I owned the white Hoyer Les Paul on the rear cover of Ace Victim for years by way of the late great Stuart Adamson,, had it completely restored, swore I would never sell it but a few years back The fan club wanted to return it to Bill,, how could I say no. I heard Live in the air age as a teenager, I've never recovered, you can pick out Page, Moore solos pretty quickly but even after all these years the Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape solo is still so hard to get down, unique mix of rock blues with a slice of jazz thrown in the but still available so melodic!! all at blistering speed, Amazing still!
Great band, my brother worked as a roadie in the 70's for Be bop, he took me along to one of their gigs. Bill was one of the coolest and most pleasant people that I ever met. He made sure I had plenty of pop.. (soda) and snacks. I have nothing but love for the guy❤️
Bills playing on the album live in the air age is unsurpassed. The pinnacle of guitar playing, in particular adventures in a yorkshire landscape (live version). The greatest guitar solo from the greatest guitarist of all time.
I'm friends with Nick Chatterton Dew who played drums on AXE Victim. Nick played drums in my Dad's Blues Band and lives around the corner from me in Lincolnshire 😊
Hi Pete great band thought everyone had forgotten about them saw them a few times live and a great live band l met Bill Nelson in the early days comes from Wakefield Yorkshire my Wife and his Wife worked in the same small hotel before he hit the big time his Wife Janice is on the Blazing Apostles track,thanks.Tony
Sunburst Finish is not just their greatest album but also one of the best rock albums of the 70's. Had the pleasure of meeting Bill Nelson, have a chat and get this album autographed. One of the nicest people that I've ever met, friendly, down to earth and completely unassuming because he really is a genius.
Love your videos Pete and hearing your thoughts on all these classic heavy rock and prog bands, it's helping me get through the lockdown. Stay safe and keep them coming!
Great as always Pete. I saw them on the modern music tour and also on the drastic plastic tour here in the UK. I am sure they played since I've been loving you live too.
I love Bill Nelson’s tone on Axe Victim: running an Echoplex in front of a cranked up amp for those saturated echo repeats. Also check out Alex Lifeson‘s use of the echoplex in this manner on the live, All the Worlds a Stage.
Great video Pete. My ranking is the same as yours. I posted a link to your video in the Bill Nelson/BBD facebook group and it's been well received. Looking forward to the upcoming Axe Victim box set.
I cannot and will not ever rate their albums because they are all number one to me. This band was incredible. I saw them at the Montreal forum in the seventies. They will always be one of my favorite bands ever!! Thanks so much for doing this video.😀
Sunburst Finish is one of those albums where everything works. One of my all time favorites. Sadly I never got to see them live. I did have a topic maybe. How about seeing a band that you never heard of that turned out to be great. My first concert was Boz Scaggs opening for Three Dog Night on the It Ain't Easy tour. He had the it factor then and still does. I saw Journey (pre Perry) open for BOC it was a "wow" moment. Also Bullangus opening for Deep Purple on the Machine Head tour, good stuff.
Good job on Be-Bop Pete! One of my favourite bands from the 70's for sure. I've been getting the remasters from Esoteric and they're awesome. Bill Nelson, a great and underappreciated guitarist. He has MANY wonderful solo albums too. I agree with Leif Siklossy below ... How about some Moody Blues?!?!
Bill Nelson is a unique genius. One of my top 3 guitarists, and an amazing songwriter and wordsmith. Be Bop were a hell of a band as well, as Live! in the Air Age demonstrates. I did a home-made instrumental cover of Maid in Heaven on my own channel just for fun - I can't sing - but just a tribute for fun. Thanks for bringing his amazing music to more people. I love this series.
Man I owe you!!!! I have been obsessed with Axe Victim for years and never really gave the other albums a chance. I have the entire collection now and I have been playing Modern Music a lot. Very cool recording!!!!
Toronto, October 1977, City Boy opened for Be Bop Deluxe on their Live In The Air Age tour. Concert was held in the Seneca College fieldhouse, a small venue which really enhanced the sound quality. Both bands put on an astounding show. City Boy really charmed the audience with their antics during Dinner at the Ritz. Highlight of the concert was Bill Nelson's extended solo during Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape, jaw dropping performance.
You’re are correct this band is new to me. Although I have heard of them I’ve just never ventured into their albums. I enjoyed the your number one pick at lunch! I really appreciate you covering these lesser known great bands
Brian Westervelt hi Brian, Alan fron Newcastle Uk here. I have been a lifelong fan of the frontman of Be Bop, Bill Nelson. Check these songs (On headphones if you have em) Crank the sound up !! Crying To The Sky Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape Twilight Capers Bring Back The Spark Love In Flames
Brian - Wonder if this is any use? Be Bop Deluxe playlist - previously posted it on this channel about six months ago. First saw Be Bop Deluxe in Summer 1975. Great Show. Bill Nelson’s guitar playing - flawless! Yet another great and unique UK band. :D Be Bop Deluxe - Top 10 + 4 from Bill Nelson’s Red Noise (marked with *). Furniture Music* th-cam.com/video/gm3OgLHALAU/w-d-xo.html Maid In Heaven th-cam.com/video/AS2phjzPCQQ/w-d-xo.html Sister Seagull th-cam.com/video/Ge0xYnXOd6A/w-d-xo.html Crying To he Sky th-cam.com/video/W9Ky8p_p3qg/w-d-xo.html Stage Whispers th-cam.com/video/T4l2NJVDdVM/w-d-xo.html Heavenly Homes th-cam.com/video/5hadMFmHLUU/w-d-xo.html Revolt Into Style* th-cam.com/video/ROD91OW01p0/w-d-xo.html Ships In The Night th-cam.com/video/FSYDqLmnYEA/w-d-xo.html Stay Young* th-cam.com/video/A0E5UMkg9ck/w-d-xo.html Possession th-cam.com/video/mkDmSKTlRkw/w-d-xo.html Third Floor Heaven th-cam.com/video/jXs4cYsBVVY/w-d-xo.html Art/Empire/Industry* th-cam.com/video/PlU7XApPvTM/w-d-xo.html Fair Exchange th-cam.com/video/POK6L7g4AMo/w-d-xo.html New Precision th-cam.com/video/3A-WS34DdKU/w-d-xo.html Life In The Air Age th-cam.com/video/FSLAo0p_lz4/w-d-xo.html Blazing Apostles th-cam.com/video/5XO9PerSsgc/w-d-xo.html Rocket Cathedrals th-cam.com/video/0hI0rq2Uhy0/w-d-xo.html Axe Victim th-cam.com/video/Hhnv8waVC3g/w-d-xo.html Beauty Secrets th-cam.com/video/eOsVqvRHb1E/w-d-xo.html Kiss Of Light th-cam.com/video/ZISHXI0iBy4/w-d-xo.html Jet Silver & The Dolls Of Venus th-cam.com/video/i1Rb1Ra3Usk/w-d-xo.html Jets At Dawn th-cam.com/video/55V_NgbsliY/w-d-xo.html Surreal Estate th-cam.com/video/6_wEwCO4QU0/w-d-xo.html Like An Old Blues th-cam.com/video/-Etj1uslihI/w-d-xo.html
Great, Pete! Thanks! A favorite group of mine. Saw them live three times in the 1970's - always excellent. Here's my ranking with not much wiggle room between the top three: 1. Modern Music 2. Drastic Plastic 3. Sunburst Finish 4. Futurama 5. Axe Victim
Thanks Pete for another great video. BBD was always one of my favorites. Saw them Dallas in ‘76 at the Electric Ballroom. It’s difficult to pick my favorite album, so let’s just say it’s a tie between Axe Victim and Sunburst Finish. I have all of their albums on vinyl and CD, and love every song. Bill also had a solo album (pre-BBD) called Northern Dream. Released in 1971, it was poorly recorded, but every track is a gem, and the album hinted at the real majesty of BBD that would follow.
hi Pete, thank you thank you thank you for the your glowing praise of BBD. they have been in my top ten bands list since 1974. I wish more people would discover them and their unique brand of music and I think this video will so just that. your description of their discography is spot-on and is definitely enticing to anyone interested in music and artists that are not just the same old thing, something that's different and unique, yet still very accessable. I urge anyone who falls into that category to check out BBD and also Bill Nelson's solo albums (especially the first three LPs which sound a lot like BBD).
A while back we where going to ask you to do Be Bop Deluxe and a few others. We quickly realized there is no point, you will get to them all. Thanks Pete.
This surprised me. Thank you! The celticesque guitar break on " fair exchange" is what first caught my attention. Being a fan of all things folk rock. From horslips to thin lizzy to big country. Thanks again. I don't always agree with you but I dont think you want me to!( One of the great things about your posts.)
One of my all time favorites. I was fortunate enough to see them twice in the mid seventies when they were at their peak. The 1st 3 albums are all pretty much neck and neck for me but for the sake of ranking… 1. Futurama 2. Sunburst Finish 3. Axe Victim 4. Modern Music 5. Drastic Plastic Numbers 1,4 and 5 are pretty much going to stay where they are. 2 and 3 could flip flop at any time. Thanks for doing these guys Pete, Great show as always
Futurama to me, was a future, of what rock music was going towards, just a brilliant album. Nobody ever used a piano with distorted guitars and it worked really well. Unfortunately, it never progressed from that. Bill says,"it was slick" who cares? its still a brilliant piece of work! Not a bad song on it.
Madpokey - May be of interest. Be Bop Deluxe playlist - previously posted it on this channel about six months ago. First Saw Be Bop Deluxe in Summer 1975. Great Show. Bill Nelson’s guitar playing - flawless! :D Be Bop Deluxe - Top 10 + 4 from Bill Nelson’s Red Noise (marked with *). Furniture Music* th-cam.com/video/gm3OgLHALAU/w-d-xo.html Maid In Heaven th-cam.com/video/AS2phjzPCQQ/w-d-xo.html Sister Seagull th-cam.com/video/Ge0xYnXOd6A/w-d-xo.html Crying To he Sky th-cam.com/video/W9Ky8p_p3qg/w-d-xo.html Stage Whispers th-cam.com/video/T4l2NJVDdVM/w-d-xo.html Heavenly Homes th-cam.com/video/5hadMFmHLUU/w-d-xo.html Revolt Into Style* th-cam.com/video/ROD91OW01p0/w-d-xo.html Ships In The Night th-cam.com/video/FSYDqLmnYEA/w-d-xo.html Stay Young* th-cam.com/video/A0E5UMkg9ck/w-d-xo.html Possession th-cam.com/video/mkDmSKTlRkw/w-d-xo.html Third Floor Heaven th-cam.com/video/jXs4cYsBVVY/w-d-xo.html Art/Empire/Industry* th-cam.com/video/PlU7XApPvTM/w-d-xo.html Fair Exchange th-cam.com/video/POK6L7g4AMo/w-d-xo.html New Precision th-cam.com/video/3A-WS34DdKU/w-d-xo.html Life In The Air Age th-cam.com/video/FSLAo0p_lz4/w-d-xo.html Blazing Apostles th-cam.com/video/5XO9PerSsgc/w-d-xo.html Rocket Cathedrals th-cam.com/video/0hI0rq2Uhy0/w-d-xo.html Axe Victim th-cam.com/video/Hhnv8waVC3g/w-d-xo.html Beauty Secrets th-cam.com/video/eOsVqvRHb1E/w-d-xo.html Kiss Of Light th-cam.com/video/ZISHXI0iBy4/w-d-xo.html Jet Silver & The Dolls Of Venus th-cam.com/video/i1Rb1Ra3Usk/w-d-xo.html Jets At Dawn th-cam.com/video/55V_NgbsliY/w-d-xo.html Surreal Estate th-cam.com/video/6_wEwCO4QU0/w-d-xo.html Like An Old Blues th-cam.com/video/-Etj1uslihI/w-d-xo.html
Pete, it would be really cool if you made a video about 70s pop songs. Just saw the video about guilty pleasures and you mentioned having collections of these kinds of songs. Also, people have started listening to those tunes again due to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies (you could also mention the movies in the video title to attract more views, i don't know). Cheers from Brazil!
Never get tired of these - and I don’t feel even a tiny bit guilty about it! :D The Kinks - ‘Father Christmas’ (1977) th-cam.com/video/i2X0JzlO8SM/w-d-xo.html Kiki Dee - Star (1981 UK#13) th-cam.com/video/SxIJstlf6Xg/w-d-xo.html Hot Chocolate - ‘You Could Have Been A Lady’ (1971 UK#22) th-cam.com/video/Crah03cp3HU/w-d-xo.html Barry Ryan - Can’t Let You Go (1972 UK#32) th-cam.com/video/mGWiwWMwRas/w-d-xo.html The Marmalade - Radancer (1972 UK#06) th-cam.com/video/rB1OH82Ivsk/w-d-xo.html Bread - ‘Let Your Love Go’ (1971 US#28) th-cam.com/video/sp9B1FodnkI/w-d-xo.html Pagliaro - Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy (1972 UK#31 ) th-cam.com/video/Lsqv_ooI0uI/w-d-xo.html Rare Earth - ‘Hey Big Brother’ (1972 US#19) th-cam.com/video/PgXYr6jYwxE/w-d-xo.html Small Faces - ‘Lazy Sunday’ (1968 UK#02 - US#114) th-cam.com/video/_myVdnqZAgc/w-d-xo.html Nik Kershaw - The Riddle (1984 UK#3) th-cam.com/video/jBqbr53hToA/w-d-xo.html Madness - ‘House Of Fun’ (1982 UK#01) th-cam.com/video/GJ2X9SANsME/w-d-xo.html (Sir) Cliff Richard - ‘Silvery Rain’ (1971 #27)) th-cam.com/video/YQrz2oaTcf0/w-d-xo.html Howard Jones - ‘What Is Love?’ (1983 UK#02-US#33) th-cam.com/video/4mZtFtWpNag/w-d-xo.html Sarah Brightman - ‘I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper’ (1978 UK#06) th-cam.com/video/GzoSYLCr-Ts/w-d-xo.html Blur - ‘Parklife’ (1994 UK#10) th-cam.com/video/YSuHrTfcikU/w-d-xo.html Dave And Ansell Collins’ - 'Double Barrel’ (1971 UK#01 - US#22) th-cam.com/video/WXaO5aK7G5c/w-d-xo.html Chris De Burgh - ‘A Saceman Came Travelling’ (1986 UK#40) th-cam.com/video/cZTcQLj8BBA/w-d-xo.html Tubeway Army - ‘Are Friends Electric’ (1979 UK#01) th-cam.com/video/lllHxxj_Yhc/w-d-xo.html Andrew Brown/Trevor Preston - ‘Tarot’ (Theme To TV series Ace Of Wands 1971) th-cam.com/video/MuEA2MW_S1U/w-d-xo.html Ron Grainer And Victoria Derbyshire - ‘Dr. Who TV Theme’ (1963) th-cam.com/video/75V4ClJZME4/w-d-xo.html Gerry And Sylvia Anderson - ‘Captain Scarlett TV Soundtrack’ th-cam.com/video/wV6m9NlsOJ4/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Pete, nice to see that this fine band are still remembered. Never quite made it into the big league, but a fine body of work for the most part. 1 Futurama 2 Sunburst Finish 3 Modern Music 4 Axe Victim 5 Drastic Plastic.
Good morning Brother Pete, one of my favorite bands of all time. I truly wished that I was old enough to had seen this band in the 70’s. I’m sharing this on my Facebook page as well. 1. Sunburst Finish ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2. Live In The Air Age ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3. Futurama ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5️⃣ 4. Axe Victim ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5. Modern Music ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6. Drastic Plastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks Pete! What a fascinating sound this band has. I wonder if you have the albums of the Moody Blues. I’d love to see a top 10 songs of the Moody Blues.
How overlooked this band is, is evident in my generation for suuure (90s kid). Never heard them, never had any of their albums handed to me by my father who showed me "the way" in terms of music. Thanks to Chuck bringing up be bop in one of the in the prog seat episodes I made a note as they seemed so loved by you Pete and Chuck. Happy to say I've found axe victim and sunburst finish on vinyl in the past 2 weeks. I listened to axe on Spotify just to check then out and fell in love haha, then sunburst blew me away... legit sounds like one of the top art rock/prog albums that came out of that Era hands down. I've been missing out! Listening to them heavily now.... hope to find the live album on CD very soon for at home but especially in the car 🤟 have yet to hear it I'm stoked for when I do
Love them! 1. Futurama 2. Axe Victim 3. Modern Music 4. Sunburst Finish 5. Drastic Plastic I really dig Bill Nelson's Red Noise "Sound on Sound" album also. He also had some new agey, soundscape album that were quite beautiful. Thanx for the video
Thanks for this one Pete. Be Bop Deluxe was an amazing group of talented and eclectic top tier players. Bill Nelson is one of my favorite guitarists ever. Live In The Air Age is the first album I heard of theirs and it hooked me right away, and I'm more of a hard rock guy. Definitely one of the finest live albums I've heard. He could play like a virtuoso and sing like a bird at the same time. He had a big array of different guitar sounds and effects-check out the incredible seagull sounds he makes on the live version of Sister Seagull. My choice for his best recorded leads are Crying To The Sky from Sunburst Finish (probably inspired Prince!) and Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape from the live album. Both soar!
Sunburst Finish still knocks me out. On Ships In The Night you hear instruments float from one channel to the next, and the guitar solos are mixed louder than the rest of the song on Crying to the Sky and I don't remember hearing other bands do that.
I missed this show the first time around. Huge Be Bop Deluxe fan. I agree with your order, would bring up Axe Victim by 1. Should have mentioned Shine on the live album.
Listened to this band a lot in the 70s. Still sound fresh today, as well. Rankings are spot on and agreed top 3 could change likeabilty order upon any given listen.
Thanks Pete love Be Bop Deluxe only really gotten into a few years back. Love Modern Music myself best the title track just adore especially radio into .
After noticing their records for almost 50(!) years I finally bought Sunburst Finish at the used record store, your review is spot on. Certainly Bowie-esque with some Roxy thrown in but really quite unique, with amazing guitar work 🎸👍
Great job, Pete! I would have flipped #1 and # 2 but either way works fine. I got to see BBD live a couple of times in their heyday. They were the opening act both times and I don't even remember who the headliners were. After BBD, they weren't worth sitting through. The second time I saw them they purportedly were using all borrowed/rented electronic equipment. Some dregs of semi-humanity stole their equipment truck in total. They still killed it. That ES335 floating around the auditorium during 'Sister Seagull' was unforgettable. Rock on.
Thanks for the great review Pete. Think you nailed it in the intro to the band. Bill Nelson's playing is just so fluid and pleasing to the ear. Maybe similar to Steve Hillage if one must make comparisons. Their songs are always so fresh and never overdone, in my opinion. Should have been far more successful.
Hello PETE...ZSEEN THEM at the Capitol theater passaic NJ. Tight hot live band.i drummed in a Jersey cover band ha who didn't we covered ships in the night..thanks for mentioning cuts off the lps.
Was really baked hearing a new live lp with a pentogram on the cover was all i could recall when i went to buy it. Picked up live in the air age. Wow. Never did buy the Rush lp. Was my intro as here they are unheard of. Sunburst is fav studio
Another Bill Nelson/Be bop deluxe fan here since they started in the seventies..there are still a few of us about and he is still producing great music through the net and his band the gentleman rocketeers.Live in the air age,Sunburst finish Axe victim/modern music,drastic plastic....
Don't understand why this band wasn't hugely popular, they were so good Bill Nelson great guitarist, singer and writer had it all !! Another Major talent to skip Under the Radar Rankings sre 1 - Modern music 2 - Sunburst Finish 3 - Futurama 4 - Axe victim Awesome job Pete. Looking Forward to your James Gang Rankings.Cheers dude.
Thanks for that Pete; never forgotten band in my neighbourhood. You mention Roxy Music who had a much longer career and put out many fine albums. Their early experimental releases get all the attention, for good reason, but many of their later albums were very under-rated. Bryan Ferry ranks up there with Bowie in my book and he's never put a foot wrong. One of the greatest British bands of the 70s and beyond.
Great List... Dig that you pointed out their live album, I still spin that album a lot. Black Widow ... Let the Sabbat Begin!!!! Right on, waiting for that show... If Tommy Iommi was in Jethro Tull?
One of my favourite bands Pete! I actually really liked Drastic Plastic. Loved how quirky it was, back when music was changing towards a more New Wave direction. (But thankfully, my tastes stayed in a more harder rock area, although I really dig some bands that are considered New Wave). Started with that one back in '78 (when I was 17) and went backwards into their albums. Ha. Modern Music and Sunburst Finish run neck and neck for my favourite. (Depending on the week I'm asked). The Cherry Red records expanded editions of their catalogue are great! Very nice packages. Bill Nelson was one of Randy Rhoads' many admired guitarists. Love your show!
What do you think about the “Live! Life in the air age” album? I hadn’t heard of them before and found it in a record shop, in the basement of this huge antique shop. I honestly think a fair few of those live versions are better than studio
Thanks for ranking the Be Bop Deluxe albums, Pete - next up would, imo, naturally be you ranking he studio catalogue of 10CC. Cheers from Denmark - stay healthy!!! ...
1. Futurama 2. Axe Victim 3. Modern Music 4. Sunburst Finish 5. Drastic Plastic Pete - Appreciate you giving BBD the recognition and attention they deserve. Disagree fiercely with your placement of Axe Victim at #4. The title track and No Trains To Heaven are guitar scorchers. Also, Futurama is a guitar lover's wet dream. Reconsidah!
Nice list. My personal rankings 1) Sunburst Finish 2) Axe Victim 3) Futurama 4) Modern Music 5) Drastic Plastic. And the live record should be up there in Top 10 category for "Best live albums of the 70's". The guitar work on "Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape" is remarkable. More folks need to hear this band!!
Randy Rhoads said Bill nelson was a big influence, l can certainly here it on mr Crowley and other tracks and Randy had a similar tone, loved be bop axe victim 1973 when l first heard saw them 75 Bill nelsons guitar playing and song writing will live forever in my heart ❤️ i❤️❤️❤️
I first saw bbd way back in '75....I was in a pub I shouldn't have been there as I was 14 years old,my brother smuggled me in and I was blown away by the band and hooked on rock music for life.......or is it prog?!!! Futurama is a classic.
Here we go: 5) Drastic Plastic (Not bad, but so different.) 4) Sunburst Finish (John Leckie's production on this is great.) 3) Futurama 2) Modern Music ("Bring Back the Spark" is a favorite of mine from this one.) 1) Axe Victim (A really good arty, rockin' record. "Jet Silver..." always gets me.) Thanks for the list, Pete!
Live! In the Air Age was by far, their best album. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape in particular is my hands down favorite piece of music and has been that way since I first heard it in like 1979.
If your a guitar player you have to listen to the Album Live in the air age the track "Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape" mate, it will blow you away,, my favourite guitar solo of all time, hope you like it, Peace.
one of the things with BEBOP Deluxe is that 'the better the stereo, the better the band is'...if you can slam it,..you are blessed. Life in the air age is a great cut...and Ships In the Night jump off the page to my tastes. I have a white vinyl copy of Drastic Plastic which is cool as hell.
I'm from Ossett and was in the 6th form from 77 to 79. My best friend's younger brother's girlfriend claimed that her eldest sister had gone out with Bill. Plausible.
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My girlfriend bought me an amazing pair of AIWA HP 30 headphones for my 18th birthday in '76 (we married at 20, and she's been my 'first' wife for 42 years) and I listened to the amazing Sunburst Finish through those amazing headphones a thousand times. The reason I labour this point is that Nelson is a great production technician and creates really dynamic soundstages which are fully emphasized when hearing through top headphones and not matched by hifi without spending thousands of pounds or dollars. From start to finish, as well as the songs being from full to bursting, the production makes you think that substances might have been ingested by oneself - I can't be more specific as to what sort of chemistry because we English boys, typically, started drinking beer in the 70s by 16 and were fully legal at 18, so most never sought marijuana or pills during a wait to get to 21 because alcohol was already the quotidian drug of choice - and it still is for the majority - hence the popularity of pubs in our culture. The thing about the Be Bop Deluxe albums is that they really lend themselves to listening to from start to finish in a single sitting, controlling ones' moods on what feels like a pre-arranged journey of exposition. Live In The Air Age is a must to listen to as well, as it shows just how great they were as a live band and for the musos, just how brilliant they were at improvisation, and none more than Bill Nelson himself - for many years - and I'm a huge Blackmore-Purple fan - I had no solo as favourite above that on the live Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape, which I really must have listened to a thousand times. Pure pleasure.
Drastic Plastic was the first Red Noise album, really much more like Sound on Sound than Modern Music. They are all great and I can't argue with your chosen order of merit.
Grew up listening to them on John Peel a UK radio show. Axe Victim was a fave. Any of those 3 top ones would be my favourite. They were a joy to watch. Nelsonsvsoaring the and Charlie Tumahais great vocals and solid playing
They have a big stack of Be Bop d e luxe, Utopia and Van Den Graff .. For a dollar each in my local thrift store and I'm picking am up tomorrow ,cheers pete!!!
Really enjoyed this. been a fan of BBD since early 80s. The catalogue is small but mighty. My personal #1 is Modern Music. I just find it a masterpiece that flows perfectly. From a prog perspective - I agree Sunburst is a gem. Bill nelson underrated guitarist. I also appreciate the underlying bowie, queen, Roxy influence
Thank you for the info. I have Sunburst Finish and Axe Victim but have never really dove into their music. On a side note...if you haven’t...check out Rosalie Cunningham’s solo album from last year. It’s the best psychedelic heavy rock that I have heard in years. Cheers...I am a newbie but I am really enjoying your videos.
Kevin - Wonder if this fills in some gaps? Be Bop Deluxe playlist - previously posted it on this channel about six months ago. First saw Be Bop Deluxe in Summer 1975. Great Show. Bill Nelson’s guitar playing - flawless! :D Be Bop Deluxe - Top 10 + 4 from Bill Nelson’s Red Noise (marked with *). Furniture Music* th-cam.com/video/gm3OgLHALAU/w-d-xo.html Maid In Heaven th-cam.com/video/AS2phjzPCQQ/w-d-xo.html Sister Seagull th-cam.com/video/Ge0xYnXOd6A/w-d-xo.html Crying To he Sky th-cam.com/video/W9Ky8p_p3qg/w-d-xo.html Stage Whispers th-cam.com/video/T4l2NJVDdVM/w-d-xo.html Heavenly Homes th-cam.com/video/5hadMFmHLUU/w-d-xo.html Revolt Into Style* th-cam.com/video/ROD91OW01p0/w-d-xo.html Ships In The Night th-cam.com/video/FSYDqLmnYEA/w-d-xo.html Stay Young* th-cam.com/video/A0E5UMkg9ck/w-d-xo.html Possession th-cam.com/video/mkDmSKTlRkw/w-d-xo.html Third Floor Heaven th-cam.com/video/jXs4cYsBVVY/w-d-xo.html Art/Empire/Industry* th-cam.com/video/PlU7XApPvTM/w-d-xo.html Fair Exchange th-cam.com/video/POK6L7g4AMo/w-d-xo.html New Precision th-cam.com/video/3A-WS34DdKU/w-d-xo.html Life In The Air Age th-cam.com/video/FSLAo0p_lz4/w-d-xo.html Blazing Apostles th-cam.com/video/5XO9PerSsgc/w-d-xo.html Rocket Cathedrals th-cam.com/video/0hI0rq2Uhy0/w-d-xo.html Axe Victim th-cam.com/video/Hhnv8waVC3g/w-d-xo.html Beauty Secrets th-cam.com/video/eOsVqvRHb1E/w-d-xo.html Kiss Of Light th-cam.com/video/ZISHXI0iBy4/w-d-xo.html Jet Silver & The Dolls Of Venus th-cam.com/video/i1Rb1Ra3Usk/w-d-xo.html Jets At Dawn th-cam.com/video/55V_NgbsliY/w-d-xo.html Surreal Estate th-cam.com/video/6_wEwCO4QU0/w-d-xo.html Like An Old Blues th-cam.com/video/-Etj1uslihI/w-d-xo.html
I owned the white Hoyer Les Paul on the rear cover of Ace Victim for years by way of the late great Stuart Adamson,, had it completely restored, swore I would never sell it but a few years back The fan club wanted to return it to Bill,, how could I say no. I heard Live in the air age as a teenager, I've never recovered, you can pick out Page, Moore solos pretty quickly but even after all these years the Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape solo is still so hard to get down, unique mix of rock blues with a slice of jazz thrown in the but still available so melodic!! all at blistering speed, Amazing still!
Great band, my brother worked as a roadie in the 70's for Be bop, he took me along to one of their gigs. Bill was one of the coolest and most pleasant people that I ever met. He made sure I had plenty of pop.. (soda) and snacks. I have nothing but love for the guy❤️
Bills playing on the album live in the air age is unsurpassed. The pinnacle of guitar playing, in particular adventures in a yorkshire landscape (live version). The greatest guitar solo from the greatest guitarist of all time.
M 100% & Andy Clark's Keyboard playing
I'm friends with Nick Chatterton Dew who played drums on AXE Victim. Nick played drums in my Dad's Blues Band and lives around the corner from me in Lincolnshire 😊
Hi Pete great band thought everyone had forgotten about them saw them a few times live and a great live band l met Bill Nelson in the early days comes from Wakefield Yorkshire my Wife and his Wife worked in the same small hotel before he hit the big time his Wife Janice is on the Blazing Apostles track,thanks.Tony
And isn't she the Sunburst cover girl
YES YES YES! Bill Nelson is an unsung guitar hero. Love Live in the Air Age for its music and its cover.
Genghis Kant yes! Best cover ever. I know, i couldnt agree more. So unsung
It's Life In The The Air Age.
@@gorgalwindsor Live!
@@gorgalwindsor The song was called life in the air age but the album being a live album was called live in the air age
Simply..........Brilliant !
Sunburst Finish is not just their greatest album but also one of the best rock albums of the 70's. Had the pleasure of meeting Bill Nelson, have a chat and get this album autographed. One of the nicest people that I've ever met, friendly, down to earth and completely unassuming because he really is a genius.
Pete, thanks so much for turning me on to these guys!! I'm friggin' obsessed! Love your channel, watch all the time🤘
Love your videos Pete and hearing your thoughts on all these classic heavy rock and prog bands, it's helping me get through the lockdown. Stay safe and keep them coming!
Great as always Pete.
I saw them on the modern music tour and also on the drastic plastic tour here in the UK.
I am sure they played since I've been loving you live too.
I love Bill Nelson’s tone on Axe Victim: running an Echoplex in front of a cranked up amp for those saturated echo repeats. Also check out Alex Lifeson‘s use of the echoplex in this manner on the live, All the Worlds a Stage.
Michael Ondrusek i know, i do too. Couldnt agree more!
The echoplex was a great toy. I had a couple of them. Fantastic. And fairly reliable however I never took one on the road.
third floor heaven,jet silver et al!!
Highly overlooked band. As I recall, only one radio station in LA played them but they did play them a lot. One of my all time favorites
Great video Pete. My ranking is the same as yours. I posted a link to your video in the Bill Nelson/BBD facebook group and it's been well received. Looking forward to the upcoming Axe Victim box set.
1) Live In The Air Age One of the best live albums ever.
2) Sunburst Finish
3) Futurama
4) Modern Music
5) Axe Victim
6) Drastic Plastic
Great band to see live. Really tight. Great tunes. Fantastic stage presence.
I cannot and will not ever rate their albums because they are all number one to me. This band was incredible. I saw them at the Montreal forum in the seventies. They will always be one of my favorite bands ever!! Thanks so much for doing this video.😀
Sunburst Finish is one of those albums where everything works. One of my all time favorites. Sadly I never got to see them live. I did have a topic maybe. How about seeing a band that you never heard of that turned out to be great. My first concert was Boz Scaggs opening for Three Dog Night on the It Ain't Easy tour. He had the it factor then and still does. I saw Journey (pre Perry) open for BOC it was a "wow" moment. Also Bullangus opening for Deep Purple on the Machine Head tour, good stuff.
Great Pete , loved them for years, classic and underrated unique British band 🤘🏻
Excellent band. If you never listened to them - I'd recommend trying the live album first. Overall I feel their best album
Axe Victom , is hands down My fav!!, rocket cathreadles along with the title track are high points!
I cant get RC out my head... learning it at the moment.
Saw them back in 1978 at Newcastle city hall. Brilliant band. Nelson’s guitar work outstanding.
I was also at that gig 👍
Good job on Be-Bop Pete! One of my favourite bands from the 70's for sure. I've been getting the remasters from Esoteric and they're awesome.
Bill Nelson, a great and underappreciated guitarist. He has MANY wonderful solo albums too.
I agree with Leif Siklossy below ... How about some Moody Blues?!?!
Bill Nelson is a unique genius. One of my top 3 guitarists, and an amazing songwriter and wordsmith. Be Bop were a hell of a band as well, as Live! in the Air Age demonstrates. I did a home-made instrumental cover of Maid in Heaven on my own channel just for fun - I can't sing - but just a tribute for fun. Thanks for bringing his amazing music to more people. I love this series.
Man I owe you!!!! I have been obsessed with Axe Victim for years and never really gave the other albums a chance. I have the entire collection now and I have been playing Modern Music a lot. Very cool recording!!!!
One of my all time favorite bands! Back in the 70’s , I introduced all of my friends to this great band.
Thanks for talking about this band. I'm not familiar with them but I'll be checking them out. Rock On!
Great discussion! Another band that I'd never heard of, but now feel like I MUST!
I only have Axe Victim in my collection but not listened to it many times. Time to give it a spin. City Boy next, Pete!
Luv! Bill Nelson and Be Bop Deluxe! Top of my list!!! Next I luv City Boy...❤
Toronto, October 1977, City Boy opened for Be Bop Deluxe on their Live In The Air Age tour. Concert was held in the Seneca College fieldhouse, a small venue which really enhanced the sound quality. Both bands put on an astounding show. City Boy really charmed the audience with their antics during Dinner at the Ritz. Highlight of the concert was Bill Nelson's extended solo during Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape, jaw dropping performance.
You’re are correct this band is new to me. Although I have heard of them I’ve just never ventured into their albums. I enjoyed the your number one pick at lunch! I really appreciate you covering these lesser known great bands
Brian Westervelt hi Brian, Alan fron Newcastle Uk here. I have been a lifelong fan of the frontman of Be Bop, Bill Nelson.
Check these songs (On headphones if you have em) Crank the sound up !!
Crying To The Sky
Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape
Twilight Capers
Bring Back The Spark
Love In Flames
Alan Cawthorne thanks Alan was just checking out Bill Nelson discography. He has a ton of albums
Brian - Wonder if this is any use? Be Bop Deluxe playlist - previously posted it on this channel about six months ago. First saw Be Bop Deluxe in Summer 1975. Great Show. Bill Nelson’s guitar playing - flawless! Yet another great and unique UK band. :D
Be Bop Deluxe - Top 10 + 4 from Bill Nelson’s Red Noise (marked with *).
Furniture Music* th-cam.com/video/gm3OgLHALAU/w-d-xo.html
Maid In Heaven th-cam.com/video/AS2phjzPCQQ/w-d-xo.html
Sister Seagull th-cam.com/video/Ge0xYnXOd6A/w-d-xo.html
Crying To he Sky th-cam.com/video/W9Ky8p_p3qg/w-d-xo.html
Stage Whispers th-cam.com/video/T4l2NJVDdVM/w-d-xo.html
Heavenly Homes th-cam.com/video/5hadMFmHLUU/w-d-xo.html
Revolt Into Style* th-cam.com/video/ROD91OW01p0/w-d-xo.html
Ships In The Night th-cam.com/video/FSYDqLmnYEA/w-d-xo.html
Stay Young* th-cam.com/video/A0E5UMkg9ck/w-d-xo.html
Possession th-cam.com/video/mkDmSKTlRkw/w-d-xo.html
Third Floor Heaven th-cam.com/video/jXs4cYsBVVY/w-d-xo.html
Art/Empire/Industry* th-cam.com/video/PlU7XApPvTM/w-d-xo.html
Fair Exchange th-cam.com/video/POK6L7g4AMo/w-d-xo.html
New Precision th-cam.com/video/3A-WS34DdKU/w-d-xo.html
Life In The Air Age th-cam.com/video/FSLAo0p_lz4/w-d-xo.html
Blazing Apostles th-cam.com/video/5XO9PerSsgc/w-d-xo.html
Rocket Cathedrals th-cam.com/video/0hI0rq2Uhy0/w-d-xo.html
Axe Victim th-cam.com/video/Hhnv8waVC3g/w-d-xo.html
Beauty Secrets th-cam.com/video/eOsVqvRHb1E/w-d-xo.html
Kiss Of Light th-cam.com/video/ZISHXI0iBy4/w-d-xo.html
Jet Silver & The
Dolls Of Venus th-cam.com/video/i1Rb1Ra3Usk/w-d-xo.html
Jets At Dawn th-cam.com/video/55V_NgbsliY/w-d-xo.html
Surreal Estate th-cam.com/video/6_wEwCO4QU0/w-d-xo.html
Like An Old Blues th-cam.com/video/-Etj1uslihI/w-d-xo.html
Arthur Price wow yes thanks will dive into this list this weekend! Very much appreciated 😀
Great, Pete! Thanks! A favorite group of mine. Saw them live three times in the 1970's - always excellent. Here's my ranking with not much wiggle room between the top three:
1. Modern Music
2. Drastic Plastic
3. Sunburst Finish
4. Futurama
5. Axe Victim
Thanks Pete for another great video. BBD was always one of my favorites. Saw them Dallas in ‘76 at the Electric Ballroom. It’s difficult to pick my favorite album, so let’s just say it’s a tie between Axe Victim and Sunburst Finish. I have all of their albums on vinyl and CD, and love every song. Bill also had a solo album (pre-BBD) called Northern Dream. Released in 1971, it was poorly recorded, but every track is a gem, and the album hinted at the real majesty of BBD that would follow.
Yes, Northern Dream hinted at the greatness to come for Bill Nelson.
I came to BBD through Bill Nelson's solo work back in the late 80s. Completely blew me away. My rankings mimic yours.
hi Pete, thank you thank you thank you for the your glowing praise of BBD. they have been in my top ten bands list since 1974. I wish more people would discover them and their unique brand of music and I think this video will so just that. your description of their discography is spot-on and is definitely enticing to anyone interested in music and artists that are not just the same old thing, something that's different and unique, yet still very accessable. I urge anyone who falls into that category to check out BBD and also Bill Nelson's solo albums (especially the first three LPs which sound a lot like BBD).
A while back we where going to ask you to do Be Bop Deluxe and a few others. We quickly realized there is no point, you will get to them all. Thanks Pete.
This surprised me. Thank you! The celticesque guitar break on " fair exchange" is what first caught my attention. Being a fan of all things folk rock. From horslips to thin lizzy to big country. Thanks again. I don't always agree with you but I dont think you want me to!( One of the great things about your posts.)
One of my all time favorites. I was fortunate enough to see them twice in the mid seventies when they were at their peak. The 1st 3 albums are all pretty much neck and neck for me but for the sake of ranking…
1. Futurama
2. Sunburst Finish
3. Axe Victim
4. Modern Music
5. Drastic Plastic
Numbers 1,4 and 5 are pretty much going to stay where they are. 2 and 3 could flip flop at any time. Thanks for doing these guys Pete, Great show as always
Awesome picks!
Stick Live in the Air Age at the top though.
My exact picks as well.
Futurama to me, was a future, of what rock music was going towards, just a brilliant album. Nobody ever used a piano with distorted guitars and it worked really well. Unfortunately, it never progressed from that. Bill says,"it was slick" who cares? its still a brilliant piece of work! Not a bad song on it.
Hey, Pete, thanks for introducing me to yet another new band! You rock!
Madpokey - May be of interest. Be Bop Deluxe playlist - previously posted it on this channel about six months ago. First Saw Be Bop Deluxe in Summer 1975. Great Show. Bill Nelson’s guitar playing - flawless! :D
Be Bop Deluxe - Top 10 + 4 from Bill Nelson’s Red Noise (marked with *).
Furniture Music* th-cam.com/video/gm3OgLHALAU/w-d-xo.html
Maid In Heaven th-cam.com/video/AS2phjzPCQQ/w-d-xo.html
Sister Seagull th-cam.com/video/Ge0xYnXOd6A/w-d-xo.html
Crying To he Sky th-cam.com/video/W9Ky8p_p3qg/w-d-xo.html
Stage Whispers th-cam.com/video/T4l2NJVDdVM/w-d-xo.html
Heavenly Homes th-cam.com/video/5hadMFmHLUU/w-d-xo.html
Revolt Into Style* th-cam.com/video/ROD91OW01p0/w-d-xo.html
Ships In The Night th-cam.com/video/FSYDqLmnYEA/w-d-xo.html
Stay Young* th-cam.com/video/A0E5UMkg9ck/w-d-xo.html
Possession th-cam.com/video/mkDmSKTlRkw/w-d-xo.html
Third Floor Heaven th-cam.com/video/jXs4cYsBVVY/w-d-xo.html
Art/Empire/Industry* th-cam.com/video/PlU7XApPvTM/w-d-xo.html
Fair Exchange th-cam.com/video/POK6L7g4AMo/w-d-xo.html
New Precision th-cam.com/video/3A-WS34DdKU/w-d-xo.html
Life In The Air Age th-cam.com/video/FSLAo0p_lz4/w-d-xo.html
Blazing Apostles th-cam.com/video/5XO9PerSsgc/w-d-xo.html
Rocket Cathedrals th-cam.com/video/0hI0rq2Uhy0/w-d-xo.html
Axe Victim th-cam.com/video/Hhnv8waVC3g/w-d-xo.html
Beauty Secrets th-cam.com/video/eOsVqvRHb1E/w-d-xo.html
Kiss Of Light th-cam.com/video/ZISHXI0iBy4/w-d-xo.html
Jet Silver & The
Dolls Of Venus th-cam.com/video/i1Rb1Ra3Usk/w-d-xo.html
Jets At Dawn th-cam.com/video/55V_NgbsliY/w-d-xo.html
Surreal Estate th-cam.com/video/6_wEwCO4QU0/w-d-xo.html
Like An Old Blues th-cam.com/video/-Etj1uslihI/w-d-xo.html
Pete, it would be really cool if you made a video about 70s pop songs. Just saw the video about guilty pleasures and you mentioned having collections of these kinds of songs. Also, people have started listening to those tunes again due to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies (you could also mention the movies in the video title to attract more views, i don't know). Cheers from Brazil!
Never get tired of these - and I don’t feel even a tiny bit guilty about it! :D
The Kinks - ‘Father Christmas’ (1977) th-cam.com/video/i2X0JzlO8SM/w-d-xo.html
Kiki Dee - Star (1981 UK#13) th-cam.com/video/SxIJstlf6Xg/w-d-xo.html
Hot Chocolate - ‘You Could Have Been A Lady’ (1971 UK#22)
th-cam.com/video/Crah03cp3HU/w-d-xo.html
Barry Ryan - Can’t Let You Go (1972 UK#32)
th-cam.com/video/mGWiwWMwRas/w-d-xo.html
The Marmalade - Radancer (1972 UK#06) th-cam.com/video/rB1OH82Ivsk/w-d-xo.html
Bread - ‘Let Your Love Go’ (1971 US#28) th-cam.com/video/sp9B1FodnkI/w-d-xo.html
Pagliaro - Lovin’ You Ain’t Easy (1972 UK#31 ) th-cam.com/video/Lsqv_ooI0uI/w-d-xo.html
Rare Earth - ‘Hey Big Brother’ (1972 US#19) th-cam.com/video/PgXYr6jYwxE/w-d-xo.html
Small Faces - ‘Lazy Sunday’ (1968 UK#02 - US#114)
th-cam.com/video/_myVdnqZAgc/w-d-xo.html
Nik Kershaw - The Riddle (1984 UK#3) th-cam.com/video/jBqbr53hToA/w-d-xo.html
Madness - ‘House Of Fun’ (1982 UK#01)
th-cam.com/video/GJ2X9SANsME/w-d-xo.html
(Sir) Cliff Richard - ‘Silvery Rain’ (1971 #27)) th-cam.com/video/YQrz2oaTcf0/w-d-xo.html
Howard Jones - ‘What Is Love?’ (1983 UK#02-US#33)
th-cam.com/video/4mZtFtWpNag/w-d-xo.html
Sarah Brightman - ‘I Lost My Heart To A Starship Trooper’ (1978 UK#06)
th-cam.com/video/GzoSYLCr-Ts/w-d-xo.html
Blur - ‘Parklife’ (1994 UK#10) th-cam.com/video/YSuHrTfcikU/w-d-xo.html
Dave And Ansell Collins’ - 'Double Barrel’ (1971 UK#01 - US#22)
th-cam.com/video/WXaO5aK7G5c/w-d-xo.html
Chris De Burgh - ‘A Saceman Came Travelling’ (1986 UK#40)
th-cam.com/video/cZTcQLj8BBA/w-d-xo.html
Tubeway Army - ‘Are Friends Electric’ (1979 UK#01)
th-cam.com/video/lllHxxj_Yhc/w-d-xo.html
Andrew Brown/Trevor Preston - ‘Tarot’ (Theme To TV series Ace Of Wands 1971)
th-cam.com/video/MuEA2MW_S1U/w-d-xo.html
Ron Grainer And Victoria Derbyshire - ‘Dr. Who TV Theme’ (1963)
th-cam.com/video/75V4ClJZME4/w-d-xo.html
Gerry And Sylvia Anderson - ‘Captain Scarlett TV Soundtrack’
th-cam.com/video/wV6m9NlsOJ4/w-d-xo.html
@@arthurprice603 Wow thanks!! I'll give a listen to all of those! I do not feel guilty about it either hahaha
Thanks Pete, nice to see that this fine band are still remembered. Never quite made it into the big league, but a fine body of work for the most part.
1 Futurama
2 Sunburst Finish
3 Modern Music
4 Axe Victim
5 Drastic Plastic.
Good morning Brother Pete, one of my favorite bands of all time. I truly wished that I was old enough to had seen this band in the 70’s. I’m sharing this on my Facebook page as well.
1. Sunburst Finish ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Live In The Air Age ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Futurama ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5️⃣
4. Axe Victim ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. Modern Music ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
6. Drastic Plastic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such an underrated band. Bill Nelson is a wonderful guitarist. Thanks Pete.
Killer band, great guitarist and great songwriting !!! I’d rank Them exactly as you did Pete, first time for that !
Thanks Pete! What a fascinating sound this band has. I wonder if you have the albums of the Moody Blues. I’d love to see a top 10 songs of the Moody Blues.
How overlooked this band is, is evident in my generation for suuure (90s kid). Never heard them, never had any of their albums handed to me by my father who showed me "the way" in terms of music. Thanks to Chuck bringing up be bop in one of the in the prog seat episodes I made a note as they seemed so loved by you Pete and Chuck. Happy to say I've found axe victim and sunburst finish on vinyl in the past 2 weeks. I listened to axe on Spotify just to check then out and fell in love haha, then sunburst blew me away... legit sounds like one of the top art rock/prog albums that came out of that Era hands down. I've been missing out! Listening to them heavily now.... hope to find the live album on CD very soon for at home but especially in the car 🤟 have yet to hear it I'm stoked for when I do
Love them!
1. Futurama
2. Axe Victim
3. Modern Music
4. Sunburst Finish
5. Drastic Plastic
I really dig Bill Nelson's Red Noise "Sound on Sound" album also. He also had some new agey, soundscape album that were quite beautiful. Thanx for the video
Thanks for this one Pete. Be Bop Deluxe was an amazing group of talented and eclectic top tier players. Bill Nelson is one of my favorite guitarists ever. Live In The Air Age is the first album I heard of theirs and it hooked me right away, and I'm more of a hard rock guy. Definitely one of the finest live albums I've heard. He could play like a virtuoso and sing like a bird at the same time. He had a big array of different guitar sounds and effects-check out the incredible seagull sounds he makes on the live version of Sister Seagull. My choice for his best recorded leads are Crying To The Sky from Sunburst Finish (probably inspired Prince!) and Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape from the live album. Both soar!
As much as I agree with his synopsis of Drastic Plastic, I still think New Precision is one of BBDs best tunes.
Yes, Prince has stated that he was a big admirer of Bill Nelson's playing.
Sunburst Finish still knocks me out. On Ships In The Night you hear instruments float from one channel to the next, and the guitar solos are mixed louder than the rest of the song on Crying to the Sky and I don't remember hearing other bands do that.
great breakdown, Pete, thanks
Great to see more people discovering this often overlooked band!
I missed this show the first time around. Huge Be Bop Deluxe fan. I agree with your order, would bring up Axe Victim by 1. Should have mentioned Shine on the live album.
Listened to this band a lot in the 70s. Still sound fresh today, as well. Rankings are spot on and agreed top 3 could change likeabilty order upon any given listen.
Thanks Pete love Be Bop Deluxe only really gotten into a few years back. Love Modern Music myself best the title track just adore especially radio into .
After noticing their records for almost 50(!) years I finally bought Sunburst Finish at the used record store, your review is spot on. Certainly Bowie-esque with some Roxy thrown in but really quite unique, with amazing guitar work
🎸👍
Great job, Pete! I would have flipped #1 and # 2 but either way works fine. I got to see BBD live a couple of times in their heyday. They were the opening act both times and I don't even remember who the headliners were. After BBD, they weren't worth sitting through. The second time I saw them they purportedly were using all borrowed/rented electronic equipment. Some dregs of semi-humanity stole their equipment truck in total. They still killed it. That ES335 floating around the auditorium during 'Sister Seagull' was unforgettable. Rock on.
1 Futurama
2 Axe Victim
3 Sunburst Finish
4 Modern Music
5 Drastic Plastic
Marcelo B thats my order
Be Bop Deluxe are AMAZING
Futurama is my favourite album. I have that and the Hot Valves EP. Used to have Sunburst Finish and Axe Victim.
Thanks for the great review Pete. Think you nailed it in the intro to the band. Bill Nelson's playing is just so fluid and pleasing to the ear. Maybe similar to Steve Hillage if one must make comparisons. Their songs are always so fresh and never overdone, in my opinion. Should have been far more successful.
Just bought all of the 2 disc sets after your review..... wow they’re great.
Hello PETE...ZSEEN THEM at the Capitol theater passaic NJ. Tight hot live band.i drummed in a Jersey cover band ha who didn't we covered ships in the night..thanks for mentioning cuts off the lps.
Too thank you. Forgot about this band. Found one of their records in a dollar bin and was pleasantly surprised and entertained.
Was really baked hearing a new live lp with a pentogram on the cover was all i could recall when i went to buy it. Picked up live in the air age. Wow. Never did buy the Rush lp. Was my intro as here they are unheard of. Sunburst is fav studio
my older brother and I were just talking about when he brought home 'Axe Victim' and I was impressed with his rocker chops
Another Bill Nelson/Be bop deluxe fan here since they started in the seventies..there are still a few of us about and he is still producing great music through the net and his band the gentleman rocketeers.Live in the air age,Sunburst finish Axe victim/modern music,drastic plastic....
Don't understand why this band wasn't hugely popular, they were so good Bill Nelson great guitarist, singer and writer had it all !! Another Major talent to skip Under the Radar Rankings sre 1 - Modern music
2 - Sunburst Finish
3 - Futurama
4 - Axe victim
Awesome job Pete. Looking Forward to your James Gang Rankings.Cheers dude.
Thanks for that Pete; never forgotten band in my neighbourhood. You mention Roxy Music who had a much longer career and put out many fine albums. Their early experimental releases get all the attention, for good reason, but many of their later albums were very under-rated. Bryan Ferry ranks up there with Bowie in my book and he's never put a foot wrong. One of the greatest British bands of the 70s and beyond.
Great band! 1. Modern Music 2. Futurama 3. Sunburst Finish 4. Axe Victim 5. Drastic Plastic
Bill Nelson, awesome guitarist, deserves more attention.
Great List... Dig that you pointed out their live album, I still spin that album a lot.
Black Widow ... Let the Sabbat Begin!!!! Right on, waiting for that show... If Tommy Iommi was in Jethro Tull?
I love this band! Bill Nelson forever!
One of my favourite bands Pete! I actually really liked Drastic Plastic. Loved how quirky it was, back when music was changing towards a more New Wave direction. (But thankfully, my tastes stayed in a more harder rock area, although I really dig some bands that are considered New Wave). Started with that one back in '78 (when I was 17) and went backwards into their albums. Ha. Modern Music and Sunburst Finish run neck and neck for my favourite. (Depending on the week I'm asked). The Cherry Red records expanded editions of their catalogue are great! Very nice packages. Bill Nelson was one of Randy Rhoads' many admired guitarists. Love your show!
It's one of my favourite bands.
What do you think about the “Live! Life in the air age” album?
I hadn’t heard of them before and found it in a record shop, in the basement of this huge antique shop.
I honestly think a fair few of those live versions are better than studio
Nice job, Pete!
Thanks for ranking the Be Bop Deluxe albums, Pete - next up would, imo, naturally be you ranking he studio catalogue of 10CC. Cheers from Denmark - stay healthy!!! ...
1. Futurama
2. Axe Victim
3. Modern Music
4. Sunburst Finish
5. Drastic Plastic
Pete - Appreciate you giving BBD the recognition and attention they deserve. Disagree fiercely with your placement of Axe Victim at #4. The title track and No Trains To Heaven are guitar scorchers. Also, Futurama is a guitar lover's wet dream. Reconsidah!
Nice list. My personal rankings 1) Sunburst Finish 2) Axe Victim 3) Futurama 4) Modern Music 5) Drastic Plastic. And the live record should be up there in Top 10 category for "Best live albums of the 70's". The guitar work on "Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape" is remarkable. More folks need to hear this band!!
Randy Rhoads said Bill nelson was a big influence, l can certainly here it on mr Crowley and other tracks and Randy had a similar tone, loved be bop axe victim 1973 when l first heard saw them 75 Bill nelsons guitar playing and song writing will live forever in my heart ❤️ i❤️❤️❤️
I first saw bbd way back in '75....I was in a pub I shouldn't have been there as I was 14 years old,my brother smuggled me in and I was blown away by the band and hooked on rock music for life.......or is it prog?!!! Futurama is a classic.
Cutting edge rock from this very underrated and short lived British band
Here we go:
5) Drastic Plastic (Not bad, but so different.)
4) Sunburst Finish (John Leckie's production on this is great.)
3) Futurama
2) Modern Music ("Bring Back the Spark" is a favorite of mine from this one.)
1) Axe Victim (A really good arty, rockin' record. "Jet Silver..." always gets me.)
Thanks for the list, Pete!
I would love to see a ranking of studio albums by ZAPPA, but your video would be 4 hours long. 🙂
Live! In the Air Age was by far, their best album. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape in particular is my hands down favorite piece of music and has been that way since I first heard it in like 1979.
Thank you for turning me on to Bebop Deluxe, Pete. I liked 2 out of 3 songs so far.
If your a guitar player you have to listen to the Album Live in the air age the track "Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape" mate, it will blow you away,, my favourite guitar solo of all time, hope you like it, Peace.
Throw in the Red Noise album,it's essentially Be Bop Deluxe. And amazing.
one of the things with BEBOP Deluxe is that 'the better the stereo, the better the band is'...if you can slam it,..you are blessed. Life in the air age is a great cut...and Ships In the Night jump off the page to my tastes. I have a white vinyl copy of Drastic Plastic which is cool as hell.
that Dan t-shirt doh! :)
BBD were from my home town (Wakefield in West Yorkshire), I remember seeing Bill Nelson on the street one day in the mid 70's.
I'm from Ossett and was in the 6th form from 77 to 79.
My best friend's younger brother's girlfriend claimed that her eldest sister had gone out with Bill. Plausible.
My girlfriend bought me an amazing pair of AIWA HP 30 headphones for my 18th birthday in '76 (we married at 20, and she's been my 'first' wife for 42 years) and I listened to the amazing Sunburst Finish through those amazing headphones a thousand times. The reason I labour this point is that Nelson is a great production technician and creates really dynamic soundstages which are fully emphasized when hearing through top headphones and not matched by hifi without spending thousands of pounds or dollars. From start to finish, as well as the songs being from full to bursting, the production makes you think that substances might have been ingested by oneself - I can't be more specific as to what sort of chemistry because we English boys, typically, started drinking beer in the 70s by 16 and were fully legal at 18, so most never sought marijuana or pills during a wait to get to 21 because alcohol was already the quotidian drug of choice - and it still is for the majority - hence the popularity of pubs in our culture. The thing about the Be Bop Deluxe albums is that they really lend themselves to listening to from start to finish in a single sitting, controlling ones' moods on what feels like a pre-arranged journey of exposition. Live In The Air Age is a must to listen to as well, as it shows just how great they were as a live band and for the musos, just how brilliant they were at improvisation, and none more than Bill Nelson himself - for many years - and I'm a huge Blackmore-Purple fan - I had no solo as favourite above that on the live Adventures In A Yorkshire Landscape, which I really must have listened to a thousand times. Pure pleasure.
Drastic Plastic was the first Red Noise album, really much more like Sound on Sound than Modern Music. They are all great and I can't argue with your chosen order of merit.
Sunburst Finish was my introduction to BeBop Deluxe. Don't forget "Blazing Apostles" Lucky enough to see them live once.
First band I ever saw live - Theatre Royal, London 1976. Very underrated, Bill Nelson was a great guitarist and a really nice guy
Is. He still makes albums. Check out his Bandcamp page.
Grew up listening to them on John Peel a UK radio show. Axe Victim was a fave. Any of those 3 top ones would be my favourite. They were a joy to watch. Nelsonsvsoaring the and Charlie Tumahais great vocals and solid playing
They have a big stack of Be Bop d e luxe, Utopia and Van Den Graff .. For a dollar each in my local thrift store and I'm picking am up tomorrow ,cheers pete!!!
Really enjoyed this. been a fan of BBD since early 80s. The catalogue is small but mighty. My personal #1 is Modern Music. I just find it a masterpiece that flows perfectly. From a prog perspective - I agree Sunburst is a gem. Bill nelson underrated guitarist. I also appreciate the underlying bowie, queen, Roxy influence
Thanks for doing this. Also, Bill Nelson is very prolific and has gone on to do many, many solo albums.
Thank you for the info. I have Sunburst Finish and Axe Victim but have never really dove into their music. On a side note...if you haven’t...check out Rosalie Cunningham’s solo album from last year. It’s the best psychedelic heavy rock that I have heard in years. Cheers...I am a newbie but I am really enjoying your videos.
Kevin - Wonder if this fills in some gaps? Be Bop Deluxe playlist - previously posted it on this channel about six months ago. First saw Be Bop Deluxe in Summer 1975. Great Show. Bill Nelson’s guitar playing - flawless! :D
Be Bop Deluxe - Top 10 + 4 from Bill Nelson’s Red Noise (marked with *).
Furniture Music* th-cam.com/video/gm3OgLHALAU/w-d-xo.html
Maid In Heaven th-cam.com/video/AS2phjzPCQQ/w-d-xo.html
Sister Seagull th-cam.com/video/Ge0xYnXOd6A/w-d-xo.html
Crying To he Sky th-cam.com/video/W9Ky8p_p3qg/w-d-xo.html
Stage Whispers th-cam.com/video/T4l2NJVDdVM/w-d-xo.html
Heavenly Homes th-cam.com/video/5hadMFmHLUU/w-d-xo.html
Revolt Into Style* th-cam.com/video/ROD91OW01p0/w-d-xo.html
Ships In The Night th-cam.com/video/FSYDqLmnYEA/w-d-xo.html
Stay Young* th-cam.com/video/A0E5UMkg9ck/w-d-xo.html
Possession th-cam.com/video/mkDmSKTlRkw/w-d-xo.html
Third Floor Heaven th-cam.com/video/jXs4cYsBVVY/w-d-xo.html
Art/Empire/Industry* th-cam.com/video/PlU7XApPvTM/w-d-xo.html
Fair Exchange th-cam.com/video/POK6L7g4AMo/w-d-xo.html
New Precision th-cam.com/video/3A-WS34DdKU/w-d-xo.html
Life In The Air Age th-cam.com/video/FSLAo0p_lz4/w-d-xo.html
Blazing Apostles th-cam.com/video/5XO9PerSsgc/w-d-xo.html
Rocket Cathedrals th-cam.com/video/0hI0rq2Uhy0/w-d-xo.html
Axe Victim th-cam.com/video/Hhnv8waVC3g/w-d-xo.html
Beauty Secrets th-cam.com/video/eOsVqvRHb1E/w-d-xo.html
Kiss Of Light th-cam.com/video/ZISHXI0iBy4/w-d-xo.html
Jet Silver & The
Dolls Of Venus th-cam.com/video/i1Rb1Ra3Usk/w-d-xo.html
Jets At Dawn th-cam.com/video/55V_NgbsliY/w-d-xo.html
Surreal Estate th-cam.com/video/6_wEwCO4QU0/w-d-xo.html
Like An Old Blues th-cam.com/video/-Etj1uslihI/w-d-xo.html
Good job….I love this band…saw them in San Diego in 78….for me Futurama is their best work but they are all so good it doesn’t matter
I had major heart surgery last year, and sold my Be Bop 8-track collection. Made a house payment. :) had Bill Nelson Red Noise too.