Brand X was an English jazz-rock unit active between 1976 and 1980, driven by the fluid interplay of bassist Percy Jones and drummer Phil Collins. Their five studio albums—Unorthodox Behaviour, Moroccan Roll, Masques, Product, and Do They Hurt?—chart a progression from intricate instrumentals to tight ensemble work with occasional vocals. Guitarist John Goodsall anchored the […]
Sun Treader was an English jazz-rock trio that released the 1973 album Zin Zin on Island. Keyboardist Peter Robinson played beforehand in the hard-rock/psych trio Quatermass. He later surfaced with drummer Morris Pert in the jazz-rock supergroup Brand X. Members: Morris Pert (drums, percussion), Peter Robinson (piano), Alyn Ross (bass) Background Sun Treader formed in […]
Peter Gabriel — aka the “melting face” album — is the third consecutive self-titled solo album from Peter Gabriel. The album was issued in 1980 by Geffen after having been rejected by the artist’s longtime label Atlantic. Stylistically, the songs experiment with the buzzy, trebly sonorities of the day. Percussive ethno sounds course through “No […]
Security is the North American title of the fourth eponymous studio album by Peter Gabriel, released on September 6, 1982, on Charisma (UK) and Geffen (US, Canada). Its lead-off single, “Shock the Monkey,” became a staple of early MTV. This is Gabriel’s fourth solo album after his 1975 departure from Genesis. Gabriel self-titled his first […]
Marscape is a collaborative album between woodwind-player Jack Lancaster and keyboardist Robin Lumley, released in 1976 on RSO. The pair are backed on this recording by all the members of Brand X — Lumley’s main gig at the time — and Simon Jeffes. Tracklist: A1. “Take-Off” (3:09) A2. “Sail on Solar Winds” (2:48) A3. “Arrival” […]
Five Miles Out is the seventh album by English composer/multi-instrumentalist Mike Oldfield, released in 1982 on Virgin. Tracklist: A. “Taurus II” (24:49) B1. “Family Man” (3:45) B2. “Orabidoo” (13:03) B3. “Mount Teidi” (4:10) B4. “Five Miles Out” (4:17) Credits: Mike Oldfield – Fairlight CMI, guitars, bass, keyboards, vocals, producer, engineer Richard Barrie – technical assistant […]
Product is the fourth studio album by English jazz-rock operative Brand X, released September 14, 1979, on Charisma/Passport. They recorded the album during a prolific round of sessions that also produced their two subsequent longplayers, Do They Hurt? and Is There Anything About? A1. “Don’t Make Waves” 5:31 | writer: Goodsall, vocals: Collins | progressive hard-rock, […]
In Love is the second album by American soul/funk vocalist Cheryl Lynn, released in 1979 on Columbia. Tracklist: A1. “I’ve Got Faith in You” (4:39) A2. “Hide It Away” (4:33) A3. “Feel It” (5:04) A4. “In Love” (5:56) B1. “Keep It Hot” (5:24) B2. “I’ve Got Just What You Need” (3:52) B3. “Love Bomb” (4:08) […]
Welcome to the Cruise is the debut album by English songwriter/vocalist Judie Tzuke, released in 1979 on Rocket. Stateside, the album was titled Stay With Me Till Dawn to capitalize on the popular closing ballad. Tracklist: A1. “Welcome to the Cruise” (4:58) A2. “Sukarita” (3:29) A3. “For You” (2:42) A4. “These Are the Laws” (4:45) […]
Masques is the third studio album by English jazz-rock band Brand X, released in 1978 on Charisma/Passport. Tracklist: A1. “The Poke” (5:10) A2. “Masques” (3:16) A3. “Black Moon” (4:48) A4. “Deadly Nightshade” (11:22) B1. “Earth Dance” (6:06) B2. “Access to Data” (8:00) B3. “The Ghost of Mayfield Lodge” (10:17) Credits: John Goodsall – guitar J. […]
The Kick Inside is the debut album by English songwriter/performance artist Kate Bush, released on February 17, 1978, on EMI. “Them Heavy People” is influenced by themes of education and spiritual awakening. Zaragon initially interprets the song as being from the perspective of a child starting school, with “heavy people” representing grown-ups or teachers, but […]
Say It Ain’t So is the second album by English singer/songwriter Murray Head, released in 1975 on Island/A&M. Several songs from the album have been interpreted by other singers, including Roger Daltery (“Say It Ain’t So, Joe”) and Cliff Richard (“Never Even Thought”). The album features songs that delve into themes of political disillusionment, personal […]
Zin Zin is an album by English jazz-rock combo Sun Treader, released in 1973 on Island. Tracklist: A1. “Zin-Zin” (13:52) A2. “Stardance” (9:57) B1. “Orinoco” (12:50) B2. “From the Region of Capricorn” (12:17) Credits: Bass Guitar – Alyn Ross Drums, Percussion – Morris Pert Electric Piano [Electric Pianos] – Peter Robinson Soprano Saxophone – Robin […]
