Be Bop Deluxe
Posted by: Martin D on 10 February 2004
I thought it was about time we started a thread on them. Been sorting out the vinyl over past few days and have been head banging with Axe Victim, Sunburst Finish and a best of CD from the US.
Whats Bill up to these days ?
Martin
Posted on: 11 February 2004 by Dave J
It's been a few years since I played any Be Bop Deluxe.
I recall that Bill Nelson had a terrible time in the late 80's/early 90's when he got hammered for unpaid tax, had legal problems over the rights of his back catalogue and his marriage broke up. I think he moved out to Japan about shortly afterwards and was/is something of a cult figure over there.
There have certainly been a good few albums either by him or featuring him over the years including "Chameleon" which features earlier recorded stuff originally planned as TV soundtracks. Not heard it but I'm told it's pretty good. I did hear some tracks off "Practically Wired (something or other, can't remember the rest of it) which came out in the mid 90's and was good stuff.
Dave
Posted on: 11 February 2004 by Stephen Bennett
Looks like he's been busy...
http://billnelson.senate.gov/ 
or more likely..
http://billnelson.com/start.htmThe problem will Bill is he has released too much material inn the last 20 years. Some of it high quality, some quite poor (IMHO) home demos and it's hard to sort out the wheat from the chaff.
'Do you dream in colour' is one of my faveorite singles of all time.
I think he's back in Yorkshire (not absolutely sure about that!)
Regards
Stephen
Posted on: 11 February 2004 by Rasher
I saw them once and they blew me away. Fantastic band and time to get them on CD. BN has always been busy, and like Bowie seems to not care about popularity, just faithful to his art. It's the way it should be.
Ugly bugger though
Posted on: 11 February 2004 by Martin D
Rasher
Me too, saw them in Bristol when I was in college. The sound was fab. Wont forget that one.
Martin
Posted on: 11 February 2004 by JohanR
For long I thought I was the only one who ever listened to BBDL
Half a year ago I actually dig out and listened to Sunburst Finish (excelent name for a guitar oriented album!) and had a good time. He was of course vey good on the guitar / not so good as a singer!
Conservative as I am I never liked the switch from guitar hero to synth (or whatever it was) and has therefore never listened to the stuff after BBDL!
JohanR
Posted on: 12 February 2004 by blythe
Be Bop were one of my first ever "favourite" bands.
I saw them 3 times at Leicester De Mont and each time they were totally awesome!
I've even got one of Andy Fox's drum sticks and a Timbale stick that Chalie used on "Ships In The Night" (I was only young and it seemed a good idea at the time - I do still have them though!)
Even Drastic Plastic which I was unsure about at the time, grew on me and still stands up well now.
I also liked some of the "Red Noise" stuff - their early work was great.
I felt Bill lost the plot a bit after that.......
Around the same time, I was also into "City Boy" who produced some excellant music - Mike Slamer is a brilliant guitarist and the whole band were talented. I've got all 7 albums and also the same on CD.
Well, "It's Personal" on CD is a home made job since it was only ever released on Vinyl in Sweden only.......
Martin.
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 12 February 2004 by Rasher
quote:
Originally posted by JohanR:
I never liked the switch from guitar hero to synth (or whatever it was) and has therefore never listened to the stuff after BBDL!
I know what you mean, but I admire musicians who are not afraid to move on. So many don't and just end up ridiculous (Rolling Stones for example).
Posted on: 14 February 2004 by Martin D
Posted on: 20 February 2004 by David Sutton
Seeing this thread prompted me to take a listen to Sunburst Finish again.
Really great stuff!
David
Posted on: 20 February 2004 by garyi
I cannot believe of the five albums they did (and I own) no one here has mentioned Live in the air age, and espcially on this album Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape, simply one of the best guitar pieces available.
Posted on: 21 February 2004 by blythe
quote:
Originally posted by garyi:
I cannot believe of the five albums they did (and I own) no one here has mentioned Live in the air age, and espcially on this album Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape, simply one of the best guitar pieces available.
You're right of course - truly brilliant album and Adventures is awesome.
Mind you, "Life In The Air Age" live was amazing too.........
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 24 February 2004 by Peter C
Life in the Air Age was recorded over two live shows at Hammersmith Odeon.
I was at one off those concerts and they were very good.
The album is a reminder of that night for me.
Sunburst Finish is my favourite studio album.
