After the band's 1968 breakup it seems they were more popular than ever. A 10th anniversary Cliff Richard & The Shadows album sold well, they were frequent guests at Cliff's TV show and did a very remunerative tour in Japan. By the time this was made Bruce Welch had already quit and the "Marvin, Welch & Farrar" project was about to take off. It was their only original studio recording as "The Shadows" between 1967-73, issued all over Europe and downunder, reaching #30 in UK and high on a number of other lists. With the sixties efforts and sadly underrated MW&F albums in mind I expected someting good when I first bought it in the mid-seventies - outstanding guitars and beautiful vocal harmonies. It was nothing of the kind. Could as well have been one of those hit parade issues where some anonymous combo plays contemporary populars. All instrumental and although there are a few guitar moments, most of it comes out blunt and impersonal. There must have been so much talent and quest for renewal in the band at this point, but non of that shows. This is another day at work giving the public what they want, no feelings involved. On the positive side - the audio is very good and I bet it's still high on many lists with soothing background music for offices, casinos and supermarkets. Originally issued in Europe and downunder. 2010 CD on RPM Retrodisc (Retro 866) came with one bonus track. Premiere UK had label as shown here, thin structured cover and EMI ad inner. (CXÄ*)
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