SING ALONG WITH LOS STRAITJACKETS • Los Straitjackets

In their seven year career, Los Straitjackets has turned out four albums of breezy, instrumental Surf Rock, inspired by the California beach party antics of the Ventures, Link Wray, and other voiceless Rock bands from the 50s and 60s. The band is known for expressing their melodic prowess and sense of humor through the dueling guitars of Danny Amis and Eddie Angel, with rhythmic accompaniment from drummer Jimmy Lester and bassist Peter Curry. For their latest album, Sing Along With Los Straitjackets, released September 25 on Cavalcade/Yep Rock, the half Nashville, half Los Angeles-based quartet decides to explore the well-traveled territory of vocal accompaniment.

The Mexican wrestling mask-wearing combo assume their role as the ultimate backing band with confidence, using ample amounts of reverb and Kinks-style guitar riffs without overshadowing their diverse lineup of guests. Mavericks frontman Raul Malo kicks off the musical mayhem with a powerful rendition of the Los Bravos tune "Black Is Black." Big Sandy of Western Swing combo Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys steps outside his usual Alt-Country domain for Spanish versions of the hip shakin’ "Tallahassee Lassie" and the easy-going "Mother In Law." Reverend Horton Heat and ex-Paul Revere and the Raiders vocalist Mark Lindsay give standout performances as well, while Sixpence None the Richer’s Leigh Nash adds a nearly identical version of the syrupy, string-filled ballad "The End of the World." The masked marvels' version of "California Sun," sung by Grammy winning songwriter and solo artist Dave Alvin, is a great summer driving song (especially if you have a convertible!). Whether you’re cruising along the Pacific coast on Highway 1 or braving rush hour on a congested interstate, turn up the volume and sing along with Los Straitjackets, before they resume their vow of silence.  •  Heather Johnson

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