Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Ventures - Where The Action Is
 | I know Ventures fans are gonna hate me saying this, but with only one redeeming track on this album, this just doesn't make the grade. |
Picks: Action, Lies, Fever, Stop Action, 3's A Crowd, A Taste Of Honey, No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In), Action Plus, Hang On Sloopy (My Girl Sloopy), Nutty, Little Bit Of Action, She's Just My Style
Track by Track Review
Action Rock (Instrumental)
Freddie Cannon's "Action" is done in a somewhat chunky vein, with the go-go guitar sound (slight distortion) and hand clap rhythm.
Rock (Instrumental)
The Knickerbockers' "Lies" is presented with some spunk and less edge. It's melodic enough to make the instro conversion cut.
Fever
Rock (Instrumental)
The Ventures miss the point on this cover of Peggy Lee's fifties hit. They not only don't capture the original smoldering embers, they also don't hold up to the McCoys' arrangement, which this is based on.
Stop Action Rock (Instrumental)
Exotic spy bongos and a minimal riff.... guitar and organ.
3's A Crowd
Rock (Instrumental)
Cheesy organ riff rock. As a break song, this might work, but alone, it doesn't stand up to the memory test or repeated listenings.
MOR Rock (Instrumental)
Too MOR movie theme for me... It's fun, alright, but I don't really get this sort of thing.
No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In) Rock (Instrumental)
The T-Bones hit with this tune from an antacid commercial... this is less interesting.
Action Plus Rock (Instrumental)
Big rock candy in go-go boots, mindless progression and no point. This seems like an odd choice for a "best of" compilation.
Hang On Sloopy (My Girl Sloopy)
Rock (Instrumental)
This is the McCoys' arrangement, with the edge and rawness removed. Next.
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a dry guitar translation of B. Bumble and the Stingers' "Nut Rocker." It works pretty well, with spunk and charm, and an infectious rhythm.
Little Bit Of Action
Rock (Instrumental)
Rolling drums open, then the wimpy organ takes the lead for a sideshow sound. "Little Bit Of Action" doesn't pass the memory test.
She's Just My Style Rock (Instrumental)
"She's Just My Style" is a nice translation of this song. Interesting drums and fluid lead guitar.