1. The Venture 2. I Pretend I'm With You 3. The Phantom Widow 4. (I Feel Like) I'm Losing You 5. Think It Over 6. The Jinx 7. Hippy Hippy Shake 8. I've Got You Under My Skin 9. I'll Never Get Over You 10. Shadow Land 11. Don't Leave Me Now 12. In the Hall of the Mountain King 13. Still I Cry 14. The Closing Theme
Fourteen tracks of superb British guitar instrumental rock ’n’ roll from The Rapiers, one of the country's best-loved bands in the classic Shadows tradition. Originally released on vinyl in 1987, 1961 showcases the group's crisp guitar work, melodic arrangements and affection for the golden age of instrumental rock, making it an essential listen for fans of The Shadows and vintage British guitar music.
The album ranges from the driving opener “The Venture” and the rock ’n’ roll energy of “Hippy Hippy Shake” to the distinctive instrumental treatment of “In the Hall of the Mountain King”. The 14-track CD edition also includes both sides of the band's rare 1986 single, “Still I Cry” and “The Closing Theme”. The Rapiers' standing among instrumental fans was reinforced by endorsement from Shadows legend Jet Harris, with whom the group went on to perform extensively.
A real treat for The Rapiers' loyal following, this collection also makes an excellent introduction for anyone who loves melodic guitar instrumentals, British rock ’n’ roll and the enduring sound of the Shadows era. With the original album and two additional single sides together on CD, it brings a fine slice of Britain's instrumental music tradition into one compact collection.
