User:Robman94/Spies Who Surf

Spies Who Surf were a surf rock band from Chicago. They debuted on Thanksgiving 1987 and disbanded in 1997, though they did reform for one show in 1999. They were recognized by Billboard (magazine) as being part of a global surf rock movement.

In the Illinois Entertainer's first Chicago Musician Awards, held July 16, 1990 at Cabaret Metro, David Suycott was voted "best drummer" and Todd Colburn was voted "best guitarist". Suycott also won the Avalon's Drum Solo Contest in 1990.

Tommy Klein and Marshall Dawson both currently play in a surf rock band called Ambassadors to Earth, along with Dan Polonsky on bass, and Larry Brown on drums.

Band members

 * Tommy Klein - guitar (1987-1997)
 * Marty Busca - bass (1987 - 1997) (Died: Jan 2002)
 * Todd Colburn - guitar (1987 - 1993)
 * Marshall Dawson - (1993 - 1997)
 * David Soycott - drums (1987 - 1993)
 * Tim Mulvena - drums (1993 - 1997)

Reception

 * "As a Chicago fixture for almost a decade, the Spies were one of those bands who almost everyone had heard of, and were surprised they weren't more famous. With their instrumental rock that called upon elements from surf, jazz and film themes, Spies gigs were regular and consistently packed to the gills." (Kevin M. Williams, Chicago Suntimes)
 * "The Spies may surf, but they don't sing. Performing a brand of psycho-groove instrumental music similar to what the Ventures might have sounded like if they'd been hit on the head a few times" (The Mix, Chicago Suntimes)
 * "Their blend of surf music and spaghetti Western or spy film soundtracks is irresistible not only for its style, but the fact that the Spies can flat out play." (Kevin M. Williams, Chicago Suntimes)
 * "Dark and ominous sounds crawling out of the corner ready to pounce at a second's notice. This 1993 release by Chicago based Spies Who Surf is a classic mix of jazz and surf. Very good musicianship and writing, well produced tracks and interesting ideas. Some infectious material, some acquired taste, but all very well done." (Fat City Cigar Lounge)
 * "Spies Who Surf perform rock themes from the golden age when guitar bands - The Ventures, Dick Dale, Link Wray, Duanne Eddie - were played on the radio." (Showcase, Chicago Reader)