If you enjoy instrumental rock music, then chances are good you have heard the hit 36-24-36 from The Shadows (one of the original pioneers of this genre). It refers to conventional beauty standards at that time and refers specifically to female measurements according to conventional beauty standards of that era.
The Shadows
Though The Shadows were predominantly instrumental, they also composed songs. Their debut hit, written by Jerry Lordan and entitled “Apache,” hit number 1 in 1960 before other instrumental hits like “Kon Tiki” and “Wonderful Land” also spent time at number 1 for an extended period of time.
Outside their hit recordings, the band also appeared in numerous stage shows and pantomime productions, featuring Cliff Richard in Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp at London Palladium in 1964 and Cinderella at same venue two years later. Furthermore, they appeared in Expresso Bongo with song Saturday Dance as well as on soundtrack of rock and roll movie Some People.
The Shadows were one of the most successful instrumental groups during the 1960s and ’70s, recording numerous chart hits and selling millions of albums worldwide. Additionally, they appeared in television shows as well as being featured on the cover of British music magazine Melody Maker; additionally they made appearances in several movies such as musical The Young Ones (both predecessors to Finders Keepers).
In 1986, The Shadows achieved top ten success on the LP chart with Moonlight Shadows, an album of cover songs. Still at their height of popularity and selling record numbers globally.
After the album was released, drummer Tony Meehan and bassist Jet Harris left to pursue other projects, being replaced by Brian Bennett and Clifford Locking from Marty Wilde’s backing group the Wildcats (formerly recorded instrumentals as Krew Kats), respectively. This new lineup produced two hit singles titled “Dance On!” and “Foot Tapper”.
The Shadows continued touring into the 1980s, including appearances at Knebworth Park as well as their farewell concert in October 1990, which was recorded and released as DVD entitled The Final Reunion. Following this concert, Marvin went solo while the group split up. However, Marvin began performing solo again before rejoining with them again for 36 concerts across Britain and Europe to mark their 50th anniversary celebrations starting September 2009 and culminating with Reunited (a studio-based album including rerecordings of their greatest hits) hitting number four on UK albums chart that year – its release also coincided with Marvin embarking solo career while Marvin embarked solo career before they again reunited for Royal Variety Performance before disbanding again in 1992 before rejoining for one last time for 36 concerts across Britain to commemorate 50th Anniversary concerts celebrated their 50th Anniversary celebrations by recording one studio album that year which reached number four on UK albums chart that year; its studio-album ‘Reunited’ reaching number four on UK albums chart!). Reunited which included rerererererererererererererererererererererererererererererererererereunion came back together once more during 2008 for one Royal Variety Performance before breaking up again before finally splitting in 1992 reuniting for one Royal Variety Performance then again for 36 concerts across Britain and Europe that September 2009. On reuniting for 36 concerts as part of 36 concert tour and Europe then came close on December 2 2009! It reached #4 UK Album chart by Christmas 2009.
The song’s title
The song’s title alludes to measurements that define an ideal female body type in the 1960s when it was released by its band. They chose this title to draw listeners’ attention and capitalize on beauty standards at that time; however, some find the song’s title problematic because it reduces women to their measurements while overlooking other qualities they possess.
MC Jin’s theme for this song is his admiration of women from all ethnicities and body types, particularly their independence and confidence – qualities which he considers important qualities in any woman. Additionally, he appreciates women who work or pursue hobbies outside their household; making this light-hearted upbeat tune an engaging celebration of diversity while advocating body positivity.
The Shadows were an instrumental rock band that were immensely influential during the 1960s music scene, thanks to their groundbreaking guitar tones and rhythms which set them apart from other bands, inspiring future guitarists. Even today, their legacy remains as one of the leading pioneers in their genre; Their success helped pave the way for other instrumental rock groups such as The Ventures and Surfaris.
The song’s theme
The song 36 24 36 became an early 1960s hit when released by The Shadows, an instrumental rock group known for pioneering instrumental rock. However, some have pointed out that some aspects of its lyrics may be problematic; specifically its title which refers to body measurements in an attempt to standardize female bodies according to outdated beauty standards.
The lyrics make reference to the singer’s appreciation for women from different races and cultures, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai women in his song lyrics. Furthermore, they emphasize his global ties by acknowledging women such as Chinese Korean Japanese Vietnamese Thai as potential love interests; additionally they praise independent and confident women despite physical appearance or reputation issues.
The song opens with two Valley girls conversing, recalling Frank Zappa’s classic tune “Valley Girl” and echoing some themes from Future Shock album. At its time of release, this tune became immensely popular thanks to its catchy melody which was easy to remember; its catchiness also proved popular on sexual radio stations and made this hit an immensely popular club hit.
The song’s impact
MC Jin’s song has had an important positive effect, encouraging diversity and appreciation of women from different cultures and body types. His interest in Asian women shows his global connection and respect for other cultures while his lyrics offer a lighthearted yet humorous portrait of attractive female figures who transcend physical appearance or cultural backgrounds; also showing admiration for those who display courage, independence and confidence regardless of physical appearance or reputation.
Although the song had a positive effect, many find its lyrics problematic as they perpetuate unattainable beauty standards for women. Its title alone can be perceived as criticising women simply by reference to measurements for an ideal female body type; nonetheless, its success helped The Shadows become one of the most influential instrumental rock bands.