I've been a fan of Brand X for over 30 years. Unorthodox Behavior and Moroccan Roll are burned into my brain, having listened to both hundreds of times over the years. Phil Collins best drumming of his career. Incredible stuff. Great pick Chuck!
Prior to the announcement of Unorthodox Behaviour getting the 'album study' treatment, I had not listened to it in ages (similar to Ken.) It was always a great album. Nifty pick, Chuck. Cool episode.
One of the best fusion albums ever made. The whole band is excellent on this. Phil Collins proves how amazing of a drummer he was (I hate to say that in the past tense) and Nuclear Burn is a perfect example of that. I love this album, probably my favorite from the band.
Well done gentlemen! Thanks Chuck. My favorite Brand X is the Livestock album and my favorite tune is Malaga Virgen live. The second song on this album, _-Ish,_ is one of the peak moments of Collins’ drumming career, imo. I have one Tunnels [Percy Jones side] album, Painted Rock. Very nice vibraphone playing indeed.
I love these album studies. Brand X is not a band that I have heard much from - and after this episode, I need to check this album out. I am dabbling into fusion as the result of Sea of Tranquility. And have been enjoying all of the amazing music that escaped me years ago. Thanks, Pete and all of the great crew here.
Saw them live around 1978 when they shared a bill with Peter Hammill. Best double header ever! (well...top 5 anyway) I came to the band via Phil Collins - the only fusion I had heard before this album was Weather Report and it didn't grab me. Mahavishnu were to come later.
Great show as always guys. I’m a big Genesis fan and as Pete said one of the people who didn’t really come across this band. So I will give it a listen for sure.
I bought an album in early 1976 by Jack Lancaster and Robin Lumley called “MARSCAPE”. I didn’t know who they were, but I bought it because Phil Collins played drums on it and I thought the concept of the album was cool. I’m my opinion, this was the first Brand X album because the players are all on this album. Thanks for this discussion. It got me listening to this music again after being buried in the archives for decades.
Always been my favorite Brand X Lp as well as my introduction to the band back in the mid 80’s along with the phenomenal live Lp ‘Livestock’. Turned all my teenaged friends onto these two records as well at the time. I remember the very first time I heard ‘Running On Three’🤯
hey... still got to watch your B.J.H. video. i've got this vinyl. bonus that P.C. is on it. can't remember how i came about owning it. maybe a extremely old list of 'keyboard'y bands. 'born ugly'... like me... is GENIUS 👏
Saw them play at Reading festival in 1976, touring this particular album. Couple of British fusion bands not mentioned, Lancaster, and Zzebra. Thanks very much looking forward to the next show.
Zzebra fusion? I know Progarchives has them classified as "fusion"...I like some of their stuff (their s/t & Panic) & they evolved from Osibisa/If but I have 'em filed under "rock" (the Afro-based funky brass-rock kind with some jazzy vibes). Plus they feature vocals which are a no-go for many (jazz/rock) fusion fans - instrumental tracks like "Spanish Fly", "Liamo" & "Karrola" to me are fusion but they're more the exception. I'd say Panic is the more "fusion" album of the first two... Their 3rd Take It Or Leave It strikes me as kinda proggy, again with lotsa vocals (recorded in '75 but released much later). Alan Marshall's vocals at times remind me of Atomic Rooster - and he was in 60's prog/psyche band One (their '69 s/t album is pretty good with Timebox's/later Patto's Kevan Fogarty). Their live album (also recorded in '75) is quite good. The only Lancaster fusion album I know of is by Jack Lancaster (Blodwyn Pig) with Robin Lumley, again to me most of his stuff is more prog (or even 'experimental')
@@wolf1977 don’t own any music by Zzebra, but when I saw them it was a mix of fusion and funk, they were excellent. I saw Lancaster supporting Yes not sure if the band actually ever released anything, not sure if they ever played together again, after this tour, but it was a fussing set, to my mind.
A little extra info that may be useful... Brand X started out as an informal jamming situation. Robin Lumley hadn't really done much of note, he was briefly in Bowie's Spiders from Mars, but only a few gigs. After Liverpool Scene broke up, Jones was in a band called Karass led by Jack Lancaster who had been in Mick Abrahams' band. John Goodsall was previously known as "Johnny Mandala" and was on a couple of Atomic Rooster albums. The original line-up of Brand X had vocals and a different drummer, and they recorded an Average White Band style album that remained unreleased. They attracted attention from Island Records, whose A&R man at the time, Richard Williams (better known as a journalist), called them "Brand X" because they needed a name for accounting purposes when paying for the rehearsal studio. Collins joined them at that point, and Bruford deputised for him when he was away on Genesis' "Lamb" tour. Later he was one of several percussionists before Morris Pert joined. The tracks on the 1st album were credited collectively, but several were actually individual contributions - "Running On Three" was by Jones, "Smacks..." was by John and "Euthanasia Waltz" was by Lumley (who told me all this). One last thing - it really should be "Unorthodox Behaviour" in proper British English ! ;-)
Drummer "Mike Clark" (Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters) is on a few tracks on "Product" & "Do They Hurt" . Mike was a Friend and Mentor to Frank Katz and I think Frank got the gig later on Mike's recommendation !
I have an album called CONJUNCTION...Marc Wagnon (from Percy Jones' Tunnels), Mike Clark, Paul Jackson, & Fuse from the SHT. Been years since I played it. I guess it maybe didn't float my boat at the time. Your comment is a reminder...a revisit is in order.
Topic idea: Components that often make a band that is not considered prog, seem or feel like prog. Example; The Police... Walking on the Moon. Super simple song, but with guitar effects, tempo changes and accents, the rock twisted into reggae, and just something about Sting's treatment of vocal lines give it a progressive vibe. Same with many, many of their songs. Black Sabbath... same thing. Compared to the average hard rock or metal band, many Sabbath songs have changes and treatments that are just flat out progressive.
Despite the presence of Phil Collins, I felt this was an incredible album when I finally got it. And their first few albums are very good, though they did tend to lose momentum fast enough. But what struck me most of all, after the great interplay, was the tightness, the punchyness and clarity of the production Also, UK fusion bands? Nucleus, and also Isotope who go right under the radar in every fusion conversation more or less
Some other good Brit fusion (70's): Brian Auger, 2nd Vision (1980), Soft Head (Soft Machine), Gary Boyle, Colosseum II, Neil Ardley, Back Door, Karl Jenkins (Welsh), Last Exit, Max Middleton (Another Sleeper with Robert Ahwai), Visitor 2035. Nucleus & especially Isotope were really good bands
From '76, a good album especially as it's their debut but not their best (Moroccan Roll, Missing Period, Product, Do They Hurt, XCommunication, Manifest Destiny). Missing Period came out in '97 but actually contains the earliest band recordings from 1975-76...All time great fusion band of course - Percy Jones is an absolute beast on bass (one of my all time fave players) & John Goodsall (Atomic Rooster/Fire Merchants/Tunnels) lays down some serious riffs. Phil Collins of course on drums (during his Genesis off days I guess😎)... Somewhat weird random fact - Goodsall played guitar (uncredited) on Billy Idol's great 1984 album Rebel Yell. Also reportedly worked a bit with Peter Gabriel post-Genesis (mid 70's), both live & in studio. At least one studio demo survived, the 1976 "Here Comes The Flood" (with Anthony Phillips, Phil Collins & Mike Rutherford). He did cover "Carpet Crawlers" (with Michael Zentner on vocals) on 2008's Supper's Ready: Another Serving From The Musical Box. I'm imagining a Gabriel/Goodsall band (with Phil Collins probably on board too)! Oh well... This should be a good episode!
It's a great album, but if it has to be criticized for anything, it's that musically it didn't bring anything new to the table in terms of the fusion genre.
Thank you again to my fellow SOT mates and those that continue to support this channel in all forms. @Wolf The Procol Harum pick was absolutely intentional to get many to listen to give their honest opinion on what’s presented.
Phenomenal show as usual. I’ll say it again/. Chuck - hands down has the greatest/ most contagious laugh in the business. 👍💯
I've been a fan of Brand X for over 30 years. Unorthodox Behavior and Moroccan Roll are burned into my brain, having listened to both hundreds of times over the years. Phil Collins best drumming of his career. Incredible stuff.
Great pick Chuck!
Yip. Collins never seems to get mentioned in best drummer polls.
Great episode, great album choice from Chuck! Sorry I had to miss this one.
Great album and an underrated band. "Moroccan Roll" is my favorite.
Prior to the announcement of Unorthodox Behaviour getting the 'album study' treatment, I had not listened to it in ages (similar to Ken.) It was always a great album. Nifty pick, Chuck.
Cool episode.
Great show guys 👍👍
I bought this album after the show ❤
One of the best fusion albums ever made. The whole band is excellent on this. Phil Collins proves how amazing of a drummer he was (I hate to say that in the past tense) and Nuclear Burn is a perfect example of that. I love this album, probably my favorite from the band.
Pete, speaking of John Goodsall, I'd like to see a review of both Fire Merchants albums.
YES!
Great debut album from a very underrated band. Some of my favorite drumming by Phil Collins on here.
Great job Chuck!
Amazing album and maybe the best Phil Collins performance on drums.
A great pick Chuck and plenty of interesting facts from all on the panel
Great show and a favorite album/band. Percy Jones and Phil Collins love
Alex DeWolf
Love this album but "Livestock" is my fave...great show as usual!
I agree. Brilliant album, but it should have been a double LP.
Well done gentlemen! Thanks Chuck.
My favorite Brand X is the Livestock album and my favorite tune is Malaga Virgen live.
The second song on this album, _-Ish,_ is one of the peak moments of Collins’ drumming career, imo.
I have one Tunnels [Percy Jones side] album, Painted Rock.
Very nice vibraphone playing indeed.
I love these album studies. Brand X is not a band that I have heard much from - and after this episode, I need to check this album out. I am dabbling into fusion as the result of Sea of Tranquility. And have been enjoying all of the amazing music that escaped me years ago. Thanks, Pete and all of the great crew here.
Great show! Really happy to see this as Brand X has been on my radar for a while.
Please review the Fire Merchants albums with John Goodsall and Chester Thompson.
Great episdoe guys, great points made by all... such a killer album a big time fave of mine. Great pick Chuck.
Great episode guys! Fantastic album - I saw Phil twice, in Robert Plant's band in 1983 and with Clapton in 1986. He was a monster player. Cheers!
Always loved Brand X. They were the soundtrack to my high school years
Saw them live around 1978 when they shared a bill with Peter Hammill. Best double header ever! (well...top 5 anyway) I came to the band via Phil Collins - the only fusion I had heard before this album was Weather Report and it didn't grab me. Mahavishnu were to come later.
Great show as usual!
Not familiar with the album, definitely will check it out now
Great show as always guys. I’m a big Genesis fan and as Pete said one of the people who didn’t really come across this band. So I will give it a listen for sure.
I missed the show last night. Will catch up today sometime. I did listen to the album. Think I will need some more time with it. I did like it.
I bought an album in early 1976 by Jack Lancaster and Robin Lumley called “MARSCAPE”. I didn’t know who they were, but I bought it because Phil Collins played drums on it and I thought the concept of the album was cool. I’m my opinion, this was the first Brand X album because the players are all on this album. Thanks for this discussion. It got me listening to this music again after being buried in the archives for decades.
Great album, one of my absolute favourites.
Phil was indeed ‘’A monster on the drums’’. Thank you Chuck and the crew.
Loved loved the discussion all throughout this and particularly towards the end where it organically went to Brand X and fusion history.
Great album of a Fantastic Jazz Rock Fusión Prog Band ☮️
Great show. Isotope were an earlier british fusion band and Gary Boyle smoked on guitar 👍🏻
His Electric Glide with Gary Moore!
@@wolf1977 his dancer album is great too with Simon Phillips on drums 👍🏻
Always been my favorite Brand X Lp as well as my introduction to the band back in the mid 80’s along with the phenomenal live Lp ‘Livestock’. Turned all my teenaged friends onto these two records as well at the time. I remember the very first time I heard ‘Running On Three’🤯
So many great fusion bands people don't seem to have heard of. Brand X, Coliseum II etc
hey... still got to watch your B.J.H. video. i've got this vinyl. bonus that P.C. is on it. can't remember how i came about owning it. maybe a extremely old list of 'keyboard'y bands. 'born ugly'... like me... is GENIUS 👏
....the next thing you know, you're supporting L Ron Hubbard..... - What a classic line from Ken Golden. Ha!
Saw them play at Reading festival in 1976, touring this particular album. Couple of British fusion bands not mentioned, Lancaster, and Zzebra. Thanks very much looking forward to the next show.
Zzebra fusion? I know Progarchives has them classified as "fusion"...I like some of their stuff (their s/t & Panic) & they evolved from Osibisa/If but I have 'em filed under "rock" (the Afro-based funky brass-rock kind with some jazzy vibes). Plus they feature vocals which are a no-go for many (jazz/rock) fusion fans - instrumental tracks like "Spanish Fly", "Liamo" & "Karrola" to me are fusion but they're more the exception. I'd say Panic is the more "fusion" album of the first two...
Their 3rd Take It Or Leave It strikes me as kinda proggy, again with lotsa vocals (recorded in '75 but released much later). Alan Marshall's vocals at times remind me of Atomic Rooster - and he was in 60's prog/psyche band One (their '69 s/t album is pretty good with Timebox's/later Patto's Kevan Fogarty). Their live album (also recorded in '75) is quite good.
The only Lancaster fusion album I know of is by Jack Lancaster (Blodwyn Pig) with Robin Lumley, again to me most of his stuff is more prog (or even 'experimental')
@@wolf1977 don’t own any music by Zzebra, but when I saw them it was a mix of fusion and funk, they were excellent.
I saw Lancaster supporting Yes not sure if the band actually ever released anything, not sure if they ever played together again, after this tour, but it was a fussing set, to my mind.
Their best album in my opinion, played this a lot over the years.
Geat show!
A little extra info that may be useful... Brand X started out as an informal jamming situation. Robin Lumley hadn't really done much of note, he was briefly in Bowie's Spiders from Mars, but only a few gigs. After Liverpool Scene broke up, Jones was in a band called Karass led by Jack Lancaster who had been in Mick Abrahams' band. John Goodsall was previously known as "Johnny Mandala" and was on a couple of Atomic Rooster albums. The original line-up of Brand X had vocals and a different drummer, and they recorded an Average White Band style album that remained unreleased. They attracted attention from Island Records, whose A&R man at the time, Richard Williams (better known as a journalist), called them "Brand X" because they needed a name for accounting purposes when paying for the rehearsal studio. Collins joined them at that point, and Bruford deputised for him when he was away on Genesis' "Lamb" tour. Later he was one of several percussionists before Morris Pert joined. The tracks on the 1st album were credited collectively, but several were actually individual contributions - "Running On Three" was by Jones, "Smacks..." was by John and "Euthanasia Waltz" was by Lumley (who told me all this). One last thing - it really should be "Unorthodox Behaviour" in proper British English ! ;-)
Great pick, 🔥, The Procul Harum one was really a poor choice, but this one is fire.
Goodsall played on Atomic Rooster's Nice & Greasy as John Mandala 🙂
John Goodsall played a solo on one of Billy Idol's big hits.
Great album!
Drummer "Mike Clark" (Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters) is on a few tracks on "Product" & "Do They Hurt" . Mike was a Friend and Mentor to Frank Katz and I think Frank got the gig later on Mike's recommendation !
I have an album called CONJUNCTION...Marc Wagnon (from Percy Jones' Tunnels), Mike Clark, Paul Jackson, & Fuse from the SHT. Been years since I played it. I guess it maybe didn't float my boat at the time. Your comment is a reminder...a revisit is in order.
I became aware of Brand X through progressive FM radio album shows back in the day. I miss those sort of shows.
Something awesome about a fretless Bass. You have to have real talent to play It. Luis do you do play Fretless Bass ?
this is a really great format
Maybe Brand X is comparable to Isotope and Colosseum II as well.
Goodsall was in Atomic Rooster.😀❤️
I`ve every Brand X album except Unorthodox Behavior. What the hell !
My favorite Brand X is...Marscape 😛
Other British bands are Centipede, Nucleus and Gilgamesh.😀❤️
Topic idea: Components that often make a band that is not considered prog, seem or feel like prog. Example; The Police... Walking on the Moon. Super simple song, but with guitar effects, tempo changes and accents, the rock twisted into reggae, and just something about Sting's treatment of vocal lines give it a progressive vibe. Same with many, many of their songs. Black Sabbath... same thing. Compared to the average hard rock or metal band, many Sabbath songs have changes and treatments that are just flat out progressive.
Provenance that Phil is more than just 1980s Genesis and bad divorces.
Despite the presence of Phil Collins, I felt this was an incredible album when I finally got it. And their first few albums are very good, though they did tend to lose momentum fast enough. But what struck me most of all, after the great interplay, was the tightness, the punchyness and clarity of the production
Also, UK fusion bands? Nucleus, and also Isotope who go right under the radar in every fusion conversation more or less
Some other good Brit fusion (70's): Brian Auger, 2nd Vision (1980), Soft Head (Soft Machine), Gary Boyle, Colosseum II, Neil Ardley, Back Door, Karl Jenkins (Welsh), Last Exit, Max Middleton (Another Sleeper with Robert Ahwai), Visitor 2035. Nucleus & especially Isotope were really good bands
despite the presence?
😄👍
From '76, a good album especially as it's their debut but not their best (Moroccan Roll, Missing Period, Product, Do They Hurt, XCommunication, Manifest Destiny). Missing Period came out in '97 but actually contains the earliest band recordings from 1975-76...All time great fusion band of course - Percy Jones is an absolute beast on bass (one of my all time fave players) & John Goodsall (Atomic Rooster/Fire Merchants/Tunnels) lays down some serious riffs. Phil Collins of course on drums (during his Genesis off days I guess😎)...
Somewhat weird random fact - Goodsall played guitar (uncredited) on Billy Idol's great 1984 album Rebel Yell. Also reportedly worked a bit with Peter Gabriel post-Genesis (mid 70's), both live & in studio. At least one studio demo survived, the 1976 "Here Comes The Flood" (with Anthony Phillips, Phil Collins & Mike Rutherford). He did cover "Carpet Crawlers" (with Michael Zentner on vocals) on 2008's Supper's Ready: Another Serving From The Musical Box. I'm imagining a Gabriel/Goodsall band (with Phil Collins probably on board too)! Oh well...
This should be a good episode!
Many don't know that Goodsall also appeared on the Toni Basil hit 'Mickey' as a member of the studio band 'Zoo Drive'.
About the song titles: I suspect a little bit of British irony went into picking them.
It's a great album, but if it has to be criticized for anything, it's that musically it didn't bring anything new to the table in terms of the fusion genre.
The only jazz fusion album I have ever owned or want to own. Introduced to it through my love of early Genesis. Love it.
Thank you again to my fellow SOT mates and those that continue to support this channel in all forms.
@Wolf The Procol Harum pick was absolutely intentional to get many to listen to give their honest opinion on what’s presented.