"The Lost Tapes" is a compilation CD of demos, studio outakes and live appearances that have surfaced thanks to DEL-FI records. Surprisingly most are recorded in true stereo on an Ampex tape deck that belonged to Bob Keane, Ritchie Valens' manager, friend and producer, who fortunately for all of us had a home studio kitted out with some of the best equipment available. Keane was an inspirational figure in that he gave Valens the space to create, then honed the youngster's talents by using professional backing musicians at the legendary "Gold Star Studios".

The CD consists of forty tracks some of which are repeated versions of the same song. Although Ritchie didn't lay down as many tracks as Buddy Holly, he will always be judged on the quality of the few that he did make. At the time of the "Winter Dance Party" he was the "hot" act even though Buddy Holly was the headliner. There's no doubt about it, he was a raucous Rock'n'Roller and a singer/composer of tremendous ability and flare.