The Ventures - Horse/New Testament

Two Ventures albums that cover their transitional period of the late '60s and early '70s very effectively on one CD. Guitar enthusiasts will love this CD enough to rate it one level higher, and while the group adds little to any of the material covered ("What Is Life," "Whole Lotta Love," "Wild World," "Jumpin' Jack Flash"), the originals are entertaining and some of the odder choices, like "Here Comes the Judge," are funny enough to enjoy on those terms; the live version of "Walk Don't Run"/"Land of 1000 Dances" is of historical interest. The One Way reissue features very good sound and has three superb bonus cuts -- "The Chase," "Wild Action," and "Rebel Rouser" -- the latter embellished with some entertaining guitar flourishes. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide