Live! In the Air Age [Bonus Tracks]

Performer: Be Bop Deluxe
Engineer: John Leckie
Producer: John Leckie; Bill Nelson
Distributor: Caroline Distribution

Notes: Be Bop Deluxe: Bill Nelson (vocals, electric guitar); Andrew Clark (vocals, keyboards); Charlie Tumahai (vocals, bass guitar, percussion); Simon Fox (drums). Recorded in 1977, LIVE! IN THE AIR AGE draws most of its set list from the previous year's SUNBURST FINISH. It's clear that Be-Bop Deluxe is invigorated by the concert setting, charging through vibrant renditions of its songs and providing far more instrumental muscle and improvisation than on the studio versions. While the British prog-rock band offers up an energetic version of its single "Ships in the Night," it truly shines when allowing frontman/guitarist Bill Nelson and keyboardist Andrew Clark to stretch out, most notably on the chiming "Life in the Air Age" and the soaring "Blazing Apostles." One of those rare live albums that stands on its own merits, LIVE! IN THE AIR AGE is the sound of an inventive ensemble in top form. Originally released on white vinyl as a double set in which one disc was an LP while the other was a 12" EP, Live! In the Air Age is an impressive testament to one of prog rock's more interesting bands. Bandleader Bill Nelson is better known for his solo work of the '80s and on, but prior to that he was a burgeoning guitar hero with a blazing style and a talented bunch of players backing him up. Live! In the Air Age touches on a variety of concert highlights, including the sarcastic "Fair Exchange," the leisurely "Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape," and the monolithic instrumental version of "Shine," which was originally a much shorter and far less monolithic B-side. The version of "Shine" included here, however (and originally one side of the vinyl 12"), allows Nelson to enjoy a guitar workout that leans toward something other than rock. Overall, an extremely enjoyable live album that never feels like a rehash of the studio material. [The 2004 edition includes bonus tracks.] ~ Steven E. McDonald

Though Be-Bop Deluxe began as a Bowie-influenced, makeup-bedecked crew splitting the difference between art-rock and glam, as the 1970s wore on they sharpened both their sound and image, becoming a pivotal influence on the UK's burgeoning New Wave scene. The central focus of the band was Bill Nelson's awe-inspiring guitar work. After the group's dissolution in 1978, Nelson began a long and fruitful solo career encompassing ambient instrumentals, synth-pop, and more. He also found fame as a producer for A Flock Of Seagulls and others.

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