| db told me there was someone over here talking about Brand X, so I had
to drop in... They were one of my favorite bands - I did get to see em
a few times at "My Father's Place" on LI, way back...
They have some great stuff on their albums, but they're pretty
inconsistent, IMHO. I think the best one is MASQUES, by a longshot.
Next down from that I'd put "Unorthodox Behavior" (which includes their
"greatest hit", Nuclear Burn) and "Livestock" (which is live, as you
might guess.). I was disappointed with the songs they chose for
X-Trax (mainly because they used the 3 or 4 vocal tunes that Phil
Collins sang on, for the obvious reasons... which are lame) but it does
include some of the best stuff like Nuclear Burn, Disco Suicide,
Malaga Virgen, Deadly Nightshade. A couple of the later albums are pretty
weak - "Do They Hurt?" and "Product" come to mind.
A couple of years ago they released a re-union of sorts called
X-Communication, which I think was just a trio of John Goodsall,
Percy Jones, and a drummer (don't remember who.) I put it quite low on
the list. Also, just a few months ago, they released an "official
bootleg" of a live show, and I don't recommend that too highly either.
I *do* recommend John Goodsall's other post-Brand-X effort, "Fire
Merchants", particularly the first one, "Ignition", if you can find it.
Rumor has it another Brand X reunion is in the works.
If you want to check em out, get MASQUES first. If you REALLY like it,
then get Unorthodox B, Livestock, and Moroccan Roll. Otherwise, just
get X-Trax and then call it quits. 8^)
BTW, .0 left out the keyboard players: Robin Lumley, and later Peter
Robinson (I think).
Tom
|
|
re: -1
Robin Lumley! I knew I was forgetting some stuff, but it's been awhile
since I read who was on what (other than X-Trax). Masques is quite good
with some smokin guitar solo's by John Goodsall (too bad they're only
1.5 minutes each on only two tracks!). I had Moroccon Roll, wicked
funny back cover photo of the band in the studio! ;-)
Product is weaker, but I'd put UB first, then Masques, then MR in that
order. Still, they WERE quite good!
|
|
I think db should get a listen to X-Trax first. I love Nightmare
Patrol, and Malaga virgin (sp). Along with track 5 (which may be MV!).
These guys could really play some cool stuff, and I love the way the
drums are miked up, sound great on his rolls and lighter playing.
Guitar work is great also, and the bass player does some cool stuff.
Plus a lot of their songs are (or at least seem) more mainstream
sometimes than some of the other stranger things they do. Still, quite
a good listen when cruising down the highway with the windows down!
I would have loved to have seen them play live back in the late 70's to
early 80's. It would have been incredible. I put them in-line with some
of Zappa's instrumental stuff somewhat. Keyboardist is cool too! Does
some nice stuff. I think db would enjoy a listen with these guys, but
in order I would recommend X-Trax for a sample of what they sound like,
then go for Unorthodox Behaviour then Masques. Masques does have (what
I call) 2 smoking guitar solo's in 2 songs, f*cking smokin imho!!!
Masques has what I'd say more traditional sounding jazz on most tracks
while I think Morrocon Roll seems more experimental, and UB has a mix
I'd say of both, all equally good, but IMO UB edges them out a tad!
|