Search - Tornados :: Play Telstar & Other Great Hits

Innovative - Ahead of Their Time

06/07/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Tornados were perhaps, the most unusual instrumental pop/rock combo of the 60's. Like their British counterparts, the Shadows, they played backup to a notable rock singer; like the Shadows they also cut a number of hits on their own. However, unlike the Shadows, their trademark sound was centred around keyboard instrumentation rather than guitars - although their lead and rythmn guitarists were able to hold their own with any pop group of that era ( evidenced throughout their highly-underated UK version of RIDIN THE WIND which is found on this CD).
With its 24 hits, this compilation represents a pretty good cross-section of what the Tornados were all about. At least 8 of these hits made some significant impact on British and North American charts. If you are unfamilar with the Tornados, you should consider purchasing this CD if only for to hear the unforgettable TELSTAR which was far and away their greatest hit and perhaps, the greatest pop instrumental of the 1960's. Nothing, in my opinion, matches its warm, " feel-good " melody while its driving, crescendo opening generates a level of excitement which even today stirs those who hear it. THE ICE CREAM MAN is one hit that expresses the obvious happiness at the arrival of the ice cream wagon and is a real pleaser even though its playing time is only 1:48. Four of the tunes are familiar movie themes which are uniquely rendered. A few instrumentals seem to ape each other but on the whole the variety of this collection is quite good. PLAY TELSTAR AND OTHER GREAT HITS is a good place to begin discovery of this highly-talented and innovative combo. For the money, it represents a decent bargain."