BE BOP DELUXE
Postcards From The Future
It needs to be pointed out straight up that Be Bop Deluxe are really more of a ‘70s band than an ‘80s band, as the contents of this CD will attest. This collection covers the period from their first single “Teenage Arch Angel/Jets At Dawn” in 1973 up to their fourth and last album in 1978, represented here by tracks such as “Electrical Language” and “Possession”.
Never a band to trouble the chart historians and statisticians, Be Bop Deluxe nonetheless garnered a loyal and devoted following that are still in evidence today. Main man, and accomplished guitarist Bill Nelson, is the undisputed core of the band and a well-respected and accomplished musician - just one listen to this collection will confirm that. His ability to turn out solos, licks, and subtle fills gives this collection of songs a depth that they might have otherwise lacked.
Straying ever so subtly into the realm of ‘prog rock’ at times, the collection really is more of a rock collection with that distinctive ‘70s vibe with lightening solos, occasionally whimsical (whacky) lyrics, and songs about oddball characters, mythology and lyrics that allow varied interpretations. There is no mistaking the basic earthiness of the songs however, as acoustic guitars, drums, and the occasional keyboard wash come together to form a varied yet full sound stage. There are some genuinely melodious tunes with clear harmonies contained but it is when all of the elements come together on tracks such as “Maid In Heaven” (possibly the most obvious pop song here) and “Modern Music” that sounds like a Bowie cast-off (this is not a bad thing), when Be Bop Deluxe are at their most accessible.
Elsewhere, Be Bop Deluxe’s sound varies but variety is the spice of life, right? Lovers of epics will possibly enjoy the seven-minute “Jets At Dawn” (rather adventurous for a debut track), but as most tracks clock in at around the obligatory three and a half minute mark, there are no tracks that challenge a listener to stick around for the ride. There is more than enough musicianship and variety on show to please any half-arsed Be Bop Deluxe fan, particularly the intricate work of Nelson that improves with each track (check out the beautiful acoustic playing throughout “Jean Cocteau”) or the astounding clipped solos in the live track, “Life In The Air Age”.
At a healthy eighteen tracks, this CD provides good value and a fair representation of what Be Bop Deluxe were about and what they were trying to do. Quality musicianship combined with decent lyrics, melodies and harmonies will rarely fail. The band may not have tasted chart success like many of their contemporaries but this is not always a bad thing. It means there are always little surprises to be found as you trawl the music of bygone decades, and Be Bop Deluxe are one band that will have slipped through the cracks of many collections. Maybe it’s time to check them out.
Never a band to trouble the chart historians and statisticians, Be Bop Deluxe nonetheless garnered a loyal and devoted following that are still in evidence today. Main man, and accomplished guitarist Bill Nelson, is the undisputed core of the band and a well-respected and accomplished musician - just one listen to this collection will confirm that. His ability to turn out solos, licks, and subtle fills gives this collection of songs a depth that they might have otherwise lacked.
Straying ever so subtly into the realm of ‘prog rock’ at times, the collection really is more of a rock collection with that distinctive ‘70s vibe with lightening solos, occasionally whimsical (whacky) lyrics, and songs about oddball characters, mythology and lyrics that allow varied interpretations. There is no mistaking the basic earthiness of the songs however, as acoustic guitars, drums, and the occasional keyboard wash come together to form a varied yet full sound stage. There are some genuinely melodious tunes with clear harmonies contained but it is when all of the elements come together on tracks such as “Maid In Heaven” (possibly the most obvious pop song here) and “Modern Music” that sounds like a Bowie cast-off (this is not a bad thing), when Be Bop Deluxe are at their most accessible.
Elsewhere, Be Bop Deluxe’s sound varies but variety is the spice of life, right? Lovers of epics will possibly enjoy the seven-minute “Jets At Dawn” (rather adventurous for a debut track), but as most tracks clock in at around the obligatory three and a half minute mark, there are no tracks that challenge a listener to stick around for the ride. There is more than enough musicianship and variety on show to please any half-arsed Be Bop Deluxe fan, particularly the intricate work of Nelson that improves with each track (check out the beautiful acoustic playing throughout “Jean Cocteau”) or the astounding clipped solos in the live track, “Life In The Air Age”.
At a healthy eighteen tracks, this CD provides good value and a fair representation of what Be Bop Deluxe were about and what they were trying to do. Quality musicianship combined with decent lyrics, melodies and harmonies will rarely fail. The band may not have tasted chart success like many of their contemporaries but this is not always a bad thing. It means there are always little surprises to be found as you trawl the music of bygone decades, and Be Bop Deluxe are one band that will have slipped through the cracks of many collections. Maybe it’s time to check them out.
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