Album Review:

'Pipeline' reached #4 on the Billboard charts in 1962. The album which ensued followed much of the same style as the single.

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Notable for being mixed 'upside-down' with the rhythm guitar, bass, and organ at the forefront, the album's unique title track became the group's only hit. 'Lonesome Road' is a fairly commendable number, while 'Tragic Wind' follows the example of their hit tune complete with the trademark opening guitar slide. A cover of 'Runaway' does the same, beginning with the distinctive glissando before launching into a stark version of the well-known tune. 'Blunderbuss' sounds a lot like Gary Usher's 'Mag Wheels' though it is unlikely the group had heard the composition at the time of recording. An adept cover of 'Banzai' is one of the record's strongest moments, while 'Sleep Walk' is a nice break from the reverb-laden double-picking on the other tracks. 'Night Theme' captures the essence of a calm midnight surf.'The Wayward Nile' is an inventive little number, and the Spanish-influenced 'El Conquistador' demonstrates some lead guitar proficiency. 'Riders in the Sky' benefits the Chantays' laid-back groove. The album closes with a solid cover of 'Last Night,'

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On Pipeline, the Chantays define their sound by covering some well-known hits of the day and presenting a few originals of their own. Not exactly essential, but interesting nonetheless.