Live In Japan '65 [Import, Live]

The Ventures | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 30, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import, Live
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000002TX2
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #52,128 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #15 in Music > Rock > Rock Guitarists > Surf Guitar
  • #81 in Music > Rock > Oldies & Retro > Surf Rock

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Recorded at the peak of the band's '60s popularity, this album is a collection of previously unreleased live tracks from Japan, where the Ventures have been stars for nearly 40 years; instrumental rock transcends every language barrier. The 29 songs collected here represent a virtual live greatest-hits package, cut on ancient, Buddy Holly-vintage three-track tape machines, including: "Caravan," "Pipeline," "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" and "Journey to the Stars." A cover of the Searchers' version of Jackie DeShannon's "When You Walk in the Room" is a generous tip of the hat to the British invasion groups who all but buried surf music in the mid-'60s. Fun, lo-fi and best of all--live Ventures! --Dave Provost

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic!, December 21, 1999

By 

Rick "hunternc" (NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live In Japan '65 (Audio CD)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ULTIMATE instrumental rock record, August 20, 2002

By 

Joe Emery "Joe Emery" (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Live In Japan '65 (Audio CD)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Ventures Knock Out Japan!, August 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Live In Japan '65 (Audio CD)

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. I'm so 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 importance of the Ventures. They have inspired so many musicans to learn guitar and this CD has 29 great reasons why.

The sound is punchy and super clean with plenty of stereo separation between the instruments (good for learning parts). About the only thing I didn't like is the intrusive Japanese announcements between each song. I wind up fast forwarding to get to the next song, and I wish they were edited out for us english speaking fans. But they were part of this historical performance.

Any fan of instrumental rock (including those uptight UK Shadows fans - Hank & Bruce 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. Many tracks surpass the studio versions. The group sounds 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!