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 album ‘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 while Be Bop Deluxe were undertaking their first tour of the USA in March 1976. The 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.
This expanded re-issue has been newly remastered from the original master tapes and features an additional 19 bonus tracks drawn from a stunning new stereo mix from the original multi- track tapes by award winning engineer Stephen W. Tayler, previously unreleased out-takes from the album sessions and a rare single B-side, Shine.
Another highlight of this release is the lavishly illustrated booklet with many previously unseen photographs and an essay of recollections by Bill Nelson. This expanded edition of MODERN MUSIC is a fitting tribute to a fine band and the creative vision of Bill Nelson.
DISC ONE:
MODERN MUSIC - THE ORIGINAL STEREO MIX
1. ORPHANS OF BABYLON
2. TWILIGHT CAPERS
3. KISS OF LIGHT
4. THE BIRD CHARMERS DESTINY
5. THE GOLD AT THE END OF MY RAINBOW
6. BRING BACK THE SPARK
7. MODERN MUSIC
8. DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT (ALL ALONE)
9. 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
BONUS TRACK
16. SHINE (B-SIDE OF SINGLE)
DISC TWO:
MODERN MUSIC - THE NEW STEREO MIX:
1. ORPHANS OF BABYLON
2. TWILIGHT CAPERS
3. KISS OF LIGHT
4. THE BIRD CHARMERS DESTINY
5. THE GOLD AT THE END OF MY RAINBOW
6. BRING BACK THE SPARK
7. MODERN MUSIC
8. DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT (ALL ALONE)
9. 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
BONUS TRACKS
16. SHINE
17. FORBIDDEN LOVERS (FIRST VERSION)
18. THE BIRD CHARMER’S DESTINY (FIRST VERSION)