Various Artists - Rock Instrumental Classics, Vol. 2: The Sixties (CD)

All Music Guide

The second release in Rhino's rock instrumentals series moves into the 1960s, again presenting a wide array of material. There's jazz-tinged fare by pianist Ray Bryant, roadhouse blues/boogie from Lonnie Mack, the Ventures' signature surf tune "Walk Don't Run," and another Duane Eddy floor-shaker, "Because They're Young." This collection also shows that the novelty and silly tunes weren't quite as inspired in the 1960s; neither the Fireballs' "Bulldog" or the T-Bones' "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)" will ever make anyone forget the Coasters. There are several interesting gimmicks and odd period pieces, from Mason Williams' "Classical Gas" to Jorgen Ingmann's "Apache" and "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky" by the Ramroads. It's shorter than the first volume and has a bit more fluff, but is still quite valuable.

- Ron Wynn, All Music Guide