Be Bop Deluxe

[storch]

I was listening to XM40 and they played a tune off of the sunburst finish LP.  instead of playing the better known ships in the night track they played crystal gazing.  the commentator wondered why this band didn't enjoy more commercial success.  It got me to pondering the same question.  during their heyday (mid 1970's) I pretty much dismissed them as another group of limeys knocking off Bowie Glam rock but after listening to some of their stuff today (today) I'm going to parrot the question why didn't this progressive band do better?

[Masherbrum]

These guys fell victim to the "pigeonholing" as did Badfinger.     A shame, Bill Nelson is one of the most underrated guitarists in the History of Rock and Roll.

Another unfortunate band is Big Star.

[Goth]

Originally posted by Masherbrum
Bill Nelson is one of the most underrated guitarists in the History of Rock and Roll.

So how many MOST under rated guitarists are there out there?

[Masherbrum]

Originally posted by Goth
So how many MOST under rated guitarists are there out there?

I could list about 10 of em right now, if you want squadmate.

[DiabloTX]

Originally posted by storch
I was listening to XM40 and they played a tune off of the sunburst finish LP.  instead of playing the better known ships in the night track they played crystal gazing.  the commentator wondered why this band didn't enjoy more commercial success.  It got me to pondering the same question.  during their heyday (mid 1970's) I pretty much dismissed them as another group of limeys knocking off Bowie Glam rock but after listening to some of their stuff today (today) I'm going to parrot the question why didn't this progressive band do better?

Seeing as I have never even heard of this band I decided to listen to 'Ships In The Night'.

First impression: it sounds like Elton John performing with ELO and doing a Zappa tune.  Quite an amalgam indeed.

[storch]

yes they are eclectic with what seems to be many disparate influences.  here is a cut called fair exchange.  kinda bowiesque with a bit of king crimson or ELP and steely dan tossed in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umOoaZmN1jo

[Masherbrum]

They are a "glam/prog rock/rock" mix.  That is probably the best way to describe them.

[Goth]

Originally posted by storch
yes they are eclectic with what seems to be many disparate influences.  here is a cut called fair exchange.  kinda bowiesque with a bit of king crimson or ELP and steely dan tossed in.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umOoaZmN1jo

He looks like Richard Carpenter. Bowie, King Crimson, ELP and Steely Dan are all great.....as seperate creations. There had to be a reason this band didn't break into the industry.

Masher, there can be only one MOST.....now I will agree there are a lot of under rated players. Start a new thread and gimme your top 5 under rated.

[ozrocker]

My guess is #1 Poor management. #2 No gimmick. They seem to be more like a club band. #3 No following. #4 Goes with #1 No major contract, contact, or exposure.
                                                                Oz