Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Apaches - Play The Hits Of The Shadows
 | The Apaches do a terrific job of aping The Shadows, but why, when you can listen to the original? There are some very nice tracks here, including a couple I like better than the Shadows' versions, but the whole notion of being just like a major successful band is odd to me. Still, "Guitar Tango" is as good as this song gets. |
Picks: Kon-Tiki, Man Of Mystery, Red River Rock, Guitar Tango, The War Lord
Track by Track Review
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
The production is richer and more spatial than the Shadows, but otherwise, this is merely another seat at the alter.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
This is a very reverent recording of The Shadows' "Kon-Tiki." It's much like the original, except perhaps a little more floating.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
"Man Of Mystery" is very smooth and atmospheric. While it's very nicely done, I'll stick with the original.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
This is pretty normal until the muted sections, which are done with stereo delay, which gives it a nice texture.
Atlantis Lite Rock (Instrumental)
"Atlantis" seems tame to me. The original had some flair, while this version is just lovely. The keys also ape strings for a lush easy listening sound.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
The Shadows' bouncy "FBI" is fun and very traditional, though a bit lower energy than the original.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
"Dance On" is one of the most infectious of the The Shadows' early instros. This is very pleasant and listenable, but not remarkable.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
Based in large part on the Johnny and the Hurricanes arrangement, but with Hank Marvin-esq guitar replacing the whistling organ. The midsection is done on the keys with a steel drum kind of sound. Fun and more rockin' than most here, but it doesn't rise to essential.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
"Blue Shadows" is an easy song with lush aural qualities and long echo induced sustain. It's lovely country melody and beat move fluidly at a very relaxed pace. Quite pretty.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
This is a very pleasant cover of The Shadows' "Guitar Tango" with dry guitar lead and a very clean rhythm track that's augmented with castanets. Soft horns add a slightly mariachi flavor. I think this is my third favorite version, right behind Los jets and The Challengers.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
An edgier guitar sound and military beat give this quite an attractive sound. "The War Lord" is a very well arranged track with a splendid melody riff and a tasteful drum break. Very enjoyable.
Lite Rock (Instrumental)
Lush chords open The Shadows' "Maroc 7." It's very nicely done, but I think you have to be a deep Shadows fan to get excited about the song or its melody. The drama of the drums in the break are completely at odds with the rest of the track, but it is the break that holds the most interest for me.
(Ghost) Riders In The Sky Lite Rock (Instrumental)
I think this is much too derivative in too many ways. The Shadows' intro to Stan Jones' cowboy epic, along with the pre-disco beat, leave this gremmie flat. The signature version in the US is The Ramrods, and this is just not up to that very high bar.
Theme From The Deer Hunter Lite Rock (Instrumental)
Soft, slow, easy listening fluff, though it's certainly very pretty and romantic. The slide guitar gently weeps. "Theme From The Deer Hunter" really does nothing for me.
Slaughter On Tenth Avenue Lite Rock (Instrumental)
This is a slow and lovely version of "Slaughter On Tenth Avenue," with a very tasteful rhythm guitar and bass playing in sync. Its arrangement is more like a suite of movements than is usually the case these days, and the keys are very easy listening lush. Richard Rogers' classic melody is done in a fairly nontraditional way for a rock instro, at least from a US perspective. On this side of the pond, The Ventures' version is the watermark.
Don't Cry For Me Argentina Lite Rock (Instrumental)
Beautiful playing emotes sadness in a flowing rendition of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina." While very beautiful, it doesn't really create a lasting impression that will bring you back for more.
Sailing Lite Rock (Instrumental)
Delicately, and with gentility, "Sailing" floats across the air on an haunting aural lagoon. Very pretty, but not bearing the kind of character that will capture your attention.