2015 has proven to be quite the year for the world of exotica. Although several great albums have been (or will be) released, I thought it best to save discussion of those for another time. It seemed to be the only appropriate way to handle the matter, given the recent passing of exotica pioneer Robert …
Tag: exotica
Aug 26 2014
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Creepxotica
Creepxotica Official Site Creepxotica, Dionysus Records 2011 Haunted Bossa Nova, Dionysus Records 2013 Creepxotica has a rather interesting history. It’s actually a side project of the horror surf band The Creepy Creeps, which is in turn made up from former members of bands like Struggle, Tarantula Hawk and The Locust (among others). Hailing from San …
Aug 14 2014
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Hello Little Olives
Ding Dong Devils Official Facebook Hello Little Olives, Tiki Tunes Records 2012 The Ding Dong Devils are back! While the songs are all new, their unique brand of playful exotica/surfabilly/fuzzy rock is still the same. Hello Little Olives is loaded with musical shout-outs, which ranges from Don Ho to GG Allin! “Meet Me At the …
Aug 06 2014
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: The Return
I started the Freaky Tiki Surf-ari four years ago and find myself pleasantly surprised by how the exotica genre seems to embrace its freaky side more and more each year. Hopefully you had similar feelings about our surprise foreshadowing on the podcast. This year is no exception and I think you will find the albums …
Aug 01 2014
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: 6′+ Episode 116 is Up!
To quote the description given at the new listing: “It wouldn’t be summer without this yearly event of surf and exotica. We have music from Creepxotica, Hell-O-Tiki, Go!Tsunami, The Atomic Mosquitos, The Hula Girls and more. Monstermatt Patterson tries to go surfing but can’t find a stable wifi connection.” Remember to email 6′+ (contact at …
Jul 18 2014
6′+ Episode 114 is Up!
To quote the description given at the new listing: “Join for a chill, summer vacation with exotica music from The Metrolites, The Jimmy Psycho Experiment, Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica, Clouseaux and much more. Monstermatt Patterson gets turned into a tiki idol and the island sinks.” Remember to email 6′+ (contact at 6ftplus.com) or leave a comment …
Aug 30 2013
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: 6′+ Episode 73 is Up!
To quote the description given at the new listing: “If you needed a reason to get lei’d, here you go: Freaky Tiki Surf-Ari 2013! Our annual showcase of surf, tiki, exotica and more. The Drool Brothers! Kava Kon! Hans Karl! Space Party! And much more. Dr. Gangrene prescribes you a Movie of the Week and …
Aug 29 2013
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Les Baxter
Les Baxter Official Site Ritual of the Savage, Rev-Ola Records 2006 (Original release date: 1951) The Passions, Rev-Ola Records 2006 (Original release date: 1954) Ever since I first started the Freaky Tiki Surf-ari, I know that someday I simply had to cover the work of Les Baxter in some way. Considering how his album Ritual …
Aug 22 2013
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Hans Karl
Hans Karl Official Site Shagxotica!, Hans Karl Music 2002 The works of Josh “Shag!” Agle have an undeniable place in the world of Tiki culture (and vice versa). But for some reason, that only seems to apply to the art of Tiki and not the music. While it is true that Shag has designed covers …
Aug 02 2013
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: The Return
It’s August and you know what that means: The Freaky Tiki Surf-ari is back! I may have a lot going on in my personal life, but that won’t stop me from giving you my annual series of exotica and surf reviews (complete with a tie-in episode of the podcast). So until we get things started …
Dec 22 2012
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: King Kukulele and the Friki Tikis
King Kukulele and the Friki Tikis Official Site Luau In December, Friki Tiki Records 2008 [audio:http://www.gravediggerslocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/King-Kukulele-the-Friki-Tikis-Santas-Menehune.mp3] Even if you’ve never heard one of their albums before, chances are that you’re already aware of King Kukulele and the Friki Tikis. Although active for quite some time on the West Coast, King Kukulele officially made his presence …
Aug 31 2012
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Clouseaux
Clouseaux Official Site Clouseaux, Air Y Hola 2001 Destination Oasis, Air Y Hola Records 2003 Lagoon, Dionysus Records 2004 Beyond Good and Evil, Self-released 2006 When one thinks of exotica, visions of Polynesia and Hawaii immediately spring to mind. However, exotica groups can be found all over America (and the world). Houston, Texas might seem …
Aug 21 2012
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica
Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica Official Site Third River Rangoon, Self-released 2011 One cannot discuss Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica without first discussing Juan García Esquivel. More popularly known as “Esquivel” or “The King of Space Age Pop,” he got his start piano playing for a Mexican radio station when he was only eleven years old! Six years later, …
Aug 08 2012
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: The Return
The Freaky Tiki Surf-ari is back and I’m really excited about this year’s schedule of events. We’ve got two exotica reviews, two surf rock reviews, a tie-in episode of the podcast and more! On top of that, each music review will have a bonus sample track! I’m also looking forward to showcasing my new, stripped-down …
Aug 31 2011
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: King Kong vs. Godzilla Soundtrack
Akira Ikufube Official Site (Label) King Kong vs. Godzilla Soundtrack, La-La Land Records 2006 (Original release date: 1962) I know this seems like a bizarre way to close out this year’s Freaky Tiki Surf-ari. Truth be told, even I thought the idea that the King Kong vs. Godzilla soundtrack had anything to do with exotica …
Aug 18 2011
Freaky Tiki Surf-ari: Ding Dong Devils
Ding Dong Devils Official Myspace Tassels, Mai-Tais & Mischief, Tiki Tunes Records 2010 Based out of Los Angeles, the Ding Dong Devils are not your average exotica band. In addition to the obvious exotica and surf influences, the band also draws inspiration from “fuzzy 60’s garage rock, amped-up rockabilly, tremolo-laden surf, and even the greasy …