first one I've listen to. Lovin this groove n vibe.
@gubna Feb 2022
I dig it man! First song I've listened to this fawm. Over the summer I was listening to all sorts of surf music, this would fit in there nicely!
@headfirstonly Feb 2022
I was sold as soon as that spring reverb kicked in. I was going to ask if you can still surf on water when it's frozen solid, and then realised that you can, and I have done—snowboarding (I nearly broke both legs).
Swoon-worthy production. And y'know what? I could *swear* there's a tenor sax lurking in the mix...
@sw1n3flu Feb 2022
Fuzzy, groovy goodness … that downwards cycle in the middle feels like I’m being washed down the plug hole…. Only to be born again! I reckon you could kick it up double time the second time around to add some frenzy, anyway great start!
@srcoops Feb 2022
Nice one! A lot going on in this piece. Do you remember that this falls was part of the trip from Hell?
@kovbleu Feb 2022
Those scales had me picturing myself crashing down the frozen falls one thud to the next like some cartoon in a movie. haha But seriously, AWESOME start to 2022. I love your surf music. Tight instrumentation and fun progressions throughout! Well done!!!!
@aeye Feb 2022
This is a rockin tune! sounds great with all the instrumentation. Love the organ and guitars. I'm sitting here bobbin along in my chair.
@datsch Feb 2022
Cool man, I have chills, this song would never get a frosty reception, no-siree ...
@lvgd09 Feb 2022
Rockin tune....halfway through now...sounds great. Love downslope with the chords and back. Nice job on this
@dragondreams Feb 2022
I love your surfrock stuff. And this one is a frozen gem! Great progressions keep this entertaining all the way through. As always, your choice of tones and instruments is sublime. :-)
@engebretsen Feb 2022
Give you rock hands on this one. Great.
@dzdandcunfsd Feb 2022
Surfing the frozen waterfalls sounds like a great way to wind up with something broken, but I have done stupider :)
That little break and coming back in heavier around 2 1/2 was excellent. This was a ton of fun! Great start! All that crunchy reverb was just what I didn't know I wanted to hear right now.
@seanbrennan Feb 2022
This warmed me up from my chair, for sure! Love that Phrygian chord progression in the second half of the strophe (as it were). Instrumentation is so solid on this, and those pauses are timed absolutely beautifully for it to pick up steam again. Bravo!
@nadine Feb 2022
There it comes - The surf rock we all waited for. Great rhythm and I really love the breakdown. And the solo is just the icing. I like that this song ends with a decending chord and bassline. It's definatlly dropping!
@emkaydeebee Feb 2022
Oh those vibes! Surfs up! Love where you go musically with this, those descending lines to the drop out and ending - brilliant (and evocative of the final wave…) Splash!!
@sorby69 Feb 2022
@zecoop Love this! I'm not usually one for instrumentals (unless I'm trying to focus on work, or sleep) - but this had me bopping along in my chair and reaching for my Tele to join in. What a great opener!