Customer Reviews

Dream of the West

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This CD is by the British pop/dance band of the same name. Don't be confused by the list (above) of what other CD's buyers of this one have purchased. I can imagine the look on the faces of those who purchased this one and played it for the first time...probably the same look they had after a rectal exam. Don't let it happen to you.

I'm very pleased to be able to replace my original 1961, very scratchy LP, with this cd. Although the name The Outlaws may be a bit confusing to some, these are in fact the ORIGINAL Outlaws, and not the southern boogie band of the same name. The Outlaws here, are a British instrumental guitar group , much in the same style of music, as say The Shadows,or perhaps, Duane Eddy, even. This style of music was very popular, at the time ( pre Beatles), both here in the UK, and in the States ( there the style was a bit different though,being surf orientated, with bands like The Surfaris, Dick Dale, etc ). However, on to "Dream Of The West." Tunes, in a twangy guitar style, usually 2 to 3 minutes in length. The titles all relate to a cowboy theme, such as Indian Brave, Ambush!, Rodeo, etc. All tunes with the exception of "Swingin Low", were written by Robert Duke, which was a pen name for Joe Meek. Joe Meek, was a British, composer, and producer, who was responsible for a string of hit singles in the early to mid 60's. Joe Meek's biggest hit was "Telstar" by The Tornados, which was a number 1 here in England, and also in America. The tunes on "Dream", are melodic, and catchy, and will mainly appeal to those of us who grew up in the 60's. So, it will be a benefit to us who ; like myself, want to renew our old worn out vinyl, with a new cd. Also, it may be of interest to anyone who had followed the career of Ritchie Blackmore. Ritchie joined The Outlaws, after this LP had been made ( he replaced lead guitarist Billy Kuy ). This, therefore, was the style of music that Ritchie was playing before he progressed onto the path of hard rock guitar hero. Ritchie's first single with The Outlaws, was Return Of The Outlaws, and he made about another 3 or 4 after that one. If you can come across it, it is worth tracking down Keep A Knockin' by The Oulaws, which was their last single ( circa 1964 ), and Ritchie plays a swirling, almost heavy rock solo. On the B side Shake With Me, Ritchie lets loose, and we get a taste of what was to come in later years. So, if you like early 60's guitar instrumentals,"Dream" is a worthwhile contribution to your collection, both for the musical content, and that it may lead you into seeking out other Joe Meek recordings.