Customer Reviews

Guitar Noir

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Of course, the cover art is striking. Palm trees framing a cat's eye moon over the golden gate bridge. A view only obtainable from Treasure Island. Its easy to forget that San Franscisco was the home of Sam Spade--a place where Vertigo could be made--Mort Sahl could tell topical jokes between jazz sets, or people would pass around a jug of wine at a poetry reading. This music has all the ambience of the cool, old, San Fransciso of pulp detective novels, beats and cool jazz. I absolutely totally do not understand the remarks of those reviewers who were disappointed in this cd. Comparisons with previous Aqua Velvets releases is unfair. This collection of tunes stands on its own merits. Those you you who don't get it--read the Maltese Falcon or The Big Sleep while you listen--it will start to make more sense to you.

Another beautiful-sounding guitar instrumental disc from the "Aquas". This one is fairly laid back, and didn't knock me out like "Nomad", but I think it's one of those discs that will "grow" on me. I think "Day in the Life of a Private Eye" summarizes the concept here--"Guitar Noir" could be good music for "Film Noir".
As a Shadows fan for over 40 years, I can see their influence at work here--clean, distinctive, melodic playing--if Miles Corbin isn't a Hank Marvin disciple, I would be very surprised.
Nice one !

Nothing relaxes me like this disk after a hectic day at work! Just kick back with a dry Vodka Martini and fall into the trace the AV's induce. Also great background for a low-key and laidback party...

I was disappointed in this CD. I have a copy of their earlier collection, Nomad, which is one of the best New Surf releases ever. This doesn't compare. I got this CD expecting a more subdued atmosphere with a little mystery and espionage thrown in. Unfortunately, they sound like a bad Vegas Lounge act. I should know, I live in Vegas. My advice would be to skip this CD and pick up Nomad instead. I hate to say that because I really do like The Aqua Velvets. Maybe next time.

This is my absolute favorite album ever. The first time I hear (the song) Guitar Noir I was blown away in a wave of coolness. The most intense surf music I have ever hear. The music is so complex and melodic. All the sounds are mysterious and haunting. This a masterpeice; the crown jewel in the heavy crown the aqua velets wear. The Aqua velets didn't record songs on this album they recorded moods. Also in the liner notes It says something about a book by Mongemery Green but I can't find any book by this guy. please e-mail me info on him. thanx

I liked this album the more I played it. A lot of complexity that becomes apparent with repeated listenings. Virtually everyone who hears it wants to know who it is. World music influences keep this from being monotonous like some surf can get

Guitar Noir lives up to its title with a variety of surf flavored tunes. Excellent recording and possibly a new make out classic for when you have someone over! Highly recommended to anyone who likes surf and definitely recommended to anyone in a rock and roll rut!!!

Do drum machines belong in surf music? I'm not sure. But this CD certainly poses the question. We all know that the guitar is the centerpiece of surf music but even the other instruments must have some "real" soul to make it work. There's no creativity or inspiration here. There are one or two decent tunes but most are just lackluster and listless. The beauty of surf music is it's deceptive simplicity. But the simplicity in this outing is readily apparent. It's too predictable. It's like the disappointment of going to a movie you've really wanted to see only to figure out every twist and turn miles before you get there. There's more to great surf (or other kinds of) music than just throwing down a few chords and running some scales across them. It require intellect, imagination, and inspiration. All of which this CD is in desparate need of. YOU could make better surf music than this. Just go buy a Strat with a whammy and an amp with reverb; learn a few basics and you're there. Just leave the CPU's at home. If you really want some cool, exciting surf music I suggest Laika and the Cosmonauts.

Discovered the title track in the credits for the ski movie "Edge of Never" and bought the album the next day. I've listened to it a dozen times already and don't anticipate growing tired of it. The only lackluster tracks are: "Twilight of the Hepcats" and "Moodswing Sonata" because they border more on jazz, which is a musical style I've just never been able to get into (I keep trying though). The strength of the album lies in its noir atmosphere, which evokes the smoky bars and seedy city streets of the pulp fiction novels from the 50s & 60s. I plan to put most of the songs into my dinner party playlists and can't wait for my friends to tell me what they think of the mighty AV's.

As a musician, I am a very harsh music critic. I hate buying an album and finding out that the band's creativity began and ended in a single song. Mass-produced trash like that is the reason the record industry is in the toilet. Enter Miles Corbin. This entire album is playable, beginning to end. It is atmospheric. The title says it all. The day it arrived I listened to the entire album several times in a row. There are no weak tracks.

While the Aqua Velvets seem to have been labeled as "surf" music, this album is anythig but. It is very noir: moddy and intense. The music is dramatic, almost suspenseful. This would make an excellent soundtrack to any gumshoe drama. Just excellent musicianship all the way around.

Very well done, Miles. Please, please, put out Guitar Noir II. This album is one of my all-time favorites.