Be-Bop Deluxe - Modern Music (1976) [ADVD 2019 > FLAC 24 bit/96kHz]

Esoteric Recordings is proud to release of a new re-mastered Deluxe edition of legendary Bee-Bop Deluxe's 1976 album "Modern Music". Recorded in June and July 1976 at Abbey Road Studio Three, "Modern Music" was the fourth album by Be Bop Deluxe and the second to feature the line-up of BILL NELSON (vocals, guitars, keyboards), CHARLES TUMAHAI (bass, vocals), ANDY CLARK (keyboards) and SIMON FOX (drums). Following on from the success and critical praise for the band’s previous LP "Sunburst Finish", the album was once more co-produced by BILL NELSON and JOHN LECKIE.

Much of the material appearing on the album was conceived by Bill Nelson whilst Be Bop Deluxe were undertaking their first tour of the USA in March 1976. The wonderful and expansive MODERN MUSIC “suite” which dominated the album was inspired by Bill’s experiences of America, the disillusionment with the US music business and a longing for home. Beside the fine achievement of the suite, MODERN MUSIC also featured other fine songs such as Orphans of Babylon, Kiss of Light, The Bird Charmers Destiny and the epic Down on Terminal Street, all of which ensured that the album was a hit in both the UK and the USA.

Things had changed for Be Bop Deluxe by the time of the group's fourth album. The band that turned up in glam rock regalia on its 1974 debut, Axe Victim, was in suit and tie on the cover of Modern Music in 1976. Inside, the band's transformation into a sophisticated pop group seemed complete. Arrangements were still ornate, but the songs were dominated by their highly imagistic lyrics, and as often as not, Nelson was borrowing ideas from the Beatles. It didn't quite work, despite pleasant numbers such as "Orphans of Babylon" and "Kiss of Light," perhaps because a true pop sensibility requires a gift for simplicity that Nelson has never exhibited. The album charted high in England and made the Top 100 in the U.S., but it was Be Bop's peak, not its breakthrough.

This expanded reissue has been newly re-mastered from the original master tapes and features a stunning new 5.1 surround sound & stereo mixes from the original multi-track tapes by award winning engineer Stephen W. Tayler. Another highlight of this limited edition boxed set is the lavishly illustrated 68-page book with many previously unseen photographs and an essay of recollections by Bill Nelson. Additionally, the set includes postcards and a replica poster. This special deluxe limited-edition boxed set of MODERN MUSIC is a fitting tribute to a fine band and the creative vision of Bill Nelson.

Tracklist:

01 - Orphans Of Babylon
02 - Twilight Capers
03 - Kiss Of Light
04 - The Bird Charmers Destiny
05 - The Gold At The End Of My Rainbow
06 - Bring Back The Spark
07 - Modern Music
08 - Dancing In The Moonlight (All Alone)
09 - Honeymoon On Mars
10 - Lost In The Neon World
11 - Dance Of The Uncle Sam Humanoids
12 - Modern Music (Reprise)
13 - Forbidden Lovers
14 - Down On Terminal Street
15 - Make The Music Magic
16 - Shine [Bonus Track]
17 - Forbidden Lovers (First Version) [Bonus Track - New Mixes only]
18 - The Bird Charmer's Destiny [Bonus Track - New Mixes only]

Remastered by Ben Wiseman at Broadlake Studios, Hertfordshire.
5.1 Surround Sound & New Stereo Mixes by Stephen W. Tayler at Chimera Arts, Real World Studios, Box, Wiltshire.




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