Countless songs have been written about the adventures of America's warriors in the battles we have fought in our young history ? all the way up to Desert Storm. Now, from Dos Gringos, comes warrior tales set to music abou... more »t Operation Iraqi Freedom, also known as "Gulf War II." The credibility of "Live at the Sand Trap" is topline; it was written, produced, and recorded by Chris "Snooze" Kurek and Rob "Trip" Raymond, two U. S. Air Force F-16 Viper jet fighter pilots who braved Saddam Hussein's antiaircraft artillery and missile fire in the war torn Iraqi skies. Snooze and Trip pull no punches. The tales use the warrior's vernacular; preview it before playing it at the next family reunion. Not only is there the hard reality of dodging enemy fire on real air combat missions, the sacred right of every fighter pilot to stretch the imagination is also present. "World War III" is a case in point. The hazards of a career as a jet fighter pilot go well beyond the probability of being shot down or captured by the enemy. New in today's Air Force is the killing possibility of a hot rock jock being condemned to fly a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) while sitting in a booth ? no stick, no rudder, no throttles, no gun or bomb switches at the fingertips. Just a video game control panel. They all, everyone, hate RPVs ? listen to "Predator Eulogy" and you'll understand. Dropping JDAMs from the ionosphere offers nowhere near the challenge faced by their dirt-grubbing predecessors of the Vietnam era ? "JDAM Blues" draws the contrast. If you want to know what it was like in Iraq for the All-American fighter pilot, hang an ear on "Live at the Sand Trap."« less
Countless songs have been written about the adventures of America's warriors in the battles we have fought in our young history ? all the way up to Desert Storm. Now, from Dos Gringos, comes warrior tales set to music about Operation Iraqi Freedom, also known as "Gulf War II." The credibility of "Live at the Sand Trap" is topline; it was written, produced, and recorded by Chris "Snooze" Kurek and Rob "Trip" Raymond, two U. S. Air Force F-16 Viper jet fighter pilots who braved Saddam Hussein's antiaircraft artillery and missile fire in the war torn Iraqi skies. Snooze and Trip pull no punches. The tales use the warrior's vernacular; preview it before playing it at the next family reunion. Not only is there the hard reality of dodging enemy fire on real air combat missions, the sacred right of every fighter pilot to stretch the imagination is also present. "World War III" is a case in point. The hazards of a career as a jet fighter pilot go well beyond the probability of being shot down or captured by the enemy. New in today's Air Force is the killing possibility of a hot rock jock being condemned to fly a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) while sitting in a booth ? no stick, no rudder, no throttles, no gun or bomb switches at the fingertips. Just a video game control panel. They all, everyone, hate RPVs ? listen to "Predator Eulogy" and you'll understand. Dropping JDAMs from the ionosphere offers nowhere near the challenge faced by their dirt-grubbing predecessors of the Vietnam era ? "JDAM Blues" draws the contrast. If you want to know what it was like in Iraq for the All-American fighter pilot, hang an ear on "Live at the Sand Trap."
CD Reviews
Are YOU a Pilot?
05/02/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a pilot, buy the CD. If you're in the military, buy the CD. If you're a military pilot, you have no excuse for not having bought the CD already. If you're a civillian that gets all his knowledge of the Air Force from CNN, avoid this CD at all costs."
Giving voice to haunting tunes
Frank "Lips" Ballinger | Washnigton, D.C. | 02/06/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a small segment of society that has enjoyed or is enjoying the priviledge of flying American fighters all over the world with the finest bunch of people ever assembled. From the young airman to the old crusty general, anyone associated with a fighter unit always identifies part of their persona as part of the fighter world. Dos Gringos, Live in the Sand Trap, brings backa flood of memories of being in some of the most god awful places in the world flying dangerous and too often fatal missions only to return to the "club" with the squadron to sing, drink, and generally take a mental break. Every song brings back often painful, vivid memories of being the new guy, the victim, the victor, and, unfortunately, the pall bearer. But listen carefully to the utter joy and excitement every fighter pilot enjoys when talking about their profession of arms. Forget the "Top Gun" sound track. This is the real deal. If you don't quite understand everything, grab a fighter pilot yooung or olkd to translate. I guarantee it will be an education you won't forget and an opportunity to really understand the cultural landmark this CD represents."
Singing Fighter Pilots? What will they think of next?
R. Page | ROK | 10/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First heard this at a party down at DM. Should be manditory for any "beer hangar" in the US military. You don't have to be a pilot to enjoy, although to get the real feel, you may want to have one around to translate some of the songs. Perhaps Snooze and Trip could put a little info in the CD cover that explains what each song is about and why it's so friggen funny. Great CD guys!
-Sting"
Outsanding
Pat Hann | Ar | 09/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Don't even have to be a Fighter Driver to love this CD. Even Flying Heavy's you'll love this CD."
Classic
BANG! | Mechanicsville, VA United States | 02/14/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is a classic - a must have for guys who have worn a flight suit. Even the great men who work on the jets would be entertained. If you've sung the songs in the club or on a sweep(you know the ones) - these are great additions to the traditional songs we all know and love in the fighter community. If you haven't flown but want a greater understanding of life in the fighter community and the challenge it presents - buy this CD! Hounds Baby Hounds!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1