The Ventures were never really a 'surfing band,' though they're often logged  as one of the biggest bona fide instrumental groups of the first wave. Certainly, their distinct twangy sound had much influence on the California groups of the time; however, the band predated the genre by at least four years, making them one of the many pre-existing groups that jumped on the bandwagon during the brief period between 1963-64. On this, their first (and only) album officially dedicated to the sport, the Ventures try their hand, or um...pick at the wildly popular genre.

 

An excellent version of the Chantays' 'Pipeline' opens up the record, played expertly by the group, while 'Diamonds' features some choral oohs underneath some low twang. 'Windy and Warm' ahem...ventures (pun intended) away from the surfing sound and closer to the band's usual territory. Similarly, 'Ten Over' doesn't allow much room for the waves and follows suit in the group's familiar dance style. A cover of the Lively One's 'Surf Rider' fares better, though ultimately pales in comparison to the original. 'Changing Tides' opens up with some wave effects and could be one of the best 'surf' songs on the album. 'The Ninth Wave' merely treads water, and 'Party In Laguna' has the band stretching the material pretty thin. Some early fuzz effects set 'Barefoot Adventure' apart from its formulaic neighbors, while 'Heavies' sounds like it could belong to almost any other early Ventures album. 'The Cruncher' is almost entirely a drum solo. 'The 'Lonely Sea' (not the Beach Boys' song) is a Spanish-tinged march complete with background "oohs." 

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While the Ventures band was comprised of very talented musicians, their sound is noticeably removed from the energetic, less-polished bands of the time. Not surprisingly, the sounds on Surfing could very well have been lifted from any Ventures album; the only thing that makes them distinctly surf-related is the surfing-themed track titles. For completists or Ventures fans, Surfing will not disappoint, though for those who are looking for unadulterated surf music might be wise to pass this one by.....