Show 53 - Brand X

[Rick and Roll]

My true prog enlightenment occured in college, some 24 years ago. One of the first bands I heard was Brand X. They're simply one of the most unique bands ever assembled. John Giblin, Percy Jones, Morris Pert, John Goodsall, Robin Lumley, Frank Katz, Peter Robinson, and of course Phil Collins are all alumni. Goodsall I always liked to say seemed like you plug him the socket, and he rips off a 45 second bitchin lead at breakneck speed. Percy Jones is the master of the "farting bass" sound.

From "Unorthodox Behaviour" (1976):

Nuclear Burn
Born Ugly
Smacks of Euphoric Hysteria

As you can guess from the song titles, instumentals Nuclear Burn is a killer tune.

From "Morroccan Roll" (1977):

Sun In The Night
Why Should I Lend You Mine (When You've Broken Yours Off Already)...into Maybe I'll Lend You Mine After All
Hate Zone
Macrocosm

"Sun" has a bit of vocal, a middle-eastern feel. "Hate Zone" is pure jam, and "Macrocosm" is one my favorites...sounds like at the end they just didn't know how to end it so they drop a bomb on it . Note the trail of the joint from front cover to back


From "The X Files": Born Pretty In A Disco

This is "Disco Suicide" with a new lease on life. Recorded live in Japan in the late 90's, has the late great Pierre Moerlen standing in for Frank Katz.

From "Xcommunication" (1992):

Xanax Taxi
Liquid Time
Healing Dream

Nice record cover Less experimental, but a tight, clean record. Mostly only Jones/Goodsall/Katz.

From "Masques" (1978):

The Poke
Deadly Nightshade
Access To Data

With Chuck Burgi on drums and Perter Robinson on keys, a rare 70's record where they kept a consistent lineup. Goodsall is wicked on here, especially in "Nightshade", and if it weren't for Hackett's "Every Day", may be my favorite guitar solo ever laid down. "The Poke" simply kicks ass.

From "The X Files": Kugelblitz

A 70's tune that never made it on record. Good stuff.

From "Product" (1979):

Don't Make Waves
Dance Of The Illegal Aliens
Algon (where an ordinary cup of drinking chocolate costs
L8,000,000,000)
And So To F

Combines most of the band from the earlier records, so everyone is utilized. "Wal To Wal" (not included for the show) has a Giblin/Jones double bass lead which is spectacular. The oddness of the music spreads to the liner notes, where Michael Palin supplies a hilarious diatribe. Phil Collins handles vocals on "Don't Make Waves", and "So To F" was a Collins in concert staple for years. "Illegal" is another personal favorite, with a great closing section.

From "Manifest Destiny" (1996):

True To The Clik
XXL
Manifest Destiny
Operation Hearts and Minds

More edgier than most of their output, still high quality and dabbles in different directions. "XXL" could be a dance hall tune.

From "Do they Hurt" (1980):

Noddy Goes To Sweden
Voidarama
Act of Will
Cambodia

I like this one a lot. The songs are short and tight, almost too simple for a band like Brand X. But they show they can compress their ideas in a shorter space. "Cambodia" is powerful. "Voidarama" has a theme that just lays in your head for hours.

See you there!

[twostikks]

Hey, speaking of alumni, don't forget Kenwood Dennard, from Livestock (THE great LIVE Brand X lp from the classic line-up). His bitchin' playing blew my mind -- what incredible work on the bass drum!

[mailotron]

yep Nothin ' from livestock ?
Otherwise good as usual thx Rick

Nb they also covered Genesis Can-utility and the coastliners ( from Foxtrot) on the CD : A tribute to Genesis The fox lies down on Eagle records 1998
no line up was given

[Hawksun]

That topic was bumped mailo. This is the topic for Rick's 53rd show and his latest one is number 92...

[Rick and Roll]

aah, a blast from the not too distant past. i didn't have Livestock on CD at the time, i do now....always had it on record. Still don't have "Is there anything about".....

[mailotron]

OK Hawk I read 93 , must be tired

[Goodsall]

Hi Rick,
"Is There Anything....." was the 1st in a long line of illicit corporate bootlegs. Not sanctioned by & therefore not 'by' Brand X. Out-takes,jams & bad performances we rejected from the albums before. Put out without our knowledge or consent, we fouind it in Tower Records & it sucks.Thanks for your positive remarks but I quit the fast guitar race for a more musical quest in the 90's.
Don't buy E.M.I.
Goods

[Rick and Roll]

Originally Posted by Goodsall

Hi Rick,
"Is There Anything....." was the 1st in a long line of illicit corporate bootlegs. Not sanctioned by & therefore not 'by' Brand X. Out-takes,jams & bad performances we rejected from the albums before. Put out without our knowledge or consent, we fouind it in Tower Records & it sucks.Thanks for your positive remarks but I quit the fast guitar race for a more musical quest in the 90's.
Don't buy E.M.I.
Goods

Interesting..There's quotes on each song on the liner notes...can't remember who they attributed them to. Of course not as riveting as the Michael Palin liner notes on "Do they Hurt"