Ghost Ship (album)

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Ghost Ship
Ghost Ship cover
Studio album by Sultans
Released November 14, 2000
Recorded 2000
Genre Rock & Roll
Length 21:13
Label Swami Records, Sympathy for the Record Industry
Producer John Reis
Professional reviews
Sultans chronology
Sultans
(2000)		 Ghost Ship
(2000)		 Shipwrecked
(2004)

Ghost Ship is the first album by the San Diego, California rock and roll band Sultans, released in 2000 by Swami Records. Both the band and the album began as a "side project" for John Reis during time off from his main band Rocket from the Crypt (this was also the time at which Reis formed Hot Snakes). During this time Reis collaborated with drummer Tony Di Prima, bringing in Rocket From the Crypt guitarist Andy Stamets while Reis himelf took up the bass guitar (he is normally known as a guitarist). The band chose the name Sultans for the project and recorded an introductory EP and Ghost Ship, both of which were released that year on Reis' newly formed Swami label. As Reis has a tradition of using different stage names or pseudonyms in his various projects, he chose to be known as "Slasher" in the Sultans, while Stamets chose the moniker "Black Flame."

According to the album's liner notes, Ghost Ship was recorded using pre-used tape and mastered onto a pre-used DAT, with all songs recorded in three takes or less and all seven channels tracked directly to tape in a live manner. The notes state that no money was spent on the recording equipment or process. It should be noted, however, that Reis has a propensity for exaggeration and fabrication when describing his musical endeavors, often "dressing up" the truth in favor of telling an interesting story. That said, it is well-known that the Sultans preferred a much more stripped-down, raw and direct approach to recording and playing than most of Reis' other projects, opting for minimal effects, studio tweaking or mixing adjustments.

Touring in support of Ghost Ship was limited due to the members' commitments to their other bands. They were able to play several shows in the San Diego area. Reis also toured sporadically with Hot Snakes at this time before he and Stamets resumed working full-time with Rocket From the Crypt. Later tours in support of their second album Shipwrecked would be more extensive.

[edit] Track listing

  1. "Just a Fool (That's Down)"
  2. "Hold You Down"
  3. "Heartbreaker"
  4. "Shakedown"
  5. "Put Up a Fight"
  6. "Trust No One"
  7. "It's Over"
  8. "My Sights Are Low"
  9. "Chances Are"
  10. "(This Ain't No) Solid State"
  11. "Your Mouth is Open and Your Eyes Are Shut"
  12. "The Year of Regret"
  13. "All City Warning"

[edit] Performers

  • Slasher (John Reis) - bass, lead vocals
  • Black Flame (Andy Stamets) - guitar, backing vocals
  • Tony Di Prima - drums, backing vocals
  • Dean Reis - backing vocals

[edit] Album information

  • Record label:Swami Records
  • Recorded at Drag Racist Recorders in San Diego
  • Produced by John Reis
  • Mastered by Rafter
  • All songs published by Mr. Buttermaker Painting
  • Artwork by Van