Issue 6
Issue 6 brings us a debut album from a band that would go on to sell millions of records and rule the world in the 1980s, and a classic album from an underdog who should have enjoyed much more recognition than they ever did. Once again, Strictly For Konnoissuers demonstrates exactly why it was so important to the early development of the magazine…..check ’em out.
Be Bop Deluxe – Futurama
Harvest SHSP 4045
Prog Rock n roll underdogs Be Bop Deluxe were formed in 1970 by Bill Nelson in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Guitarist, founder and chief songwriter Nelson is widely recognised as one of the guitar greats, although he didn’t receive quite the same level of hero worship afforded some of his peers. Be Bop Deluxe’s sound was a blend of Glam, Prog and good old fashion rock n roll with plenty of opportunity for Nelson to exhibit his guitar playing prowess. Often compared to Bowie, Nelson never liked the comparison and was insistent that he never tried to copy him, saddened by suggestions he would do such a thing.
Their first release 1974, ‘Axe Victim’ on EMI’s Harvest subsidiary, was also the last release of the first incarnation of the band, Nelson sacking them all shortly after its release after having fulfilled a short UK tour. Not long after that, Nelson brought together a new line up and one which stood the test of time (4 years!).
1975 saw the release of the Strictly For Konnoisseurs featured album, ‘Futurama’. A far superior release to its predecessor and featuring some of the, now considered, Be Bop Deluxe classics – ‘Sister Seagull’, ‘Sound Track’ and ‘Made In Heaven’ – Futurama has stood the test of time and finds itself happily rotating on the WLL turntable on a regular basis. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, The Cars and almost every other major rock act since), Futurama captures that epic sound Baker was able to construct without it becoming overly immense, playing to the strength of Nelson’s ability to fill the quiet with some wonderful guitar playing. It really does have a beautiful tone to the record – trademark Baker.
Nelson kept Be Bop Deluxe going for 3 more albums until finally dissolving the band in 1978 after their final release, ‘Drastic Plastic’, which had a much more new wave feel to it.
Nelson has continued to write and record over the years and has been honoured by his home town of Wakefield with a Hollywood style star on the city’s walk of fame. Despite suffering complete hearing loss in one ear, Nelson has continued making music, although he no longer performs live.
Scorpions – Lonesome Crow
Import
Scorpions were formed in 1965!! In Hanover, Germany by Rudolph Schenker. History dictates that they would go on to be world conquering and at the time of the feature in Issue 6 of Kerrang!, they had still not fully achieved their potential – although they are pretty close!
‘Lonesome Crow’ – their debut release in 1972 – is the only Scorpions album to feature Michael Schenker for its entirety – aged only 16 at the time. Schenker’s playing is phenomenal on this album for someone of his age – or indeed older – and truly establishes the bands feet in the hard rock camp.
It’s an interesting album. Dark at times and lacking direction at others. It’s certainly not where we find Scorpions in 1981, but that is to be expected. Various member changes bring in a different approach over the years and they didn’t really find themselves until Mathias Jabs joined in 1978.
The band have never performed any tracks from this debut album live since touring their third album ‘In Trance’ – barring the occasional performance of ‘In search of the peace of mind’ up to 1978 – and its easy to see why. Its not a sound that would sit easily amongst their back catalogue these days, thats for sure, but as far as debuts go it contains some great work and is well worth a visit if you haven’t already.
Michael Schenkel has recently recorded a re-worked version of ‘In search of peace of mind’ on his 2021 release ‘Immortal’ proving that this near 50 year old release is still an important piece in his jigsaw. Check it out!