The Shads but different

[Paul Creasey]

I'd like to add myself to the (thankfully increasing) list of those that "like it all"!
I can still recall the absolute thrill of hearing the early stuff in the late '50's - to my ears, there really had'nt been anything like it before and WHAT a revelation,too! - when "Apache" came out, I can remember being TOTALLY blown away (although we didn't use that phrase then did we). The only other, similar blown away moment being "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits sometime later.
As to the MWF era, it was undoubtedly a massive change of direction (no pun intended) for Hank and Bruce, but the results were absolutely first class and recordings from that era still get regular plays at Sudbrooke. I'm not sufficiently "in the know" to ascribe the MWF sounds and arrangements to John Farrar, but I do have his eponymous 1980 solo recording which is equally impressive, so have no doubts as to his musical abilities.
I've never been a "knocker" of "Rocking with Curly Leads" and "Shades of Rock" as it's always been a pleasure for me to hear the Shads do something different, but I've always had a soft spot for "Specs Appeal" - wasn't that the album that included all the Eurovision contenders?, if it was, wouldn't it be an absolute DELIGHT to have Eurovision contenders of THAT quality nowadays, eh?
Speaking of "doing something different" - I guess that's what's appealing to me about Hank's solo recordings. There's some really GREAT stuff in there, great Guitar playing (of course!), but some equally great vocals, too!
At the risk of straying too far "off topic", I'd just like to doff my hat to the recordings that Warren's been involved with in more recent years. In particular, "Close to the Hedge" with Mark Griffiths is a truly excellent recording.
Got 'em all, play 'em all, LOVE 'em all!
As Amanda says "THOSE sounds"!!
Regards
Paul

[d jones]

Hi Paul, i totally agree Close to the edge what a CD! we need more instros from the likes of Warren,Mark and not to forget Dick Viva Vibratos!
Long live the instros
Dave