Theme from 'The Deer Hunter' - The Shadows

If for some reason (probably lack of space) I'll ever need to let go of this double groove 12" single of the Shadows' 'Theme from 'The Deer Hunter'', I can now fall back on the 7" version, which includes two of the three tracks.

The sleeve of this single, released in 1979, actually features a still from the movie on the cover. The other side of the sleeve is an advert for an album by Cliff and the Shadows, a recording of their reunion concerts at the London Palladium. 

My collection: 7" single no. 7017
Found: 33|45 Records, Den Haag, 26 August 2023
Tracks: 'Theme from 'The Deer Hunter'' /  'Bermuda triangle'

Let me be the one - The Shadows

The Shadows, who are best known for their work with Cliff Richard in the Sixties, represented the United Kingdom during the 1975 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Let me be the one'. The song finished second in the Contest, behind Teach-In from the Netherlands with 'Ding-a-dong'.

The single subsequently reached number 12 in the UK singles chart. It was also released in Europe, but without much chart success. This particular pressing comes from France.

My collection: 7" single no. 4365
Found: Record mania, Amsterdam, December 30, 2009
Cost: 0,5 euro
Tracks: 'Let me be the one' / 'Stand up like a man'

Theme from 'The Deer Hunter' - The Shadows

The Shadows were formed in the Fifties as a backing band for Cliff Richard, named the Drifters. A very successful career followed, with the personnel of the band frequently changing. One of the Shadows' best known tracks is the 'Theme from 'The Deer Hunter''. It was composed as 'Cavatina' by Stanley Myers. The piece had been recorded by classical guitarist John Williams, long before the film that made it famous.

Following the release of the movie 'The Deer Hunter' in 1979, John Williams' instrumental version of 'Cavatina' became a UK Top 20 hit. Two other versions also made the Top 20 the same year - a vocal version by Iris Williams and another instrumental recording by The Shadows, with an electric guitar played by Hank Marvin. It peaked at number nine in the UK Singles chart.

This 12" single is one of those rare double groove discs. Depending on which groove you choose, the A-side plays either 'Theme from 'The Deer Hunter'', or the Shadows' previous single, 'Don't cry for me Argentina'. A wonderful item, which I'd seen a dozen times before - but never this cheap.

My collection: 12" single no. 489
Found: Kringloop Holland, Den Haag, March 3, 2009
Cost: 1 euro
Tracks: 'Theme from 'The Deer Hunter'', 'Don't cry for me Argentina' / 'Bermuda Triangle'