Customer Reviews

The Ventures' Christmas Album

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

i ordered this from amazon and am just now giving it my second listen through ... nothing quite puts you in that xmas spirit like "walk, don't run," blending into "sleigh bells." (unless it's james brown's, "santa claus, go straight to the ghetto.")

everything that every reviewer said here is on the mark. if you're familiar with instrumental surf, this album is simply a *must*. if you're intimate with the ventures, i challenge to listen to this album and not laugh out loud at least once.

the ONLY reason i ding it a star is it clocks in at 27 minutes. say what? even in the vinyl days this would be considered a short board on the big wave of music.

so yeah, maybe the original was just that long, but hey, the publisher could've put *something* else on that space ... other ventures, other surf band xmas songs, a 2-fer with something cool, dick dale's "hava nagila," SOMEthin' ...

This is one of the few must-own Christmas discs of the rock era. The Ventures (probably the most creative of all the 1960s instrumental bands) took a handful of Xmas chestnuts and blended them with mid-1960s riffs and licks. The result, while probably dreamed up by an executive to squeeze some cash from those 60s teenyboppers, definitely stands the test of time a lot better than most subsequent Xmas albums by other artists. Why? No matter what material the Ventures recorded in the 1960s, they approached the task with fuzzed out Mosrite guitars, nimble drumming, generous reverb, and no-nonsense bare-knuckled gusto. The result is one of the few holiday CDs you might play once the holidays are over. I can't recommend this one enough. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Blue Christmas" are the standouts.

I have my original copy of the vinyl LP (my version is in mono, not stereo) and I am glad to see it has now been issued on CD (and in stereo--WOW! ). The Ventures start most every song with a riff from a popular 60's song before seguing into the Christmas tune. I didn't know this when I originally bought the album, so it came as quite a shock to hear "Walk Don't Run" segue into "Sleigh Ride". But it's all pretty cool and it brings a smile to the face of everyone I've every played my worn LP for.

I've always wanted these songs in stereo, but the stereo LP is hard to find and pricey, and you have to deal with those annoying pops and scratches. Look for this great album in stereo AND on CD with little or no surface noise looks like a good deal to me!

Way back in the year 1965 I bought the vinyl version of this album and played it every Christmas for a very long time. In 1987, when I got my first CD player (yes, boys and girls CDs have been out since about 1986!) I searched in vain for a copy of this CD. Every year at Christmas time I tried to find it and finally about two years ago got a copy. The wait was worth it. All the good stuff everyone says about this is absolutely true. I can only add that for me, it is one of the happiest Christmas albums available. It brings back wonderful memories every year!

What can I say that hasn't already been said here?
It's the Ventures, the best instrumental rock group ever.
It's from 1965, one of the best years ever for music.
It seamlessly weaves Christmas tunes with riffs from classic '60s songs.
The musicianship is extremely accomplished, as is the norm for the Ventures.
And it's all incredibly fun. The Ventures' version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" is infinitely more enjoyable than the Bruce Springsteen's, which is the "rock" version of that song that every radio station plays.
The stations need to play more of THIS! Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face and get that Christmas party hoppin' :-)

This is by far one of the most rockin Christmas CD's that I have ever heard! You can't keep still listening to this one. I must say that "Sleigh Ride" is one of my favorites. I've searched high and low looking for something that would make the Christmas as fun and happy as it's intended to be and this CD is just the stuff. Buy this one and have yourself a Rocking Christmas. You definately will be glad you did. :)

The Ventures Christmas album was originally released in 1965. It features Christmas songs played in the group's trademark instrumental style. Most of the songs start with the first few seconds of a familiar rock hit, before transforming into a Christmas song. Some examples: "Sleigh Ride" opens with "Walk, Don't Run". "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" opens with "Wooly Bully". "Jingle Bells" opens with "What'd I Say". "Jingle Bell Rock" opens with "Memphis". "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" opens with "I Feel Fine". And "Frosty the Snowman" opens with "Tequila". Frequently, riffs from the rock hit that opens the song will be repeated later in the song. The song titled "Snowflakes" is really "Greensleeves". "Scrooge" is an original tune. This is a really fun album, which will bring a smile to the faces of fans of instrumental rock. The Ventures version of "Sleigh Ride" happens to be my favorite version of that tune.

What could be cooler than this Cool Yule Classic by The Ventures? If you're like me & enjoy a variety of Christmas music & also enjoy slipping some instrumental stuff in between the traditional songs; then this album is just what you're looking for. Slip this onto the stereo while decorating your tree, wrapping gifts, baking cookies or just plain partying. You'll be the envy of any friends and/or relatives that aren't fortunate enough to own this cd. Very highly recommended.

This is the classic Ventures Xmas album recorded in 1965 on their orignial label Dolton Records. Classic Ventures line up Mel Taylor, drums, Bob Bogle bass, Don Wilson rythmn guitar & the great Nokie Edwards lead guitar. However the Razor & Tie label issue of this CD shows the original Ventures drummer Dewey Johnson, who was NOT on this record & left due to an auto accident early in the groups career.

Its 43 years later, inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March 2008, the Ventures have been an active touring band for 50 years. While both in their 70's Don Wilson & Nokie Edwards still tour. Both still play at a high professional level.We saw them live in April 2008 @ Epcot/Disneyworld & they were nothing short of terrific!!!

I listened to this album as a child with my parents.
It was on a scratched up, well used record.
It brings back memories of Christmas past.
I love this album!!!