Ventures Play The Greatest Surfin' Hits Of All Time CD

Additional personnel includes: Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (guitar); Jane Wiedlin (background vocals).

Recorded between 1981 and 2000. Includes liner notes by Jim Pewter.

Varese Sarabande has outdone itself with this marvelous package of surf instrumentals by the Ventures, containing 18 tracks that surely fit into the "space age bachelor pad" category of fun sounds with the superb playing that listeners expect from the legendary group. "Out of Limits" is short and sweet at 1:59 -- but full of vibrant '60s energy and distinctive guitar. From the "Hawaii Five-O" theme to the tension of "Lonely Surfer," this is a really superb lineup of songs, a nice companion disc to the In Search of Eddie Riff masterpiece by Roxy Music's Andy Mackay. Sure, fans of the Ventures have heard it all, but for those outside of the cult who want a great slice of work from a veteran group with an enormous catalog, this collection is it. It comes with a detailed eight-page booklet with Jim Pewter liner notes and images of bathing suits in front of the waves. What more could one ask for? Musical ramblings like "Baja" are most welcome, and as interesting as "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" and the very cool rendition of "Wipe Out." It's not the Surfaris "Wipe Out," mind you; it's more laid-back and party-sounding -- as if the band were playing in the back of a Saturday night dancehall on some obscure lake in the forest, bringing the waves and the sun to those in the dark. There's a lot of depth to this disc, which you will definitely want to explore (and try to imitate in your garage with your Fender amp) and play over and over again. ~ Joe Viglione

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Nokie Edwards.

Producers include: Don Wilson, Bob Bogle, Leon Taylor, Neil Norman, The Ventures.

Compilation producer: Cary E. Mansfield.

Engineers include: Craig Nepp, Rick Hackley, Brant Biles.

Personnel: Gerry McGee (vocals); Jeff Baxter (guitar); Mel Taylor, Leon Taylor (snare drum); Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey (background vocals).

Liner Note Author: Jim Pewter.

Recording information: Biff Vincent's Front Page Studios, Glendale, GA (1981-2000).

Arrangers: Dan Phillips; The Ventures.

The Ventures: Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, Leon Taylor, Mel Taylor, Gerry McGee,