The Early Years: 1959-1966

Originally released in 1991, this expanded edition boasts considerable extra value - over 30 mono tracks available on CD for the first time as well as a number of stereo tracks previously only available in mono, such as FBI (whose stereo master tape was only rediscovered in 2008).Containing everything recorded by the group during 1959 - 1966, this means that all of the big hits are present and correct - Apache, Man of Mystery, FBI, Wonderful Land, Dance On, Foot Tapper, Atlantis, amongst many others.But the major joy of this release is coming across less well-known gems. With 185 tracks across 6 CDs there's plenty to discover - some of their later recordings, such as A Place in the Sun and The Dreams I Dream were new to me and they are quality recordings which show the group in a slightly different light.The CD comes with a well-illustrated booklet which contains an extensive essay by John Tobler from the original release in 1991. This is then followed by an addendum which lists the additions to the 2013 re-issue. There are also full track credits, which list exactly where each track was sourced from - single, album, ep, etc.Retailing at around the £12.00 mark for 6 CDs, this is incredible value for money. Housed in a jewel case, it isn't the most lavish looking product from the outside (and the front cover doesn't do it much favours, as it looks rather like a public domain title) but it's the content inside that's important, and The Shadows - The Early Years is a quality package containing everything recorded during the peak years of one the UK's most influential groups.

This incredible collection of The Shadows peak period contains all 5 studio albums plus all the singles A/B sides and most importantly all the EPs. With a little effort you could if desired do what I did and arrange the collection into 5 albums each with the relevant non album tracks for your iPod. It is housed in a jewel case which appears sturdy enough and also includes a decent booklet. The cheap price makes it a must buy even for avid fans who already own other compilations. Personally I would pay a lot more if this music was re-issued in a super deluxe box which The Shadows deserve. A real foot tapper.

A cautionary word to anyone thinking of purchasing "The Shadows - The Early Years 1959-1966" to access the 36 page booklet alleged to be contained therein. It isn't! The blurb on the cd box proclaims,"The 36 page booklet contains the original sleeve notes and updated information covering the additional recordings. It also contains a full track listing with record information and release dates and colour photos of the group". It is also praised in at least one Review (by Archive Television Musings).Neither of the cd sets I bought from Amazon Marketplace have contained a booklet. I am sure that the sellers are not to blame as both products were factory sealed on arrival. Disappointing.

The Shadows were Britain's greatest group, consummate professionals who not only backed Cliff Richard but also made some of the greatest instrumental recordings ever on their own account. They inspired more than one generation of guitar players and were undoubtedly responsible for the popularity of the Fender Stratocaster guitar in the UK. Shadows material has been re-issued constantly on cassette and CD but often in dribs and drabs, with items missing or transferred to other records,etc. This 6-CD set covers "their complete studio recordings 1959 - 1966." And indeed it does - singles A and B sides, EPs and LPs and Shadows-only tracks from Cliff's recordings, particularly film-related material. This is the first time that all this material has been made available in strict chronological order in one collection and it renders unnecessary at a stroke a whole lot of compilations and reissues, etc. It also covers the golden years of the Shads output, so it's superb music. It's the soundtrack to my life (and many other people's too!) and the price is amazingly low. It's a fully-legal edition, with appropriate royalties paid, as well - nothing bootleg or dodgy about it. Don't know how I managed without it all these years.

A lovely compilation of all The Shadows material up to 1966. What amazing output considering that they were also recording still with Cliff at this time. Ive been a life long Shadows fan so im probably going to sound biased here but if youve only ever heard the likes of Apache or Wonderful Land, Foot Tapper The Savage etc, but would like to here more in depth recordings tthis is a good place to start. This set will demonstrate to you what an accomplished and top quality musicians the Shadows were, when you consider that when they recorded Apache they were still teenagers.I find the quality of these recordings amazing given that the modern technology we have today didnt exist then. Anyway if you like the Shadows you'll be hooked after listening to this. BUY IT.

I largely agree with my fellow reviewers. I my book also, The Shadows couldn't go wrong (With the possible exception of 'Stingray').Interesting, however, is the fact that new owners (Warner) market A) an upgraded version of a box set issued by another company (EMI) and B) use the exact same cover artwork. Perhaps this decision was made because the preparation for the new issue had already been made by EMI at the time of takeover. I can understand if a time factor also has entered the equation - as Real Gone et al. recently have begun to abduct the early Shadows catalogue, which is now public domain.

185 tracks and a 27-page booklet, which is good value as all reviewers have agreed. Be warned however that 31 tracks are duplicated ie: 31 tracks are in mono and the same number are in stereo. I cannot fathom who would want to listen to mono tracks when stereo ones are available. Worse, iTunes listing doesn't tell me which are mono and which are stereo so I guess I'll have to listen to all 62 on headphones and make some manual edits into iTunes.