The Tornados - Very Best of the Tornadoes (CD)

All Music Guide

"Telstar" was a worldwide number one smash hit for the Tornados and maverick producer Joe Meek in 1962. But these so-called one-hit wonders left behind an overlooked legacy of catchy instrumentals, experimental 45s and pre-Moog and synthesizer rock. This 15-track compilation brings together the very best of their work on one disc. Meek's production on these tunes is equal parts control room freak genius and low-fi visionary. Although nothing packs the wallop of their lone mega-hit (and what really could?), Meek's use of heavy compression, freakish percussion effects and close miking earmark tracks like "Joystick," "Monte Carlo," "Jungle Fever," "Love and Fury," "Alan's Tune," and "Hymn For Teenagers." The Tornadoes may have been a studio creation of Meek's, but remain a marvelous creation nonetheless.

- Cub Koda, All Music Guide