Sold Date: March 7, 2014
Start Date: February 23, 2014
Final Price: £14.00 (GBP)
Seller Feedback: 213
Buyer Feedback: 125

>Nr Archive Copy<

Be Bop Deluxe

'Sunburst Finish'

Havest, UK, 1976

4053

POSSIBLY MY favourite band during the mid seventies and this album played a significant part in my love of progressive rock although you might not fully make the connection. Best described as art-rock, Be Bop Deluxe straddled the middle ground somewhere between their progressive rock forefathers and a sort of glam rock underworld. 

In truth and thanks to the heavy use of guitar from front man Bill Nelson they were closer to hard rock heroes such as Thin Lizzy, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band and Queen. Bill's brilliant guitar styling helped to anchor the songs to the roots of blues rock whilst adding subtle twists and turns in a manner that would not be out of place in a 10cc composition. 

A great album, with artwork to match, the songs are spirited and substantial with good use of raging guitar from the fingers of Nelson suggesting a passion for Hendrix and a nod towards the more eclectic out pourings of heavy jazz rockers such as Jeff Beck, John McGlaughlin, Tommy Bolin, Robert Fripp and Harvey Mandel. 'Fair Exchange', 'Blazing Apostles' and especially 'Ships In The Night' are superlative examples of Nelson's genious whilst 'Life In The Air-Age' showcases his laconic drawl to amazing effect.

This is complex but melodic music that never once forgets that amidst all the complexity and 'art' are songs that can still be hummed and danced to over 30 years later. Brilliantly produced by John Leckie, it is easy to hear why the Queen comparisons are not without foundation (there is no question in my mind that Brian May was 'influenced' by Nelson's guitar style).

Please join me in a celebration of one of the greatest yet unheralded bands of the seventies. If you've never heard them then this is the place to start and you will have to look long and hard to find a copy this good. It's perfect!

Pressing: Harvest, UK, 1976

Vinyl: Nice clean and shiny condition. Possibly a few lone spindle marks on labels (hard to tell) but no other signs of use. Grades as top MINT-!

Cover: Absolutely no signs of use. Issued in a beautifully illustrated  cover - still retains full printers bloom. Sharp corners, no dings, no bends, no ring wear, no split seams and no creases. Tough to find this album cover in decent shape let alone shop fresh MINT like this one. Grades as totally MINT!

Inserts: Printed cardboard lyric inner sleeve

Matrix:

1st Pressing

Side One: SHSP 4053 A-3

Side Two: SHSP 4053 B-2

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