Reverb Central .:. Review .:.

There are some very original and enjoyable versions of Jerry Lordan's "Apache" here, but mostly the tracks are just Shadows clones, deviating from the original in inconsequential ways. there are many fine version missing, and too many that surely don't deserve this kind of showcase.

Picks: Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache '65, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache, Apache

Euro (Instrumental)

While the US was treated to Jorgen Ingman's superior version of this Jerry Lordan classic, and then later Sonny James' vocal rendition, Europe was bathed in the Shadows rendition. Different, and much less delicate than Lordan's version, and missing the fingered string swipe arrows entirely.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a pretty decent cover of Jerry Lordan's great tune. It's an adaptation of the Jorgen Ingman arrangement. It has less flair than his, but it is a solid track. If you want a hoot sometime, listen to the Sonny James vocal version.

Surf (Instrumental)

In some ways, this is more interesting than the Shadows which likely inspired it. Not that it's great or anything like it, but it's slower and much ore dramatic. Aside from Sonny James' vocal version and Jorgen Ingmann's take, most from 1960-61 were copies of the Shadows. An original arrangement and relaxed pace combine to create a welcome diversion from the sea of copies.

Rock (Instrumental)

Europe's Mr. Guitar does this exceptionally well. The Shadows' arrangement of course, but his playing is just so fine... it's an excellent quality live recording from 1997, and the audience politely expressed their appreciation.

Rock (Instrumental)

Precision copies of songs are just not my thing. I'm not familiar with Ricky King, and while his playing is really good, there is little more than a slit for a ray of sunlight between this and the real thing.

Surf (Instrumental)

A pedestrian version of the Jerry Lordan classic, with too much echoplex on the guitar, distracting from the tune. yet, given the plethora of Shadows clone versions out there, this original arrangement, particularly the rhythm guitar, is a refreshing change.

Rock (Instrumental)

In a kind of low brow speed up of the Shadows' arrangement, this band plunders through the song with a distinct lack of finesse. Very garagy, if there was such a thing in England.

Rock (Instrumental)

The production is richer and more spatial than the Shadows, but otherwise, this is merely another seat at the alter.

Rock (Instrumental)

Well recorded drums, a hugely spacious sound, nearly haunting in scope, but otherwise a pretty direct copy of the Shadows except for the keys and the addition of Jorgen Ingmann's flying arrow string swipes.

Rock (Instrumental)

Another one of a dozen bands that have played under the Spacemen moniker, and of a half-billion bands that have basically copied the Shadows. The stereo delay guitar and long decay and chamber reverb give this version a huge and foggy haze of a sound.

Rock (Instrumental)

The relatively dry guitar sound and the bongos, along with some intriguing plucked tweaks, and the electric chords instead of acoustic, separate this from the pack. Pleasant and well played.

Rock (Instrumental)

Stereo delay on the lead guitar nets a tiny departure from the Shadows, but aside from that and some recording differences, this is just another version of "Apache."

Rock (Instrumental)

It's 1976. Punk is being birthed all over the place. Aside from the very dry and interestingly recorded drums, this might just as well be a Shadows outtake.

Surf (Instrumental)

This is an odd rendering of the Jerry Lordan tune made famous in the us by Jorgen Ingmann. It's sped up, and it has a whole new feeling to it. Davie's interpretation is unusual, and it works. Not too fuzzy.

Shadows (Instrumental)

The Shadows' arrangement of Jerry Lordan's "Apache" is nicely done. Definitely soft, with tribal drums in the bridge.

Surf (Instrumental)

The wood blocks are about all that separates this from a typical cover. It's based on the Jorgen Ingmann version, but lacks the string swipe flying arrows. The damped mid section is reverbed into surf territory. Solid, but just not very original. "Apache" was issued as a single with "Ram-Charger" on the B-side.

Rock (Instrumental)

Thankfully based more on Jorgen Ingmann's take than the Shadows, with stereo delay and cool string swipes, as well as some damped plucking. Certainly not a must-have, but way better than many here. This is from 1963, but not sounding like that production wise at all.

Rock (Instrumental)

the arrangement is pompous tribal with great drums and spooky keys. But aside from the introduction, it's just another Shadows clone.

Exotic Garage (Instrumental)

Germany's Newtones were actually the same band as the Tigers. Very amateur version of Jerry Lordan's classic hit, with wood block percussion, or are those the drums recorded so badly that you can't really tell? The blocks give it an exotic air... very strange.

Rock (Instrumental)

The name implies home sessions with drum machines, and perhaps it is. The playing is very metronomic, but also with lots of variation in the attack and volume of cymbals. Kind of interesting, but not at all memorable.

Rock (Instrumental)

Perennial British guitar whiz "Apache" does a completely fresh arrangement of "Apache." Intentionally dramatic, throbbing with vibrato instead of tape echo, and way-cool drums. I suppose it's targeted at the retirement home, but it does have a strange magnetism about it.

Shadows (Instrumental)

This was one of the Shadows biggest hits. It was also the worldwide choice over Jorgen Ingman, who hit in the US and his homeland. This is a fine and fluid version, with excellent guitar rhythms and ringing tone.