Dick Dale - Calling Up Spirits

Calling Up Spirits is ostensibly surf guitar legend Dick Dale's attempt to translate Native-American musical traditions into instrumental rock. When you get down to it, however, it's just guitar pyrotechnics with a slight patina of tribal ritualism. There's really no reason for anyone but the hardest of hardcore Dale fetishists to own this record; its best song, "The Wedge Paradiso," sounds identical to the classic "Miserlou," horns included. He can still play like a master, but better to invest in an older album. --Keven McAlester Amazon.com

Speed Surf

Right from the opening cut, Calling Up Spirits rips into high gear as ferocious as any speed metal album, only this is surf rock, not metal. What the hell's going on here? Most of Dale's 90s output is in the same vein, so if you have Tribal Thunder or Unknown Territory, you're not gonna be disappointed in this. My only complaint here is the few songs with vocals that seem to sneak their way onto the albums(except Tribal Thunder). I like my surf rock like my jazz-instrumental. That's just a personal preference, I'm sure there are many who like Dick's vocals. This one's not as easy to find as his others, don't ask me why, but it's just as good. March 15, 2005

This old guy rocks harder than any young guy!

Man, this album is too powerful to be contained. The shredding guitar and breakneck speed. The pounding drums that seem like twenty drummers are pounding away. And finally, one of the greatest Dick Dale songs of all-time, "Temple of Gizeh." If you are a Dick Dale fan, like me, this album will quickly become one of your most cherished possessions. (...) January 21, 2005

Not my cup 'o tea...

As much as I respect Dick Dale and his unequaled place in surf-rock history, this album just didn't cut it for me. While his ability will still 'wow' you, I found too much of this album somewhat derivative, especially of things he himself had done earlier. Even worse, a couple of tracks I even found boring. Of course, not all the album is bad. Songs such as 'Nitrus' will make you sit up and take notice, but I found those moments lacking for the most part. Your time may be better spent searching out some of Dale's earlier, more inspired work. November 7, 2000

AWESOME!!

Dick Dale seems to get better and better with age, and this album proves it! There is nothing that compares with the raw power and energy that seems to flow out of his guitar. A MUST for any fan of "Surf" type music. January 23, 1999

A must have Surf Guitar album!

Dick Dale IS the most talented guitar player I have ever seen. This album is one of his best. If you turn it up really loud, it will make you dance, or at least play a little air guitar! August 30, 1998

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