The Shadows in 1960 were just about the coolest thing happening in England. Pre-Beatles, Pre-Stones, they were already at the edge of the door that would soon be exploded open by British rock and roll. But for now, “Apache” was climbing the charts, satisfying England’s deep seeded need for cool. And if you watch them play it, their style compliments their sound in all the right ways. It’s a combination of leather jackets with collars, V-neck tweed cardigans, Buddy Holly glasses and laid-back “I don’t give a fuck.” What makes this band look so cool is the way they marry their sound and attitude with their clothes. They probably didn’t put too much conscious thought into what they were wearing during a particular live performance of “Apache” that I’m thinking of. This only makes the whole thing better. Self-conceit is the downfall of any good, true fashion. The minute you say, “I’m not sure if what I’m wearing is cool,” it automatically becomes true. In personal experience, you just never say that. The best fashion is done in split-second instinct and then forgotten about. It’s an element of true organic fashion. Own what you wear. The Shadows had their sound, and they make cool look easy. In a way, that’s because it is—fashion is a form of self-expression, and the minute you start laboring over it, you’ve got it all wrong. Just like “Apache” is about the notes that don’t get played, their fashion sense is about the thoughts that don’t sway them. They borrowed from what they thought was good and didn’t pay attention to the rest. If it doesn’t come naturally to you, fuck it. It wasn’t meant to be. And don’t forget to have fun with it. If you’re not having fun, neither is your style. It’s all one symbiotic wardrobe, baby. But don’t philosophize.

#theshadows #surfrock #instrumentalrock #fashion #1960 #apache

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzgbcyfJgfQ