Shadows 50 Golden Greats CD - Import

The guitar-driven instrumental outfit the Shadows (formerly British popster Cliff Richards backing band) had lots of twangy hits, including "Apache," "Mustang," and "Geronimo." Those tunes, and 47 others, are included on this excellent anthology.

This double-disc, 50-track collection of the Shadows can only be recommended to avid collectors. After breaking off with singer Cliff Richard (they were his backing band), the Shadows chalked up numerous instrumental hits in the early '60s, including "Apache," "Man of Mystery," and "Kon-Tiki." They became the British equivalent of the Ventures. While the first disc is more than satisfying, the second disc takes a quick nosedive and consists mainly of filler along the lines of "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Theme from The Deer Hunter," "Nights in White Satin," and "Rodrigo's Guitar Concerto de Aranjuez." With the exception of Shadows fanatics, 50 Golden Greats would have been a much better value cut in half. By the way, the artwork for this set is absolutely hideous, especially coming from a huge corporation like EMI. ~ Al Campbell

UK collection of all the greats from one of the world's foremost instrumental groups. Also known for their work with vocalist Cliff Richard, The Shadows remain the most influential instrumental combo in the history of British Rock 'N' Roll. Their early work inspired four lads from Liverpool named John, Paul, George and Ringo, who then took the world by storm, thus making The Shadows partially responsible for modern Rock as we know it! Released to commemorate the 40th anniversary of their hit, 'Apache', this compilation features all their chart successes including their instrumental interpretations of 'Nights In White Satin', 'Whiter Shade Of Pale', 'Thunderbirds Theme' and 'God Only Knows'. EMI.