Customer Reviews

The Ventures Play The Batman Theme/TV Themes [2 On 1]

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

 

 

I'll tell you why. the first CD, "Batman" is GREAT. Recorded in 1966, it captures the Ventures at the height of their creativity. It has all spy-themed songs, on it, including quite a few originals that fit into the whole "BATMAN" genre (SOCKO, THE JOKER, ETC.). BUT the second CD, which is called TV Themes, cannot even truly be called a Ventures CD. It was recorded in 1977 (!), and doesn't even feature Nokie Edwards on guitar!. This CD is the lamest Ventures album ever made (I kid you not, I NEVER thought they could make a BAD album, but this one is it). If the BATMAN CD was issued by itself, or with another good Ventures album ,then it would get four or five stars, but the second half of this CD is unlistenable (do you really want to hear the thme from Starsky and Hutch?)

These two albums by The Ventures were paired together because they both have a "television theme song" theme. "Batman" is from 1966 and "TV Themes" is from 1977. "Batman" features five superhero or spy related themes, plus seven original compositions. It's solid work, and it's pretty much a typical Ventures album. "TV Themes" features 12 televison theme songs. This one has more of a "70s" feel to it, partly on account of the guest guitar work of John Hunt, who plays with a rasping fuzz sound. The Ventures hit "Hawaii Five-0" is resurrected here, but it's the same recording they originally released eight years earlier. The album on the whole is pretty fun. Recommended to Ventures fans.

SFM apparently didn't listen to the stereo master tape they used for the "Batman" album issued as part of this twofer. Halfway through "00-711" there are high frequency drop-outs that continue through the rest of the album. The better version of this CD is the One Way label release. It has the "Batman" album from an excellent mono master. Go With Ventures / Batman Theme

I'd prefer to hear the album in stereo but not if it is from a damaged master tape such as SFM has released.