Surf's Up is the second album by David Thomas and Two Pale Boys, released in 2001.[5][6] The album is named after the Beach Boys' track, which the band covers.[7]
The Chicago Reader wrote that "the Two Pale Boys render Thomas's desolate vision in vivid colors."[8]CMJ New Music Monthly wrote that "there are enough inspired bits to make one endure the few dead spots."[9] The Cleveland Scene wrote that the album "combines elements of the Residents' brilliantly nonsensical instrumentals, Tom Waits's terrifying but exquisite lyrics, and John Zorn's precise, free-jazz workouts."[10]The Inlander called the album one of 2001's best, writing that "there are no musical similarities between Thomas and the Beach Boys, but their lyrical focus on Americana tally here, though this Surf's Up is a beautiful but haunted America."[11]The Quietus wrote that the band "serve up a smattering of avant-folk, coloured by touches of electronic pulses and Rain Dogs era Tom Waits contortions."[12]
Track listing[]
All tracks composed by David Thomas, Andy Diagram and Keith Moliné; except where indicated
[2]
[3]