8-20-11 - "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" ~ The Ventures

If I had to describe The Ventures in one word, it might be 'slick'.  Their virtuosity with their guitars is legendary in the music world, as they were pioneers in exploring new sounds which could be made on the instrument.  Their efforts in the late '50s and early '60s paved the way for a plethora of other artists, thus earning them the moniker "The Band That Launched A Thousand Bands."  The drummer is pretty smooth, too.  They are possibly the most famous instrumental rock band of all time, and their catalog is well worth exploring.


My dad grew up learning to play guitar via songs by The Ventures and Simon & Garfunkel, which might partially explain my love for both groups.  If you want to learn guitar or improve your existing skills, figuring out some of these songs is not a bad way to pick up some new things and work on dexterity...


This one, despite the threatening title, sounds joyful to my ears, with a soaring guitar lick and a chugging riff to bring it back down, all layered over a driving drum beat and hyperactive bass line.  The segue into the muted bridge is spectacular, and then it builds right back up for the close... 

It's actually based off the score of a ballet by the same name... but this version is a lot faster paced and more fun!