If you are in a beach music rut, you should check out Primal Sky.

When I think of beach music I tend to fall towards Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and the Marley family et al, you get the idea.  I suspect many of you do the same.  These are fun artists who speak to us, and we love them for it.  We should not however be closed minded to the plethora of independent musicians that love the ocean and the coastal life as much if not more than we do.  Many don’t get their inspiration from the Caribbean.  There is a big world out there in the little latitudes, California surf music is a good example.  It is with this frame of mind I entered when Tim Smith of Primal Sky out of California recently called me out of the blue.

Primal Sky - Courtesy of Tim Smith

Tim is the songwriter, the producer, the manager, the agent and so on.  When he called me I thought he was a long lost classmate from high school, he just had that friendly engaging and super energetic vibe.  I couldn’t help but listen.  Primal Sky is just finishing up a new song called, “Tequila and Bikinis” and he wanted me to hear it.  Maybe even send some Conch Republic Bikinis in for a video they plan on shooting.  Cool.  I’m listening Tim.

A week or two ago I got a copy of his last CD in the mail called Caballero Del Mar.  I’m no music critic but I have to tell you I really love it.  The entire CD consists of thirteen songs combining both instrumental tracks and vocal.  The sound is California Surf, Jazz, Latin, Mexican and every other style that Tim could combine to express his musical philosophy.  This particular album was cut in 2008 so it’s not exactly new but if this is any indication of the new cuts soon to arrive, you should keep your ears open.

Tim isn’t just an independent musician trying to get ahead guerilla style.  He has serious experience folks working with big names like Rod Stewart and Hall & Oats.  This CD is expertly produced and very well delivered.  My favorite track is Flamenco Beach, it has a haunting tone.  My mind jumps back and forth between surfing and visions of a huge lightning storm sitting just off the coast as I drink a Mojito.  Bet you’ve never heard that before.

You can get a copy of Primal Sky’s last CD Caballero Del Mar at the normal online outlets.  I will update you when the new releases start to arrive.  I’ve included a video here of their song, “The Light (Acid Surf Mix)” which was done in conjunction with Billabong.  Enjoy.

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