If there's irony in the fact that the founding fathers of surf rock the Ventures hail from quarters not exactly renowned as bastions of sun-drenched wave-riding (Portland, Oregon, and Tacoma, Washington), it only stands to reason that their inspirations weren't exactly baggy-clad and bushy-blond-coiffed, either (Les Paul, Chet Atkins, Duane Eddy). But those unlikely roots did indeed spawn a 40-year career for the band as international stars and, more important, instrumental rock's first and foremost preservationists.

This album replicates much of the Ventures' longtime tour repertoire, drawing on their own considerable hits ("Walk, Don't Run," "Perfidia," "Hawaii Five-O") as well as covers that range from Richard Rodgers ("Slaughter on 10th Ave.") to prime '60s bands like the Surfaris ("Wipe Out"), Marketts ("Out of Limits"), and Astronauts ("Baja"). All are performed with the verve and solid craftsmanship that has long characterized the band. Longtime fans should note the presence of guitarist Nokie Edwards (the band's most fabled soloist from their heyday) on most of the tracks, as well as Leon Taylor, who ably fills the drum throne of his late father, Mel. Later guitarist Gerry McGee's Nashville-influenced licks are featured on "Five-O" and "Bambora," with former Steely Dan-Doobies fretman Jeff "Skunk" Baxter also taking a solo turn on the latter. While some can't quite measure up to the originals, this collection often succeeds on the band's still-driving momentum and the obvious joy they continue to find in the material. --Jerry McCulley