Nelson “Salty” Miller's debut solo album had 12 tracks that the world had to hear, hence, 'Album #1'.
Not the most promising of titles or indeed album artwork, which is further compelled that's its released on a the Beach Music Records Of The Carolinas label in 1980 by the leader/founder of The Monzas, a Beach Music band from the 1960s coming outta the University of North Carolina!
But this is a back story to one of the must holy grails of leftfied Beach Rock that's forgot to buy a yacht: even Madlib, DJ Shadow, Mr Scruff or even a more ardent crate digger would give this one a wide bearth - "Salty Miller"!
So what is 'Beach Music'? Well, this version is yacht, mixed with R&B pop-disco MOR on 70 miles of golden sand coastline where 'Music Makes Me High'. Like a cheezy Little Feat mixed with Sutherland Bros. & Quiver on the East Coast thinking about a Floridian Balaerics.
Typically radio play length, the tracks are about girls/love/happiness/drinks and the like - it's horny rock for the sunshine radio gang. 'The Fox', 'She My Girl' are typical and hits the beach bar playlist.
Apparently, there was a beach music dance, 'The Shag'! Careful if you're going search engine that one but Myrtle Beach seems like a hot spot for this kinda thing and there seems to be some simularities with the Belgium Popcorn scene in that 60s originals, a slowish groove and a dance with no particular dance code.
Are the Flying Mojito Bros the country end of Beach? I could see them playing 'Drink'n Wine & Feel'n Fine', 'You're So Tough' (with very squeeky keyboard does it sound like a squeeze box), 'Happy Is The Word' and the rockin', 'Reach Out And Make Somebody Happy' with it's nod to the 80s with a jazz-funk bassline.
Even with the benefit of 'modern' technology, 'The Good Time Song' (featuring added bar room sound EFX), 'One More Time' (with seagulls sound EFX) it's hard to believe this wan't picked up by a major label for a release, there must have been a Radio WFMBM for 'Lik'n Leads To Lovin' and 'Jenny Sue' but perhaps 'Music Make Me High' was too short; I definitely prefer the longer Miles Away edit that's now available for advanced shag dancin' routines.
PS. well played for sticking with the original artwork.
Artist: Salty Miller
Title:Album #1
Release date: 2nd May, 2025
Label: Miles Away Records
Cat. No: -
Format: LP Vinyl / digital / Bandcamp
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