THE WORKING MAN'S BANDS, THE SHADOWS & THE VENTURES

THE SHADOWS. AT THEIR VERY BEST : Those who grew up in the sixties cannot escape the sound of The Shadows' first instrumental smash 'Apache' It was my father who bought The Shadows' Greatest Hits' album. I was listening to their music even before I learn how to read. I remember as a 10 years old kid, I can play 'The Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt' on the guitar with everybody looking on in amusement. The Shadows were formed out of Cliff Richard's urgent need of a backing band after his single 'Move It' hit gold. Eventually, they branch out into a successful instrumental group of their own which made ever- bespectacled lead guitarist Hank B. Marvin one of the most influential rock guitarists in Britain. This CD contains 20 tracks. Favorites includes, 'Cavatina', 'Theme from Young Lovers' and 'Guitar Tango'.  DOP : 31st August 1991.

THE SHADOWS HITS : Chief Shadow Hank Marvin subsequently started a trio with Bruce Welch and John Farrar. Calling themselves Marvin, Welch & Farrar, they recorded two albums as a duo but because of low sales and fans demanding for Shadows' hits, they reformed in 1973 and since then they have reformed every few years with new members. I bought this CD for the song 'Mary Ann' and it's enough for me. The Shadows have remain successful even after their break up. Hank Marvin remain a legend among his peers while John Rostill wrote 'Let Me Be There' and 'If You Love Me, Let Me Know' for Olivia Newton John. John Farrar of course went on to managed Olivia Newton John successfully and wrote many smash hits for her. DOP : 5th February 1997.

My father's album

 THE VENTURES GREATEST HITS : The other instrumental band that made it big was The Ventures. I  think it was my third brother who bought home an EP by The Ventures with Batman as the main title. The track that stuck with me was 'Secret Agent Man' the Johnny River's hit. I bought this CD solely for that track and with it discovered other gems like 'Hawaii 5-O', 'Tequila', 'La Bamba' , and their biggest hit 'Walk Don't Run'. Good as they were, I think I prefer The Shadows more 'cos big as their hits were, they did not write any of them. They were covers so that make them loses points over The Shadows. Nevertheless, this is still an enjoyable CD. Worth every cents. Another memories I like to share was that my father again bought the ‘Going To The Ventures' Dance Party' album. Seems I was listening to them even before I knew who they were. My father played the guitar too and I figured it's either The Shadows or The Ventures that got him into it. For once, I am glad that he was not into The Beatles too, for it will surely make him look ridiculous with a mop top and all. I will grab this CD if I come across it if only for the memories. DOP : 16th November 1994.