THE SIR FINKS “(TRES MEXICANOS) DEL SUR DE TEXAS”

GH-1146
CD / Digital
November 25, 2008

Description:

Get Hip is proud to present this 22-track retrospective by one of the most original, interesting and rockin’ instrumental surf bands of the ’90s: The Sir Finks!

The Sir Finks originated in Corpus Christi–a sleepy little Texas town on the Gulf of Mexico and halfway to nowhere. The band was established by skateboarding buddies Mike Guerrero (guitar) and Jason Gentry (bass) who enlisted roommate Ruben Garza on drums and began jamming to instro tunes from surf LP’s scored at thrift stores and flea markets. Early influences ranged from bands like surf punk pioneers Agent Orange to the Ventures; Link Wray, Davie Allan and the Arrows, the Surf Teens, the Astronauts, Dick Dale, and assorted Del-Fi groups gleaned from scratchy compilations. Eventually Mike and Jason enlisted wonder-boy drummer extraordinaire Damien Llanes who consolidated the lineup for most of the band’s lifespan. The trio fine-tuned their sound and moved the show to Austin.

The Sir Finks played often during the mid-90’s, sharing the stage with surf and garage bands like Jackie and the Cedrics and Sons of Hercules. Around this time, they caught the eye of local indie label Wildebeest Records ; together they released a handful of 7-inch singles, some compilation tracks, and eventually the Sir Finks’ 2000 album, Instrumentals in the Key of…BOSS!!! (WBST004). The LP was comprised of some of their strongest original tunes and a few of their favorite covers–standards from their killer live show.

What you have here is a collection of fifteen fantastic Sir Finks originals coupled with seven choice covers–including one the best versions of the Yardbirds’ classic “Heart Full of Soul,” with a mean fuzz-guitar that could give even Davie Allan a run for his money! Another nugget is the instrumental version of Nancy Sinatra’s hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ ” that totally rules! But hey, less turf and more surf. Just listen to this!!