We are currently under (re)construction, and all pages are undergoing reorganization. If you find any bad links or unclear "jumps" please write and let me know...As of October 3rd, there is a new section featuring Underground Fire members' past band photos. Thank you for your confusion!
The Underground Fire membership submitted their favorite Ventures albums and songs for tabulation. On the basis of this poll, I submit these lists as a starting point for anyone who finds they have been in the dark about the greatest instrumental rock band in history. You cannot go wrong in acquiring any of these pieces of music.
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#1 - THE VENTURES KNOCK ME OUT! |
Released 2/65, this is a very popular album. It perfects the "Fuzzrite" sound established on WDR, Vol.2. Contains "Slaughter On 10th Avenue" and an excellent version of "When You Walk In The Room." Available on CD: One Way 18930 & See For Miles C5HCD630. |
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#2 - (the) VENTURES IN SPACE |
Released 1/64, "In Space" was at least 20 years ahead of its time in guitar-sound innovation and concept. All "sound effects" were made with The Ventures' instruments. The best-mastered version is available on CD: EMI 802392, paired with our #9 ranking album, Telstar/The Lonely Bull. Incredible Sounds! |
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#3 - THE FABULOUS VENTURES |
Released 7/64, "Fabulous" is just that, so full of unique covers and original songs that it bears repeated listenings over a period of 30+ years! Contains "Journey To The Stars", "The Cruel Sea", and "Tall Cool One." Available on CD: One Way 18923. |
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#4 - SUPER PSYCHEDELICS |
This album's ranking surprised most everyone on Underground Fire, since it raised quite a controversial discussion over its worth. Evidently, those of us who like it prevailed, because it ranked in the top 5! Contains some atmospheric originals and one of the best covers of "Strawberry Fields Forever." Original release: 6/67. Available on CD: One Way 18929 & See For Miles C5HCD627. |
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#5 - LET'S GO! |
"Let's Go" is one of the very few Ventures' albums with no original material. A few songs are redeemed only by some incredible guitar solos, but the strengths of the other songs, such as "Runaway" and "Memphis", make this an enjoyable listening experience. Original release: 9/63. Available on CD: One Way 18927 & See For Miles C5HCD657. |
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(TIED) #6 - WILD AGAIN! |
What an album! The Ventures' first stateside release of new material in over 15 years set the musical world on its ears. What power! What superb playing! There's a musical maturity here that very few rock 'n roll bands can ever hope to attain. Run out to your local Wal-Mart & buy it! Available on GNP Crescendo CD GNPPD2252. |
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(TIED) #6 - WALK DON'T RUN |
It's interesting that the first Ventures release tied for the same position with the latest...It's a unique album which only slightly hints at what's to come in the next almost-40 years. Available on One Way 18932 & See For Miles C5HCD618. Released originally 12/60. |
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#7 - WHERE THE ACTION IS! |
2/66 saw the release of a Ventures album which took some popular "bubblegum" songs and put a little harder edge on them. For the most part, it's a very powerful album. The Ventures originals are quite catchy, and found their way into commercials for many years. Available on One Way 18930 & See For Miles C5HCD622. |
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(TIED) #8 - WALK DON'T RUN VOL. 2 |
Walk Don't Run, Vol. 2 contains the single which put the Ventures into pop music history: They are the only group to have 2 gold records of two versions of the same song: Walk Don't Run & Walk Don't Run '64. Available on One Way 18932 & See For Miles C5HCD630. Released originally 10/64. |
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(TIED) #8 - SURFING |
The definitive instrumental "surfing sound" album by which all others should be compared. It's very special to me because it was the first Ventures album I heard, when it was only 1 month out of release. It's still my favorite. Available on One Way 18928 & See For Miles C5HCD658. Originally released 5/63. |
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#9 - THE VENTURES PLAY TELSTAR/THE LONELY BULL |
One of the best "cover" records of all time. With this album, The Ventures proved they could play any genre of music with equal aplomb. They weren't afraid to add instrumentation by other musicians, and therefore proved that the music was what it was really about. Available on EMI 802392. Original release: 1/63. |
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#10 - FLIGHTS OF FANTASY |
A very atmospheric album, with more shades of psychedelia than its predecessor, Super Psychedelics. The "trippin' 60's" are well represented by this album. Released 5/68. Now available on One Way 18926 & See for Miles C5HCD644. |
Many of the opinions expressed here are mine, unless you disagree, in which case they aren't yours!
"Turn the page" for the ULTIMATE VENTURES ALBUM! and Del Halterman's list of Ventures songs with duplicate names »»»
Thanks to my fellow Underground Fire members for their participation. Thanks to Kirk Schutte, Webmaster extraordinaire for The Ventures.com for his Underground Fire art. Thanks to Michael Salmons for the album art.
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