Mr. Manatee
EVENT: The Manatees play a CD-release show on Fri June 29 at the Sit & Spin with the Fongs and the Trachtenberg Family Slideshow Players.

Why does surf music sound sinister? "It's the power of the ocean! There's something sinister yet wonderful about being propelled by six-foot or higher waves."

Does surf music still reflect the current surf culture? "Yes. I think the older stuff hit it right on the head like the Beatles did with pop. But, like anything, it has evolved. I think surfers now are more into extreme sports and I think our music has more of that vibe, versus a 'classic' sound."

How many Hawaiian shirts do you currently own? "About eight."

Who in your band owns the most Hawaiian shirts, and who has gone to the greatest lengths, financially or geographically, to acquire one? "Oh, that's easy: Phil, and they're all vintage. He has buyers from vintage stores all over call him when they get new ones in. He actually has one that was worn by 'Danno' during an undercover scene on Hawaii Five-O!"