For Ventures fanatics only!
T.J. | USA | 06/10/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is an odd collection of Ventures tracks from the early 60s. In case you don't know, extended-play singles (EPs) were basically 7-inch, 45 rpm singles but with 4 songs instead of two. They often included a hit song of the very recent past and the rest would be filled with select songs off of the group's latest album. EPs were never really important to record-buyers in the US as in Britain and after the mid-60s the format basically disappeared. To a huge Ventures fan like myself, I was pleased that this collection of songs appeared like this. (The Beatles have a similar collection with all of their EP songs). Most of these songs are rather obscure - this is far from a greatest hits collection! Some of the songs are better than others. And the material varies too, showing you how The Ventures explored many different styles, from country (Ram-Bunk-Shush) to sci-fi (Telstar) to TV theme songs (Secret Agent Man, Man From U.N.C.L.E.). These guys are simply the masters of instrumental rock! The CD quality and packaging are very good - be sure to check out See For Miles Records' 2 LPs on 1 CD collections of other Ventures albmus available on amazon.com too! Also, if you're new to the Ventures or you just want the really well-known stuff, check out a greatest hits collection. If you're a completist and a Ventures fanatic, this is a good way to complete your collection. Enjoy."