The Ventures - 1999 "TV Theme Songs"

The Ventures are an American instrumental rock band formed in 1958 in Tacoma, Washington. Founded by Don Wilson and Bob Bogle, the group in its various incarnations has had an enduring impact on the development of music worldwide. With over 100 million records sold, the group is the best-selling instrumental band of all time. In 2008, the Ventures were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Their instrumental virtuosity, experimentation with guitar effects, and unique sound laid the groundwork for innumerable groups, earning them the moniker "The Band that Launched a Thousand Bands". While their popularity in the United States waned in the 1970s, the group remains revered in Japan, where they tour regularly to this day.

The Ventures recorded a lot of instrumental versions of TV themes in the 1960s and 1970s, whether it was actually used as the theme (as with their hit "Hawaii Five-O") or, as was usually the case, was just a cover...About half of the CD dates from 1976, and has discofied renditions of themes to the likes of Baretta's Theme and Mission Impossible. More in keeping with the classic lean Ventures sound are the 1960s cuts which include versions of "Star Trek," "S.W.A.T.," "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly," and (maybe best of all) "Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)"..It's mostly fan club members, for either the Ventures or the TV shows in question, who should feel compelled to investigate.

There have been relatively few personnel changes since the group’s inception.  Original drummer Howie Johnson broke his neck in a 1961 car accident and was unable to handle extensive touring.  Mel Taylor replaced him in 1962. This cemented the classic Ventures lineup of Don Wilson, Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards and Mel Taylor.  In 1968 Edwards left to go solo and was replaced on lead guitar by Gerry McGee.  Edwards returned to the fold in 1972 and remained until late 1984.  Once again, he was replaced by McGee, who remains with the group and continues to tour with them in Japan.  Bob Bogle retired from touring in December 2004 and was replaced by Bob Spalding.

Today’s lineup comprises Don Wilson, Bob Spalding (who first appeared live with the group in 1981), Gerry McGee, and Leon Taylor (who replaced his late father Mel in 1996).  Nokie Edwards still joins them on selected dates. 

Track listing:

01 - Hawaii Five-O
02 - Star Trek
03 - Nabia's Theme (The Young and the Restless)
04 - Baretta's Theme
05 - S.W.A.T.
06 - No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)
07 - Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001)
08 - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
09 - M.A.S.H.
10 - Mission Impossible