Search - Ventures :: TV Themes & Bobby Vee Meets the Ventures

Bobby Vee On TV!

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 01/28/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It was very unusual for America's premier instrumental band to make an album with a vocalist but, back in 1963, the Ventures recorded an album with Bobby Vee. Not only were they a perfect musical match, it sounds like the Ventures had been backing Bobby Vee for years. The album kicks off with a rocked up version of the standard "Goodnight Irene," and also includes a rocked up version of "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter." The double tracked vocal on "Walk Right Back" rivals the Everly Brothers' version. Bobby gets down with his bad self on the song "Linda Lu." The Ventures turn in one of their best performances on the instrumental "Caravan." It's easy to hear why that song became their normal closing number on their tours for decades to come. Bobby's voice can't quite match the vocal range of Roy Orbison on Roy's classic song "Candy Man." The Ventures are on fire while playing the scorching instrumental "Wild Night." Bobby crooning "If I'm Right Or Wrong" closes the album out on a strong note.There's only one thing preventing me from giving this CD a five star rating. It's the fact that it's paired with the 1977 album T.V. Themes. Stylistically, they are worlds apart. The 1977 songs include synthesizers, strings and drum machines. Their choice of theme songs is also puzzling. Their disco flavored version of the "M*A*S*H" theme song is the worst track on the album, while the remake of their 1969 classic "Hawaii Five-O" and the bonus track of the "Mission: Impossible" theme song come off the best."

Polished but accessible rock vocals and instrumental

lineho@aol.com | Eau Claire Wisconsin | 11/25/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Bobby Vees clean voice with the polished sound of the ventures provides a well produced albums of rockers and ballads. Of note are Pretty Girls Everywhere, Linda Lou, and Candyman. The TV theme portion of the album is ok, but the half with Bobby Vee musically shines!!"