Stars on Guitars is a collection of the Ventures performing virtually every popular surf guitar instrumental that has ever been released, along with several other rock instrumentals. The group sounds quite good as they plow through these songs, saving the first disc for the covers while the second disc is made up of music from two of their previous live releases. They go all over the map here, covering everyone from the Rolling Stones to Dick Dale with their typical moody guitar and bizarre arrangements. The reliance on keyboards does hurt the record on the first disc, but they overcome that problem with their sheer weirdness. Their covers of '80s superhits "Axel F" and "St. Elmo's Fire" need to be heard to be believed. Although they may no longer be the surf rock giants they once were, the Ventures can still contribute very unique and unusual music that tends to float closer to the Residents than any other recognizable reference point. ~ Bradley Torreano, AMG
Disc 1: Misirlou Penetration Oh Pretty Woman Comin Home Baby Cruisin Machine Stand By Me Have You Ever Seen The Rain Hey Paula Sue Harding - Dot Matrix Lipstick On Your Collar Its My Party Unchained Melody Maria Elena Johnny Angel Save The Last Dance For Me Rhythm Of The Rain Gold Finger Chariots Of Fire St. Elmos Fire Axel F/Miami Vice Theme
Disc 2: Walk Dont Run / Perfidia / Lullaby Of The Leaves Apache Furi Furi 65 Diamond Head Wipe Out House Of The Rising Sun Slaughter On 10th Avenue Pipeline Cruel Sea, The Hollywood Punk Telstar Secret Agent Man Kyoto Doll Paint In Black Walk Dont Run 64 Perfidia / Bumble Bee / Besame Mucho / Rap City / Letter Comin Home Baby / Journey To The Stars ... Hawaii Five O Caravan