Black Boots & Bikes [#] - Satan's Pilgrims, Podolor
In the nameless world of modern instrumental surf and garage rock, there have only been a few stars: Dick Dale, Man Or Astroman? and?Satan's Pilgrims! The Pilgrims, five sharp-lookin' cats who played like nobody?s busines... more »s and had the good sense to wear black Dracula capes over matching outfits onstage, were at the top of the instro world during their run in the mid-?90s. The Portland band was one of the most unique groups on the scene. The Pilgrims' sound ? a combination of Pacific Northwest garage-punk in its purest form (Sonics, Wailers, Ventures) mixed with Southern California surf stylings (Lively Ones, Belairs, Gary Usher), laced with fun monster and horror kitsch ? was an original musical combination that brought the band much success on record, as well as on tour. Plymouth Rock: The Best Of... celebrates the band with two discs, collecting songs from the archives and beyond, featuring material from all the labels they have recorded for: Estrus, eMpTy and MuSick Records. Disc 1 compiles tracks from the band's five full-length releases, including classics like the Kinks-inspired garage stomper "Shit Sandwich," the creepy-yet-fun "Peter Lorre," and their rollicking version of the theme to "The Godfather!" Disc 2 contains unreleased and rare tracks, as well as recordings released only on compilations and singles. Check out the Pilgrims' staple "Haunted House Of Rock" or the Vic Flick/John Barry Seven vibes of "Spanish Head." Also featured on disc 2 is a bonus for Satan's Pilgrims fans and newcomers alike: four brand new songs! If that isn't enough, enjoy the band's first-ever video montage: you'll not only hear the "Pilgrim Rock" but you can also see them live, in all their creepy glory! Join the Pilgrimage!!« less
In the nameless world of modern instrumental surf and garage rock, there have only been a few stars: Dick Dale, Man Or Astroman? and?Satan's Pilgrims! The Pilgrims, five sharp-lookin' cats who played like nobody?s business and had the good sense to wear black Dracula capes over matching outfits onstage, were at the top of the instro world during their run in the mid-?90s. The Portland band was one of the most unique groups on the scene. The Pilgrims' sound ? a combination of Pacific Northwest garage-punk in its purest form (Sonics, Wailers, Ventures) mixed with Southern California surf stylings (Lively Ones, Belairs, Gary Usher), laced with fun monster and horror kitsch ? was an original musical combination that brought the band much success on record, as well as on tour. Plymouth Rock: The Best Of... celebrates the band with two discs, collecting songs from the archives and beyond, featuring material from all the labels they have recorded for: Estrus, eMpTy and MuSick Records. Disc 1 compiles tracks from the band's five full-length releases, including classics like the Kinks-inspired garage stomper "Shit Sandwich," the creepy-yet-fun "Peter Lorre," and their rollicking version of the theme to "The Godfather!" Disc 2 contains unreleased and rare tracks, as well as recordings released only on compilations and singles. Check out the Pilgrims' staple "Haunted House Of Rock" or the Vic Flick/John Barry Seven vibes of "Spanish Head." Also featured on disc 2 is a bonus for Satan's Pilgrims fans and newcomers alike: four brand new songs! If that isn't enough, enjoy the band's first-ever video montage: you'll not only hear the "Pilgrim Rock" but you can also see them live, in all their creepy glory! Join the Pilgrimage!!
CD Reviews
The Best Of Their Era, But That Sound Quality....
Spiritof67 | New York | 05/31/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"First off, I am a fan of The Pilgrims. Until I heard them, I thought Jon and the Nightriders carried the flame of purity for surf music. After I heard them, I realized that they alone were the keepers of the flame.
This is a fantastic bargain, and as such I recommend it. Unfortunately, the sound quality of my copy is not very good at all - it sounds in some cases like either vinyl was transferred or source tapes copied without Dolby. A lot of hiss, and that was why we went to CD's in the first place.
Otherwise, this is a magnificent close-but-no-cigar effort. If the sound were better, there wouldn't be enough stars to rate it."
Surfs Up !
Alan Edwards | Hollywood, CA | 01/17/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Listen and learn kids ! This is the way that surf music is meant to be heard, raw and electric with all the feel of authenticity without being over nostaligic. Thinking whether you wanna purchase? Go ahead if you are looking to jump around, have a party and generally stomp ! Turn it up now !
Go on you know that you want to !
Excellent collection, as a starter for the beginnner or a continuation for the conesieur?
Enjoy."
Great song collection ever!
F. Manolas | Athens, Greece | 05/10/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The discs contains lots of beautiful ruthm songs. The second cd contains also a video file from the band performing live! This album is -of course- for collectors and not only!"
One Of Portland's Finest
W. L. Lynch | Portland OR | 12/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you were going to clubs in Portland in the 90's these guys were a safe bet for a rockin' night out. Along with Dead Moon, Poison Idea and Nappalm Beach, this band made many nights at Satyricon magical. Course since it is a compilation, one may quibble about song choices (especially hard core fans) but this is a good introduction to the band and the second disc makes getting some of their odds and ends easier. About the comments about the sound quality, though, I have to say that most, if not all, of the indie stuff from the 90's that I love is lo fi, or hissy or noisy, or in the case of Dead Moon, mono. I am not so into sound quality that I even notice this stuff and thought it sounded great. Highly recommended."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1