I first heard Bill Nelson in 1974, when his "Axe Victim" (Be-Bop Deluxe) came out. "Rocket Cathedrals" was the "hit" that the band played on TV appearances, but Bill's amazing guitar work -- and poetic lyrics -- throughout that album struck me as more impressive and longer-lasting. Subsequent songs from "Futurama" and "Sunburst Finish" brought Bill & the group more attention. I had the chance to see Bill perform live in 1976.
Always inventive, Bill's released many albums and has gone through many metamorphoses since the 1970's. But his "file under 'Absolute A-Go-Go'" album "Sound on Sound" by his one-off ensemble "Red Noise" stands the test of time as a shockingly prescient statement.
Starting with Side 1 Track 6 "Stay Young" and continuing with every song to the end of Side 2, "Red Noise" never ceases to thrill me. It's turned out to be 100% true. But it's not for everyone. Similar to what happened when I showed some friends David Lynch's movie "Eraserhead," "Sound on Sound" can empty a room and leave friendships in the dust.
But that's actually a good thing. It helps clear out the chaff in one's social circle.
