(May 2026) Episode 721 is THE VENTURES. Their place in music history was secured by practically inventing the rock instrumental and, not long after, pioneering the fuzz guitar sound. Not from California, they aren’t technically associated with “surf guitar,” but they highly influenced it. “Walk Don’t Run” is their most famous song, although in the genre I refer “Pipeline” and “Wipeout” for which you can be excused for thinking were by The Ventures. They’ve also been around for a zillion years – recording as recently as 2023 – with dozens of albums, and a big fan base in Japan. Lots of guitar instrumental covers of popular songs, which is respectful and not terrible, but also not a very interesting experience in itself.
Favorite album: Walk Don’t Run
Favorite song: Another Smash!
Compared to expectations: same
Recommendation: 1990’s collection: Walk Don’t Run: The Best of the Ventures
Opus Project 