Customer Reviews

Ventures in Japan V.1 & V.2

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
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This album is loud, it rocks, and is very enjoyable to listen to. Every song is good. This album is a great live Rock preformance. If you buy it, you'll be satisfied. Even if your not a regular Ventures fan.

I almost didnt buy this cd - I already had most of the Dolton/Liberty studio albums on CD/Vinyl and also the live "Ventures On Stage" album from 1965-6. Glad I picked it up because this is one of the best recorded live performances of the 1960's and a true testiment to the greatness and imporance of the Ventures. They inspired many musicans to learn guitar in the 1960's and this CD has 29 great reasons why.

The sound is punchy and super clean with lots of separation between the instruments (good for learning parts). About the only thing I dont like is the intrusive Japanese announcements between each song, I wind up fast scanning to get to the next song and I wish they were edited out for us english speaking fans, but they were part of the historical performance.

Any fan of instrumental rock (including those uptight UK Shadows fans - they couldnt rock this hard if they tried!) who thinks the Ventures wern't a great band in the early-mid 60's should pick this CD up because the group's performance is the hottest I have ever heard them! They sound like they were having a good time playing for the Japanese fans. No wonder why they have stayed loyal to the group for over 40 years!

This is as great as instrumental rock & roll gets. Much tougher (driving!) than their studio records, this features one of the greatest rock & roll bands of all time at their very best. Far and away the greatest drumming on any live rock & roll record ever made, Mel Taylor's ferocious, driving beat propels even the "slower" songs to the musical equivalent of a one-two punch to the gut. Additionally Nokie Edwards' lead guitar playing is nothing short of spectacular (Note: this isn't a surf record -- the sound is dry and even a little crunchy even on the surf numbers thanks to the Mosrite guitars -- GREAT guitar tone). The set starts out with unbelievable energy and actually picks up so much steam, by the set closer "Bumblebee Twist" 29 songs later they're truly on another plane. If the band's studio records are a little tame for your taste you'd do well to check this out -- one of the greatest and toughest live records you'll ever hear.

I've been a Ventures fan for over 30 years but I only got this CD just recently. This is a totally awesome representation of the live Ventures and one thing that makes it so extraordinary is the sound quality, when taking into consideration the age of this recording. The only thing lacking sonically is the low end is a little weak, but otherwise it's a great-sounding CD. The musical performances sound even better than the studio versions of these songs- they really come to life on the stage. One particular favorite, for me, is "House of the Rising Sun". There's even an impressive drum solo on the final track, something of a rarity in 1965. One minor irritant about this show, however, is that the announcer of the concert introduces about 60% of the material, coming in between most of the performances. Otherwise, this is a jam-up performance from start to finish. Highly recommended if you're into early 60's instrumental surf rock.

"Live in Japan 65" is most likely the best introduction a newcomer will ever get to The Ventures. The Ventures were at thier best on this recording (Which has excellent sound quality). Nokie Edwards (Lead Guitar)is incredable on this CD. His guitar was setting the stage for late 70's punk tones during songs like "When you Walk in The Room". In "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" Nokie evokes a saxaphone tone. The "Driving" rhythm section is astonishing too! This CD is a must have for any Ventures fan(or anybody who likes to tap thier toes).

This CD contains virtually all of the Ventures' best tunes, played flawlessly. The sound is excellent and with 29 selections, this is a great value.

If you want to know what made the Ventures popular, get this CD. I received it for Christmas 1998, and now I need to borrow it from my kids. Pay special attention to "Driving Guitars", "Caravan", and especially "WIPE OUT."

I was totally blown away by the sound quality, and the way that the CD didn't have to skip go to the next track, if you let it run, it's just like a real concert. I would highly recommend this to any one who likes the Ventures, or just heard them on the radio, and liked what they heard. All around, a wonderful CD, and a purchase worth making.

This is exceptional recording of the legendary band in their prime. A must have for surf music enthusiasts.