By 1966, the sounds of rock & roll had begun to splinter as well as evolve, and
the Ventures, always seeking to keep ahead of the curve, jumped on the most accessible side of the music scene. With their expected mix of raw power and virtuoso technique, the quartet crunch their way through "Lies," "Action," "Hang On Sloopy," and "She's Just My Style," along with a bunch of catchy originals and a few surprises, such as a wholly danceable version of the commercial jingle "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)." The result was a very good party album in its time, and remains a pretty fair guitar showcase today. ~ Bruce Eder