My Christmas CD Got Reviewed in Vintage Guitar Magazine

I'm Stoked!

.... and Now the Review in Vintage Guitar:

The Deadlies : A Very Deadly Christmas (Self Distributed)
A host of instrumental surf bands have taken a stab at Christmas fare, but this California-based trio turns in one of the best since 1965's popular Ventures' Christmas Album. Where the former turned favorites like "Sleigh Ride" and "Jingle Bell Rock" into "Walk Don't Run" and "Memphis," respectively, lead guitarist James Patrick Regan and his cohorts rock out just as much while remaining faithful to the carols (although who can blame them for weaving "LaBamba" into "Feliz Navidad"?). - DF

And Here's a Review from Phil Dirt at Reverb Central:

Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA</B>
The Deadlies - The Deadlies Do Christmas
All righty now! These songs, done by bazillions, take on a fresh sound via real rock and roll sound and grit. Even the pretty songs have loudness and edge. It may not be traditional surf, but it's completely cool. Very honest and fun.
Picks: Sleigh Ride, What Child Is This, Joy To The World, Feliz Navidad, Silver Bells, Deck the Halls, Silent Night - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, We Four Kings, Auld Lang Syne

Track by Track Review

Sleigh Ride
Rock (Instrumental)

The Deadlies play "Sleigh Ride" as if they were a more drum-centric version of Los Straitjackets, but with a more Ventures-like tone. A couple of gritty glissandos give this a surfable edge. There's nothing easy does it under the tree about this rendering.

What Child Is This
Rock (Instrumental)

Without the lyrics, "What Child Is This" is "Greensleeves." This is a gritty, deliberate performance that's surprisingly endearing. It has a loud sound without too much aggression.

Joy To The World
Rock (Instrumental)

Excellent drums and a real-band sound drive "Joy To The World" right over the top. The simplicity and honesty of the sound is very refreshing. Gritty and cool.

Jingle Bells
Rock (Instrumental)

"Jingle Bells" is modestly arranged with simple rock attitude. Its crisp sound and genuine feel are very nice.

Feliz Navidad
Rock (Instrumental)

A bit of "Feliz Navidad" brings on a basic rock arrangement that's right out of your garage... no, not next to the Honda, nor crude, but pure honest sound and direct playing, It may not rock your world exactly, but it sure is good to hear someone play this well and still use a real rock sound.

Silver Bells
Rock (Instrumental)

Easy moving, beautiful in an electric sort of way, "Silver Bells" is rather refreshingly arranged. The bass is so smooth!

The Christmas Song
Rock (Instrumental)

With a kind of jazzy arrangement, the guitar plays "The Christmas Song" solo with stereo reverb for spread.

Deck the Halls
Rock (Instrumental)

Muted chop chords, big drums, and thundering bass pummel the underside of "Deck the Halls" while the guitar plays really clean lines. This is a very original arrangement. Big grins from me!

Silent Night - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Rock (Instrumental)

"Silent Night" rings from the guitar above dramatic cymbals for a very fine sound. It yields to a much bolder "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" with very cool drums. Christmas with grit.

Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Rock (Instrumental)

"Jolly Old St. Nicholas" is more surfy than most here, with lovely notes and easy drums and bass. It's a slow piece with a bit of jazz-country twang. Very nice.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas
Rock (Instrumental)

Muted chop chords and surf drums are pumped by pulsing bass lines. The rock guitar tone is genuine, bringing a fresh face in a simple and very effective arrangement. Quite cool.

White Christmas
Rock (Instrumental)

Long flowing chords in stereo reverb ambiance carry this gentle version of "White Christmas" off in solo form. Tastefully done.

We Four Kings
Surf (Instrumental)

The Blue Hawaiians' arrangement is the basis for this. Though derived from it, its tone is gritty and more rock, making it sound fresh and cool.

Auld Lang Syne
Rock (Instrumental)

Christmas ends with New Years... "Auld Lang Syne" is a power pop romp with big grins. I like this arrangement a lot. Grit, power, distortion, and soaring notes.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/deadliesmusic2

Love, James

Hey Everyone,

We'll be performing at Forbidden Island Tiki Bar in Alameda, CA, On Thursday, December 23rd at 8:PM for the annual "Deadlies Christmas Special!"

Love, James

GOOD ON YOU!

Suffering artist makes good!

Thanks Haole Jim!

[ Edited by: jimmyandthesharks 2010-12-18 18:06 ]

Show is tomorrow, hope you can make it!

Hey Everyone,

On New Years Eve, we'll be playing at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, CA.

We play from 8:PM to 12:30. Hope some of you can make it!

Love, James - the Deadlies