An alternative (and occasional) music posting highlighting something out of the ordinary. Perhaps of limited appeal, unconventional, experimental or just far-out ! Call it what you like (or switch it off, if you don't like). 

Starring BE BOP DELUXE

This all began with me picking up for a £1 an EP released in the 70s called ‘Hot Valves’. It was one of those ‘Promotional - Not for Sale’ discs and contained 4 excellent tracks by Be Bop Deluxe. It set me off exploring the group’s catalog and I soon realised guitarist and singer Bill Nelson is a classic example of an unsung ‘Forgotten Fretmaster’ ! His playing is remarkable and the invention in the band’s music stands the test of time. Friday's track ‘Maid in Heaven’ was a minor hit (#36) in 1976. It was a mere taster, here's the full story and many extras.

Classic Rock magazine describes the band - 

Be Bop Deluxe blurred the battle lines between glam, art-rock and prog, offering a scintillating fusion that pointed to an unscripted future. Visionary works like albums 'Sunburst Finish' and 'Drastic Plastic' pre-empted the new wave of post-punk and beyond. Just as crucially, in Nelson they had the embodiment of the modern guitar hero; a riff lord of sophistication, guile and consummate ability.

I have a shortlist of favourite songs and notes for your attention: 

'Ships in the Night'; 'Music in Dreamland'; [like The Killers meet the Beatles] 'Modern Music'; [with it's radio clips] 'Panic in the World'; 'Orphans of Babylon'; 'Crying to the Sky'; [Hendrix guitar lines] 'Life in the Air Age'; 'Sleep That Burns' [Baba O'Riley ish] 'Shine' an extended improvised 'live' instrumental [from 'Live! In The Air Age' LP] and 'Jet Silver' [very Bowie] & 'Blazing Apostles' [both on the afore mentioned EP]. 

Picking one for today's music spot I've selected the 'Live' version of 'Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape' which is extended from the 3-minute song on their debut LP 'Axe Victim'. Prepare yourself for some extraordinary guitar playing from Bill Nelson and wonderful keyboard work by Simon 'Andy' Clark - Be Bop Deluxe live in 1977 (audio video only) 

Want some action videos: Check out these 2011 concerts featuring Bill Nelson & The Gentlemen Rocketeers - and compare 'Maid In Heaven' to the original > click here 

Also with the Rocketeers 'Adventures in...' > guitar / flute / bass / sax / guitar [solos] on this link 

And as if I needed and excuse, today is Guitar Hero Bill Nelson's birthday 😀