SUNBURST FINISH

They keep on being enthusiastic, creative and fun. This album has little to do with prog but it is again so inventive that only for this it is normal that the band is featured on PA. But at the same time, I would say that it is also normal that the band doesn't collect more reviews.

Be Bop Deluxe were a very good band from the mid seventies; they played a fresh glam rock music deeply influenced with Bowie during their debut album, but they tried to keep some distance from him after (even if they won't completely succeed in this).

I also consider their music as being close to Mott The Hoople (I have already mentioned this filiation) and this is an aspect which can't really annoy me. I was keen on the Hoople while I was fifteen (in 1974). Just listen to their FABULOUS live album (in its double version) to understand my opinion.

Sunburst Finish is an album full of creative sounds, and I would again point out some links with the incredibly polished arrangements from 10CC. Even a reggae-ish mood is reproduced (Ships In The Night). And if you have ever doubted in the great guitar capabilities of Bill Nelson, a single listen to Crying To The Sky should be sufficient to convince you. It is a great emotional moment.

This album is a fantastic blend of an early new wave sound, Roxy Music, post glam-rock and pure good old rock'n'roll. I have to say that I pretty much like this great mix. These influences can be heard in the melodic and catchy Sleep That Burns. The fourth highlight I guess.

It is honest to say that the second part of the album is not so powerful, but it would have been rather difficult IMO. Otherwise, this album would have been a masterpiece. At times it reminds me of the great (but totally obscure) Seventh Wave. The same sort of decadent feeling is met during the fine, yet quiet Crystal Gazing.

The original album closed on the rocking (glam?), Blazing Apostoles which is pleasing me a lot; very much Lou Reed oriented. A funny and shaky song. Still, I can understand that the hungry proghead can't find his way with such a recording.

The remastered CD comes with three bonus tracks which aren't really thrilling, I'm afraid. The long and funky Shine is not my cup of tea, even if it features very good guitar, Speed of the Wind is a repetitive and uninspired song. Blue As A Jewel is close to Roxy and I quite like it as well (no wonder here). A fine vocal melody which could have been interpreted by dear old Bryan is very pleasant to listen to. A hidden Roxy song.

This is really a fine album which I rate with four stars. It has vey few reviews and I frankly would recommend this to any open-minded music lover (or maniac).

Share this BE BOP DELUXE review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ZowieZiggy
• Report this review (#184798)
• Buy BE BOP DELUXE music online with PA partners
• Show all BE BOP DELUXE MP3/Stream
• Go to BE BOP DELUXE page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Sunburst Finish page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for BE BOP DELUXE related discussions