The Ventures - Rock And Roll Forever (1972) LP

Having established an incredible first decade of record sales (for a guitar combo or any other act) and spurring millions to purchase guitars and try to emulate their heroes, they concluded the 60s by making albums filled with instrumental covers of contemporary chart hits as well as TV and film themes. Their lead guitar duties had been handed from Nokie Edwards to Gerry McGee and most Ventures records in the late 60s featured keyboards, horns and/or strings provided by session musicians.

All of which makes this record quite a departure. It features guest musicians prominently, notably Larry Taylor (brother of Ventures drummer Mel Taylor) and guitarist Harvey Mandel. Mandel's fluid beyond-blues lines, marked by a ringing sustain courtesy of a compressor, permeate the album along with the others' sax and organ solos.

The album's formula is mostly rollicking covers (including frequent background whooping and hollering by the players) of soulful classics like 'Last Night' and 'Raunchy' along with languid numbers like 'Sleep Walk.' Several of these songs have been covered previously by the band but these are all-new interpretations by a one-off lineup.

The album is admirable for its top-to bottom consistency, purity and energy but the similarity of tracks and in-your-face production may lead to a bit of aural fatigue.