The Torpedoes: Difference between revisions

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== History ==
== History ==
[[File:The Torpedoes band logo.png|thumb|left|The band's logo, designed by Ferenc Dobronyi|alt=A cartoon of a torpedo with a shark-like face flying around a ring with "The Torpedoes – High Intensity Surf" written on it]]
[[File:The Torpedoes band logo.png|thumb|left|The band's logo, designed by Ferenc Dobronyi for ''Good for the Country''|alt=A cartoon of a torpedo with a shark-like face flying around a ring with "The Torpedoes – High Intensity Surf" written on it]]


The Torpedoes were formed by guitarist Brian Pool in [[Wikipedia:Sunnyvale, California|Sunnyvale, California]] in 1994.<ref name="Underhill"/> Jason Brown was the band's original bassist;<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> drummer Brandon Watson joined in 1995. The group's musical influences included [[Wikipedia:Dick Dale|Dick Dale]], [[Wikipedia:Junior Brown|Junior Brown]], [[Wikipedia:The Ventures|the Ventures]], and [[Wikipedia:AC/DC|AC/DC]]. The Torpedoes initially played at local clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area before touring around the United States.<ref name="Underhill"/> After Watson's addition, the band recorded their debut album, ''Good for the Country'', which released the following year in 1996.<ref name="Torpedoes index1"/>
The Torpedoes were formed by guitarist Brian Pool in [[Wikipedia:Sunnyvale, California|Sunnyvale, California]] in 1994.<ref name="Underhill"/> Jason Brown was the band's original bassist;<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> drummer Brandon Watson joined in 1995. The group's musical influences included [[Wikipedia:Dick Dale|Dick Dale]], [[Wikipedia:Junior Brown|Junior Brown]], [[Wikipedia:The Ventures|the Ventures]], and [[Wikipedia:AC/DC|AC/DC]]. The Torpedoes initially played at local clubs and events in the San Francisco Bay Area during the [[Wikipedia:Surf music#Influence and revival|surf rock revival]] of the 1990s. After Watson joined, the band recorded their debut album, ''Good for the Country'', which released the following year on May 3, 1996.<ref name="Underhill"/><ref name="Torpedoes index1"/> The band's first official website launched on the same day,<ref name="Torpedoes base past"/> created by the album's co-producer Ron Maeder.<ref name="Torpedoes base home"/><ref name="RR001 notes"/>


[[File:JukeBox art Torpedos.png|thumb|Cover art for "Manta Ray" used in the jukebox in ''LEGO Island''; the band's name is misspelled here as "Torpedos"]]
[[File:JukeBox art Torpedos.png|thumb|Cover art for "Manta Ray" used in the jukebox in ''LEGO Island''; the band's name is misspelled here as "Torpedos"]]


The Torpedoes were one of the musical groups interested in contributing music to the video game ''[[LEGO Island]]'' during its development. [[Mindscape]] initially suggested that the band contribute an original song for use in the game's beach area; other suggestions for beach music included "[[Wikipedia:Catch a Wave|Catch a Wave]]" by [[Wikipedia:The Beach Boys|the Beach Boys]] and Dick Dale's recordings of "[[Wikipedia:Misirlou|Misirlou]]" and "[[Wikipedia:Pipeline (instrumental)|Pipeline]]".<ref name="Mindscape talent"/> ''LEGO Island'' ended up using one original composition by the Torpedoes, "Lucky You", as well as four tracks from their album ''Good for the Country'': "Manta Ray", which is one of the jukebox songs;<ref name="Island credits music"/> "Interplanetary", which plays in the main beach area; "Torpedoe", which plays while building the Jet-Ski; and "Tarantula", which plays during the Jet-Ski race.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/><ref name="RTL CD"/> Two other tracks from their album were sampled in music composed for the game by Michael Blakeman: "Spanish Main" in the Information Center music and "The Naked Spur" in the helicopter chase music.<ref name="Island OST desc YT"/> According to Brandon Watson, music by the Torpedoes was also planned to appear in the [[LEGO Technic]] [[Search Sub]] CD-ROM.<ref name="RTL CD"/> Brian Pool later stated that "Lucky You" had been inspired by his ex-wife, who had a new life and was "all set" while he was a "{{sic|poor ass}} guitar guy".<ref name="Pool YT Lucky"/>
The Torpedoes were one of the musical groups interested in contributing music to the video game ''[[LEGO Island]]'' during its development. [[Mindscape]] initially suggested that the band contribute an original song for use in the game's beach area; other suggestions for beach music included "[[Wikipedia:Catch a Wave|Catch a Wave]]" by [[Wikipedia:The Beach Boys|the Beach Boys]] and Dick Dale's recordings of "[[Wikipedia:Misirlou|Misirlou]]" and "[[Wikipedia:Pipeline (instrumental)|Pipeline]]".<ref name="Mindscape talent"/> The Torpedoes created the instrumental track "Lucky You" for ''LEGO Island'', where it was used as one of the L.E.G.O. Radio tunes.<ref name="Island credits music"/> Brian Pool later stated that "Lucky You" had been inspired by his ex-wife, who had a new life and was "all set" while he was a "{{sic|poor ass}} guitar guy".<ref name="Pool YT Lucky"/> ''LEGO Island'' also used four tracks from their album ''Good for the Country'': "Manta Ray", "Interplanetary", "Torpedoe", and "Tarantula".<ref name="Torpedoes news"/><ref name="RTL CD"/> According to Brandon Watson, music by the Torpedoes was also planned to appear in the [[LEGO Technic]] [[Search Sub]] CD-ROM.<ref name="RTL CD"/>


Jason Brown left the band on January 20, 1999. Justin Walsh joined as their new bass player on January 27. Brown returned to the band on March 1, 2000.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> (working on this part)
In June 1998 the band completed their Midwest Massacre tour, during which they traveled five thousand miles through cities including [[Wikipedia:Iowa City, Iowa|Iowa City]], [[Wikipedia:Davenport, Iowa|Davenport]], and [[Wikipedia:Clinton, Iowa|Clinton]] in [[Wikipedia:Iowa|Iowa]], [[Wikipedia:Reno, Nevada|Reno, Nevada]], and [[Wikipedia:Salt Lake City|Salt Lake City, Utah]].<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> In August 1998 the Torpedoes recorded their second album, ''Lucky You'', titled after the track originally used in ''LEGO Island''. Jason Brown left the band on January 20, 1999. Justin Walsh joined as their new bass player on January 27. The album ''Lucky You'' released on March 30, 1999. The Torpedoes were selected as the featured artist of the day on [[Wikipedia:MP3.com|MP3.com]] the next day on March 31, 1999.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> Jason Brown returned to the band on March 1, 2000. However, Brown died three months later on June 5, 2000.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/><ref name="Torpedoes Jason"/> The band later continued playing with new bassist Sebastian.<ref name="Torpedoes dates 2001"/><ref name="Torpedoes oak"/> The Torpedoes played their final show at [[commons:Category:Longshoremen's Hall, San Francisco|Longshoremen’s Hall]] in [[Wikipedia:San Francisco|San Francisco]] on March 24, 2001.<ref name="Torpedoes schedule"/> <!--Following the band's breakup, Pool sent Phil Dirt a copy of ''San Jose '95'', a short collection of studio tracks recorded in 1995 before ''Good for the Country''.--><ref name="Dirt review San Jose"/>


== Albums ==
== Albums ==
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| cover      = Torpedoes Good for the Country album cover.jpg
| cover      = Torpedoes Good for the Country album cover.jpg
| alt        = A photograph of USS Asheville (SSN-758) on sea trials in June 1991. Above the photograph are the words "The Torpedoes" and below it "Good for the Country".
| alt        = A photograph of USS Asheville (SSN-758) on sea trials in June 1991. Above the photograph are the words "The Torpedoes" and below it "Good for the Country".
| released  = {{start date|1996|5|3}}
| released  = {{start date|1996|5|3}}<ref name="Torpedoes base past"/>
| recorded  = 1995<ref name="Torpedoes index1"/>
| recorded  = 1995<ref name="Torpedoes index1"/>
| studio    = Train Wreck Studios
| studio    = Train Wreck Studios<ref name="RR001 notes"/>
| genre      = {{hlist|Surf|[[Wikipedia:Skate punk|skate punk]]<ref name="Dirt review Country"/>|instrumental rock}}
| genre      = {{hlist|Surf|[[Wikipedia:Skate punk|skate punk]]<ref name="Dirt review Country"/>|instrumental rock}}
| length    = 32:23
| length    = 32:23
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}}
}}


''Good for the Country'' is the debut album by the Torpedoes. It was recorded in 1995 and released on May 3, 1996.<ref name="Torpedoes base home"/><ref name="Torpedoes base tfc gif"/> The album contains seventeen instrumental tracks; an eighteenth track, "Shorebreak", was originally planned for inclusion but was cut from the released album.<ref name="Dirt review Country"/> The album's cover art was designed by Ferenc Dobronyi from the band Pollo Del Mar.<ref name="Torpedoes base reviews"/> ''Good for the Country'' features elements of [[Wikipedia:Skate punk|skate punk]] and inspiration from [[Wikipedia:Spy film|spy film]] [[Wikipedia:Film score|scores]]; the latter is most obvious in the album's only [[Wikipedia:Cover version|cover]] track, "A Man Alone" from the 1965 spy film ''[[Wikipedia:The Ipcress File (film)|The Ipcress File]]''.<ref name="Dirt review Country"/> "Midnight Surfer" is dedicated to [[Wikipedia:Mark Foo|Mark Foo]], a professional [[Wikipedia:Surfing|surfer]] who died in a surfing accident at [[Wikipedia:Mavericks, California|Mavericks]] in [[Wikipedia:Half Moon Bay, California|Half Moon Bay]] in 1994.<ref name="Martin Foo"/>
''Good for the Country'' is the debut album by the Torpedoes. It was recorded in 1995 and released on May 3, 1996.<ref name="Torpedoes index1"/><ref name="Torpedoes base past"/> The album contains seventeen instrumental tracks; an eighteenth track, "Shorebreak", was originally planned for inclusion but was cut from the released album.<ref name="Dirt review Country"/> The album's cover art was designed by Ferenc Dobronyi from the band Pollo Del Mar.<ref name="Torpedoes base reviews"/><ref name="Torpedoes base home"/> ''Good for the Country'' features elements of [[Wikipedia:Skate punk|skate punk]] and inspiration from [[Wikipedia:Spy film|spy film]] [[Wikipedia:Film score|scores]]; the latter is most obvious in the album's only [[Wikipedia:Cover version|cover]] track, "A Man Alone" from the 1965 spy film ''[[Wikipedia:The Ipcress File (film)|The Ipcress File]]''.<ref name="Dirt review Country"/> "Midnight Surfer" is dedicated to [[Wikipedia:Mark Foo|Mark Foo]], a professional [[Wikipedia:Surfing|surfer]] who died in a surfing accident at [[Wikipedia:Mavericks, California|Mavericks]] in [[Wikipedia:Half Moon Bay, California|Half Moon Bay]] in December 1994.<ref name="Martin Foo"/>


The tracks "Manta Ray", "Interplanetary", "Torpedoe", and "Tarantula", as well as samples from "Spanish Main" and "The Naked Spur", were later used in the 1997 video game ''LEGO Island''; aside from a few pieces of stock music, the four tracks from this album were the only non-original pieces of music in the game's soundtrack.
Four tracks from this album were used in the 1997 video game ''LEGO Island'': "Manta Ray", which is used as one of the six jukebox songs;<ref name="Island credits music"/> "Interplanetary", which plays in the main beach area; "Torpedoe", which plays while building the Jet-Ski; and "Tarantula", which plays during the Jet-Ski race.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/><ref name="RTL CD"/> Two other tracks from their album were sampled in music composed for the game by Michael Blakeman: "Spanish Main" in the Information Center music and "The Naked Spur" in the helicopter chase music.<ref name="Island OST desc YT"/> Aside from a few pieces of stock music, the four tracks from this album were the only non-original pieces of music in the game's soundtrack.


==== Track listing ====
==== Track listing ====
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| released  = {{start date|1999|3|30}}
| released  = {{start date|1999|3|30}}
| recorded  = August 1998
| recorded  = August 1998
| studio    = House of Faith
| studio    = House of Faith<ref name="RR002 notes"/>
| genre      = {{hlist|Surf|[[Wikipedia:Hot rod rock|hot rod rock]]|[[Wikipedia:Country rock|country rock]]<ref name="Dirt review Lucky"/>|instrumental rock}}
| genre      = {{hlist|Surf|[[Wikipedia:Hot rod rock|hot rod rock]]|[[Wikipedia:Country rock|country rock]]<ref name="Dirt review Lucky"/>|instrumental rock}}
| length    = 29:13
| length    = 29:13
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}}
}}


''Lucky You'' is the second studio album by the Torpedoes. Recording was completed on August 21, 1998, and the album was released on March 30, 1999. The Torpedoes were selected as the featured artist of the day on [[Wikipedia:MP3.com|MP3.com]] the day after the album's release.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> The album features thirteen tracks, including the band's only released vocal track,<ref name="Dirt review Lucky"/> a cover of [[Wikipedia:Billy Zoom|Billy Zoom's]] "Bad Boy" performed by Pool.<ref name="Zoom"/><ref name="Torpedoes press"/> Compared to their first album, ''Lucky You'' has more focus on arrangement and technique, and features more [[Wikipedia:Country rock|country rock]] elements. The title track is an updated arrangement of "Lucky You" from ''LEGO Island'', featuring two guitar parts and a [[Wikipedia:Lead instrument|lead]] [[Wikipedia:Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]. The album also features an updated version of "Green Light" from ''Good for the Country''. The tracks "Fishin'" and "Davenport" were originally titled "Fishin' With My Boy" and "Acoustic" respectively.<ref name="Dirt review Lucky"/> "Big Sky" was released online as "Big Blue", and was MP3.com's featured country song on April 12, 1999.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/>
''Lucky You'' is the second studio album by the Torpedoes. Recording was completed on August 21, 1998, and the album was released on March 30, 1999.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/> The album features thirteen tracks, including the band's only released vocal track,<ref name="Dirt review Lucky"/> a cover of [[Wikipedia:Billy Zoom|Billy Zoom's]] "Bad Boy" performed by Pool.<ref name="Zoom"/><ref name="Torpedoes press"/> Compared to their first album, ''Lucky You'' has more focus on arrangement and technique, and features more [[Wikipedia:Country rock|country rock]] elements. The title track is an updated arrangement of "Lucky You" from ''LEGO Island'', featuring two guitar parts and a [[Wikipedia:Lead instrument|lead]] [[Wikipedia:Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]. The album also features an updated version of "Green Light" from ''Good for the Country''. The tracks "Fishin'" and "Davenport" were originally titled "Fishin' With My Boy" and "Acoustic" respectively.<ref name="Dirt review Lucky"/> "Big Sky" was released online as "Big Blue", and was MP3.com's featured country song on April 12, 1999.<ref name="Torpedoes news"/>


==== Track listing ====
==== Track listing ====
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<ref name="Dirt review Lucky">{{cite web |last=Dirt |first=Phil |date=1999 |title=The Torpedoes - Lucky You |url=https://www.reverbcentral.com/reviews/t/torpedoes2326.html |website=Reverb Central |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129014912/https://www.reverbcentral.com/reviews/t/torpedoes2326.html |archive-date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=January 29, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Dirt review Lucky">{{cite web |last=Dirt |first=Phil |date=1999 |title=The Torpedoes - Lucky You |url=https://www.reverbcentral.com/reviews/t/torpedoes2326.html |website=Reverb Central |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129014912/https://www.reverbcentral.com/reviews/t/torpedoes2326.html |archive-date=January 29, 2025 |access-date=January 29, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Dirt review San Jose">{{cite web |last=Dirt |first=Phil |date=June 3, 2002 |title=The Torpedoes -San Jose '95  |url=https://www.reverbcentral.com/reviews/t/torpedoes3779.html |website=Reverb Central |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122203201/http://www.reverbcentral.com/reviews/t/torpedoes3779.html |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=January 26, 2025}} Date obtained from [https://web.archive.org/web/20020601000000*/http://surfin.spies.com/~reverb/reviews/t/torpedoes3779.html original URL] using [[Wikipedia:wget|wget]].</ref>


<ref name="Island credits music">{{cite video game |title=[[LEGO Island]] |developer=[[Mindscape]] |date=September 26, 1997 |platform=Windows |scene=Credits |language=English |quote=Torpedoes – Surf Sounds / Jetski – "Mantaray" (Juke Box song) – L.E.G.O. Radio tune}}</ref>
<ref name="Island credits music">{{cite video game |title=[[LEGO Island]] |developer=[[Mindscape]] |date=September 26, 1997 |platform=Windows |scene=Credits |language=English |quote=Torpedoes – Surf Sounds / Jetski – "Mantaray" (Juke Box song) – L.E.G.O. Radio tune}}</ref>
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<ref name="Pool YT Lucky">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |year=2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUznTjy7Ods&lc=Uggwv4N7Pdw8K3gCoAEC.8-U-8eJN_gL95faiBCYn76 |title=hey the inspiration was that my ex-wife had a new life and I was a poor ass guitar guy, so lucky-you meant gee I guess your all set...lucky you. |type=comment on [[Wikipedia:YouTube|YouTube]] video " The Torpedoes - Lucky You .aka. Radio Tune #2 (1997 - Original - Simulated STEREO Mix - LEGO Island)" by Henry Johnson's Sounds Of Yesterday |via=YouTube |archive-url=https://archive.today/EWgkR |archive-date=29 January 2025 |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2025}} Off-site copy of the comment available [https://web.archive.org/web/20250129021252/https://ringtailraider.neocities.org/WikiArchives/BrianPool-Lucky-YT here].</ref>
<ref name="Pool YT Lucky">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |year=2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUznTjy7Ods&lc=Uggwv4N7Pdw8K3gCoAEC.8-U-8eJN_gL95faiBCYn76 |title=hey the inspiration was that my ex-wife had a new life and I was a poor ass guitar guy, so lucky-you meant gee I guess your all set...lucky you. |type=comment on [[Wikipedia:YouTube|YouTube]] video " The Torpedoes - Lucky You .aka. Radio Tune #2 (1997 - Original - Simulated STEREO Mix - LEGO Island)" by Henry Johnson's Sounds Of Yesterday |via=YouTube |archive-url=https://archive.today/EWgkR |archive-date=29 January 2025 |url-status=live |access-date=29 January 2025}} Off-site copy of the comment available [https://web.archive.org/web/20250129021252/https://ringtailraider.neocities.org/WikiArchives/BrianPool-Lucky-YT here].</ref>
<ref name="RR001 notes">{{cite AV media notes |last1=Pool |first1=Brian |last2=Dirt |first2=Phil |date=May 3, 1996 |title=Good for the Country |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/4372914-The-Torpedoes-Good-For-The-Country |location=San Francisco |publisher=Resurgent Records |type=CD liner notes |id=RR001}}</ref>
<ref name="RR002 notes">{{cite AV media notes |last1=Pool |first1=Brian |last2=Dirt |first2=Phil |date=March 30, 1999 |title=Lucky You |url=https://www.discogs.com/release/10259778-The-Torpedoes-Lucky-You |location=San Francisco |publisher=Resurgent Records |type=CD liner notes |id=RR002}}</ref>


<ref name="RTL CD">{{cite newsgroup |url=https://groups.google.com/g/rec.toys.lego/c/4AB3qQA-HQs/m/nTNdYiKoko8J |title=cd-roms? |author=Brandon Watson |date=August 9, 1997 |newsgroup=rec.toys.lego | [email protected] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131201535/https://groups.google.com/g/rec.toys.lego/c/4AB3qQA-HQs/m/nTNdYiKoko8J |archive-date=January 31, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref name="RTL CD">{{cite newsgroup |url=https://groups.google.com/g/rec.toys.lego/c/4AB3qQA-HQs/m/nTNdYiKoko8J |title=cd-roms? |author=Brandon Watson |date=August 9, 1997 |newsgroup=rec.toys.lego | [email protected] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131201535/https://groups.google.com/g/rec.toys.lego/c/4AB3qQA-HQs/m/nTNdYiKoko8J |archive-date=January 31, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>


<ref name="Torpedoes base home">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |date=February 11, 1997 |title=The Torpedoes – Present their debut CD – Good for the Country |url=http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/ |website=The Torpedoes home page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613200142/http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/ |archive-date=June 13, 1998}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes base home">{{cite web |last=Maeder |first=Ron |date=February 11, 1997 |title=The Torpedoes – Present their debut CD – Good for the Country |url=http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/ |website=The Torpedoes home page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613200142/http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/ |archive-date=June 13, 1998}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Torpedoes base past">{{cite web |last=Maeder |first=Ron |date=May 2, 1997 |orig-date=May 3, 1996 |title=Show Dates |url=http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/torppast.html |website=The Torpedoes home page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613200303/http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/torppast.html |archive-date=June 13, 1998}}</ref>


<ref name="Torpedoes base reviews">{{cite web |date=1997 |title=The Torpedoes – Reviews |url=http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/torpreview.html |website=The Torpedoes home page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613200240/http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/torpreview.html |archive-date=June 13, 1998}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes base reviews">{{cite web |date=1997 |title=The Torpedoes – Reviews |url=http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/torpreview.html |website=The Torpedoes home page |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613200240/http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/torpreview.html |archive-date=June 13, 1998}}</ref>


<ref name="Torpedoes base tfc gif">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |date=May 3, 1996 |title=tfc72.x2.lite.gif |url=http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/Images/tfc72.x2.lite.gif |website=The Torpedoes home page |archive-format=[[Wikipedia:GIF|GIF]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19980613200230im_/http://www.surf.base.com/torpedoes/Images/tfc72.x2.lite.gif |archive-date=June 13, 1998 |at=File date (obtained via [[Wikipedia:wget|wget]])}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes dates 2001">{{cite web |last=Watson |first=Brandon |date=January 13, 2001 |title=The Torpedoes Show Dates |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/dates.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010205075400/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/dates.html |archive-date=February 5, 2001}}</ref>


<ref name="Torpedoes index1">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |date=2000 |title=The Torpedoes Gig Site - Instrumental Rock Music! |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/index1.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122193821/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/index1.html |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes index1">{{cite web |last=Watson |first=Brandon |date=June 2000 |title=The Torpedoes Gig Site - Instrumental Rock Music! |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/index1.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122193821/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/index1.html |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>
 
<ref name="Torpedoes Jason">{{cite web |last=Watson |first=Brandon |date=2000 |title=The Torpedoes Gig Site - Instrumental Rock Music! |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/index1.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000608134442/http://www.thetorpedoes.com:80/ |archive-date=June 8, 2000 |quote=It is with tremendous sadness that Brian and myself must announce to our friends, family and fans the heartbreaking loss of a beautiful boy who will never be forgotten. Jason Brown our friend, our partner lost his life this week. We will miss his spark and the love of life he brought to our hearts, lives and the band.}}</ref>


<ref name="Torpedoes news">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |date=2000 |title=Latest News |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/news.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122203815/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/news.html |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes news">{{cite web |last=Pool |first=Brian |date=2000 |title=Latest News |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/news.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122203815/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/news.html |archive-date=January 22, 2025 |access-date=January 22, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes oak">{{cite web |date=2001 |title=A pic from our show in Oakland Ca |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/oak.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129204522/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/oak.html |archive-date=January 29, 2025}}</ref>


<ref name="Torpedoes press">{{cite web |date=2000 |title=Press |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/press.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127102312/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/press.html |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |access-date=January 27, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes press">{{cite web |date=2000 |title=Press |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/press.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127102312/http://www.thetorpedoes.com/press.html |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |access-date=January 27, 2025}}</ref>
<ref name="Torpedoes schedule">{{cite web |last=Watson |first=Brandon |date=March 22, 2001 |title=The Torpedoes Live Show Schedule |url=http://www.thetorpedoes.com/schedule.html |website=The Torpedoes Official Web Site |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010412141059/http://www.thetorpedoes.com:80/schedule.html |archive-date=April 12, 2001}}</ref>


<ref name="Underhill">{{cite book |last1=Underhill |first1=Rod |last2=Gertler |first2=Nat |author-link1=Wikipedia:Rod Underhill |author-link2=Wikipedia:Nat Gertler |title=MP3: Música en Internet |trans-title=MP3: Music on the Internet |lang=es |translator-first=Ricardo |translator-last=de la Barrera Ugalde |date=2000 |location=[[Wikipedia:Naucalpan|Naucalpan de Juárez]], [[Wikipedia:State of Mexico|Mexico]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Pearson Education|Pearson Educatión]] |pages=251-252 |ISBN=968-444-462-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/mp3musicaeninter0000unde/page/251/mode/2up?view=theater}}  Translated from {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IIc-AQAAIAAJ |title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3: Music on the Internet |ISBN=0-7897-2036-1}}</ref> <!--replace this if IA ever scans an English copy-->
<ref name="Underhill">{{cite book |last1=Underhill |first1=Rod |last2=Gertler |first2=Nat |author-link1=Wikipedia:Rod Underhill |author-link2=Wikipedia:Nat Gertler |title=MP3: Música en Internet |trans-title=MP3: Music on the Internet |lang=es |translator-first=Ricardo |translator-last=de la Barrera Ugalde |date=2000 |location=[[Wikipedia:Naucalpan|Naucalpan de Juárez]], [[Wikipedia:State of Mexico|Mexico]] |publisher=[[Wikipedia:Pearson Education|Pearson Educatión]] |pages=251-252 |ISBN=968-444-462-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/mp3musicaeninter0000unde/page/251/mode/2up?view=theater}}  Translated from {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IIc-AQAAIAAJ |title=The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3: Music on the Internet |ISBN=0-7897-2036-1}}</ref> <!--replace this if IA ever scans an English copy-->

Revision as of 22:26, 3 February 2025

The Torpedoes
Three men playing guitar, drums, and bass guitar on a television studio stage. The drum kit has the band's logo on it.
The Torpedoes on KRON-TV in 1998. From left: Brian Pool, Brandon Watson, and Jason Brown.
Background information
OriginSunnyvale, California, U.S.
Genres
Years active1994–2001
LabelsResurgent Records
Past members
  • Brian Pool
  • Jason Brown
  • Brandon Watson
  • Justin Walsh
Websitethetorpedoes.com

The Torpedoes were an American instrumental rock band from the San Francisco Bay Area. The band primarily consisted of guitarist Brian "The Big B" Pool, bassist Jason Brown, and drummer Brandon Watson. This line-up recorded their two albums, Good for the Country (1996) and Lucky You (1999). They are best remembered today for their music used in LEGO Island.

History

A cartoon of a torpedo with a shark-like face flying around a ring with "The Torpedoes – High Intensity Surf" written on it
The band's logo, designed by Ferenc Dobronyi for Good for the Country

The Torpedoes were formed by guitarist Brian Pool in Sunnyvale, California in 1994.[1] Jason Brown was the band's original bassist;[2] drummer Brandon Watson joined in 1995. The group's musical influences included Dick Dale, Junior Brown, the Ventures, and AC/DC. The Torpedoes initially played at local clubs and events in the San Francisco Bay Area during the surf rock revival of the 1990s. After Watson joined, the band recorded their debut album, Good for the Country, which released the following year on May 3, 1996.[1][3] The band's first official website launched on the same day,[4] created by the album's co-producer Ron Maeder.[5][6]

Cover art for "Manta Ray" used in the jukebox in LEGO Island; the band's name is misspelled here as "Torpedos"

The Torpedoes were one of the musical groups interested in contributing music to the video game LEGO Island during its development. Mindscape initially suggested that the band contribute an original song for use in the game's beach area; other suggestions for beach music included "Catch a Wave" by the Beach Boys and Dick Dale's recordings of "Misirlou" and "Pipeline".[7] The Torpedoes created the instrumental track "Lucky You" for LEGO Island, where it was used as one of the L.E.G.O. Radio tunes.[8] Brian Pool later stated that "Lucky You" had been inspired by his ex-wife, who had a new life and was "all set" while he was a "poor ass [sic] guitar guy".[9] LEGO Island also used four tracks from their album Good for the Country: "Manta Ray", "Interplanetary", "Torpedoe", and "Tarantula".[2][10] According to Brandon Watson, music by the Torpedoes was also planned to appear in the LEGO Technic Search Sub CD-ROM.[10]

In June 1998 the band completed their Midwest Massacre tour, during which they traveled five thousand miles through cities including Iowa City, Davenport, and Clinton in Iowa, Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah.[2] In August 1998 the Torpedoes recorded their second album, Lucky You, titled after the track originally used in LEGO Island. Jason Brown left the band on January 20, 1999. Justin Walsh joined as their new bass player on January 27. The album Lucky You released on March 30, 1999. The Torpedoes were selected as the featured artist of the day on MP3.com the next day on March 31, 1999.[2] Jason Brown returned to the band on March 1, 2000. However, Brown died three months later on June 5, 2000.[2][11] The band later continued playing with new bassist Sebastian.[12][13] The Torpedoes played their final show at Longshoremen’s Hall in San Francisco on March 24, 2001.[14] [15]

Albums

Good for the Country

Good for the Country
A photograph of USS Asheville (SSN-758) on sea trials in June 1991. Above the photograph are the words "The Torpedoes" and below it "Good for the Country".
Studio album by
The Torpedoes
ReleasedMay 3, 1996 (1996-05-03)[4]
Recorded1995[3]
StudioTrain Wreck Studios[6]
Genre
Length32:23
LabelResurgent Records
ProducerBrian Pool, Ron Maeder

Good for the Country is the debut album by the Torpedoes. It was recorded in 1995 and released on May 3, 1996.[3][4] The album contains seventeen instrumental tracks; an eighteenth track, "Shorebreak", was originally planned for inclusion but was cut from the released album.[16] The album's cover art was designed by Ferenc Dobronyi from the band Pollo Del Mar.[17][5] Good for the Country features elements of skate punk and inspiration from spy film scores; the latter is most obvious in the album's only cover track, "A Man Alone" from the 1965 spy film The Ipcress File.[16] "Midnight Surfer" is dedicated to Mark Foo, a professional surfer who died in a surfing accident at Mavericks in Half Moon Bay in December 1994.[18]

Four tracks from this album were used in the 1997 video game LEGO Island: "Manta Ray", which is used as one of the six jukebox songs;[8] "Interplanetary", which plays in the main beach area; "Torpedoe", which plays while building the Jet-Ski; and "Tarantula", which plays during the Jet-Ski race.[2][10] Two other tracks from their album were sampled in music composed for the game by Michael Blakeman: "Spanish Main" in the Information Center music and "The Naked Spur" in the helicopter chase music.[19] Aside from a few pieces of stock music, the four tracks from this album were the only non-original pieces of music in the game's soundtrack.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Brian Pool, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Manta Ray" 0:57
2."The Hornet" 1:42
3."Interplanetary" 2:07
4."Spanish Main" 2:36
5."Nebula 33-7" 2:11
6."Green Light" 2:20
7."Half-Pipe" 1:10
8."The Mummy" 1:46
9."Midnight Surfer (Ode to Mark Foo)" 2:27
10."Gyro-scopic Control" 1:43
11."Theme From The Ipcress File (A Man Alone)"John Barry2:19
12."Secret Agent in Berlin" 1:39
13."The Naked Spur" 2:38
14."Stockyard-250" 1:23
15."Torpedoe" 1:51
16."Tarantula" 1:04
17."The Snake" 2:29
Total length:32:23

Lucky You

Lucky You
A grayscale photograph of a woman with a lipstick kiss and "XOXOXO" on it, and "The Torpedoes ~ Lucky You" written above it.
Studio album by
The Torpedoes
ReleasedMarch 30, 1999 (1999-03-30)
RecordedAugust 1998
StudioHouse of Faith[20]
Genre
Length29:13
LabelResurgent Records
ProducerBrian Pool

Lucky You is the second studio album by the Torpedoes. Recording was completed on August 21, 1998, and the album was released on March 30, 1999.[2] The album features thirteen tracks, including the band's only released vocal track,[21] a cover of Billy Zoom's "Bad Boy" performed by Pool.[22][23] Compared to their first album, Lucky You has more focus on arrangement and technique, and features more country rock elements. The title track is an updated arrangement of "Lucky You" from LEGO Island, featuring two guitar parts and a lead keyboard. The album also features an updated version of "Green Light" from Good for the Country. The tracks "Fishin'" and "Davenport" were originally titled "Fishin' With My Boy" and "Acoustic" respectively.[21] "Big Sky" was released online as "Big Blue", and was MP3.com's featured country song on April 12, 1999.[2]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Brian Pool, except where noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Lucky You" 1:55
2."Green Light" 2:20
3."Bad Boy"Billy Zoom2:11
4."Manhattan Skyline" 2:37
5."Batwing" 2:23
6."No Trace" 2:42
7."The Gunfighter" 1:45
8."American Heartbreak" 2:35
9."Big Sky" 2:14
10."Fishin'" 1:41
11."Lickety-Split" 1:39
12."Night of the Hot Rods" 2:56
13."Davenport" 2:16
Total length:29:13

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Underhill, Rod; Gertler, Nat (2000). MP3: Música en Internet [MP3: Music on the Internet] (in Spanish). Translated by de la Barrera Ugalde, Ricardo. Naucalpan de Juárez, Mexico: Pearson Educatión. pp. 251–252. ISBN 968-444-462-1. Translated from The Complete Idiot's Guide to MP3: Music on the Internet. ISBN 0-7897-2036-1.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Pool, Brian (2000). "Latest News". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Watson, Brandon (June 2000). "The Torpedoes Gig Site - Instrumental Rock Music!". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Maeder, Ron (May 2, 1997) [May 3, 1996]. "Show Dates". The Torpedoes home page. Archived from the original on June 13, 1998.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Maeder, Ron (February 11, 1997). "The Torpedoes – Present their debut CD – Good for the Country". The Torpedoes home page. Archived from the original on June 13, 1998.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Pool, Brian; Dirt, Phil (May 3, 1996). Good for the Country (CD liner notes). San Francisco: Resurgent Records. RR001.
  7. ↑ Mindscape (1996). "Adventures on LEGO Island Music/Voice/Talent" (Internal document).
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Mindscape (September 26, 1997). LEGO Island (Windows). Scene: Credits. Torpedoes – Surf Sounds / Jetski – "Mantaray" (Juke Box song) – L.E.G.O. Radio tune
  9. ↑ Pool, Brian (2014). "hey the inspiration was that my ex-wife had a new life and I was a poor ass guitar guy, so lucky-you meant gee I guess your all set...lucky you" (comment on YouTube video " The Torpedoes - Lucky You .aka. Radio Tune #2 (1997 - Original - Simulated STEREO Mix - LEGO Island)" by Henry Johnson's Sounds Of Yesterday). Archived from the original on 29 January 2025. Retrieved 29 January 2025 – via YouTube. Off-site copy of the comment available here.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Brandon Watson (August 9, 1997). "cd-roms?". Newsgroup: rec.toys.lego. Usenet: [email protected]. Archived from the original on January 31, 2025.
  11. ↑ Watson, Brandon (2000). "The Torpedoes Gig Site - Instrumental Rock Music!". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. Archived from the original on June 8, 2000. It is with tremendous sadness that Brian and myself must announce to our friends, family and fans the heartbreaking loss of a beautiful boy who will never be forgotten. Jason Brown our friend, our partner lost his life this week. We will miss his spark and the love of life he brought to our hearts, lives and the band.
  12. ↑ Watson, Brandon (January 13, 2001). "The Torpedoes Show Dates". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. Archived from the original on February 5, 2001.
  13. ↑ "A pic from our show in Oakland Ca". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. 2001. Archived from the original on January 29, 2025.
  14. ↑ Watson, Brandon (March 22, 2001). "The Torpedoes Live Show Schedule". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. Archived from the original on April 12, 2001.
  15. ↑ Dirt, Phil (June 3, 2002). "The Torpedoes -San Jose '95". Reverb Central. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 26, 2025. Date obtained from original URL using wget.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 Dirt, Phil (May 15, 1996). "The Torpedoes - Good For The Country". Reverb Central. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved January 26, 2025.
  17. ↑ "The Torpedoes – Reviews". The Torpedoes home page. 1997. Archived from the original on June 13, 1998.
  18. ↑ Martin, Andy (12 January 1995). "Obituaries: Mark Foo". The Independent. Independent Digital News & Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 22 June 2015.
  19. ↑ "LEGO Island soundtrack" (YouTube video description). March 5, 2017. Archived from the original on 17 December 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2025 – via YouTube. Information Center - by Michael Blakeman – samples "Spanish Main" by The Torpedoes ... Helicopter Chase - by Michael Blakeman – samples "The Naked Spur" by The Torpedoes
  20. ↑ Pool, Brian; Dirt, Phil (March 30, 1999). Lucky You (CD liner notes). San Francisco: Resurgent Records. RR002.
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 Dirt, Phil (1999). "The Torpedoes - Lucky You". Reverb Central. Archived from the original on January 29, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
  22. ↑ Billy Zoom Band (1976). "Bad Boy". Rockabilly Rules. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Press". The Torpedoes Official Web Site. 2000. Archived from the original on January 27, 2025. Retrieved January 27, 2025.

External links

Retrieved from "https://wiki.researchrealm.net/index.php?title=The_Torpedoes&oldid=6696"