‘Banal’ is a classic example of the ‘new sound’ Bill Nelson was striving to perfect (and also a ‘protest’ of sorts: “Every song I hear seems to sound the same”), using layered synths, detailed arrangements, always melodious, experimenting with sound, but still managing to convey semblances of hum- ability and danceability; similar is some respects to the direction in which David Bowie would take. This is also evident on the playful ‘False Alarms’, the vocals deep in the mix (another trademark in the developing sound) with quirky rhythms and unconventional progressions. ‘(Something) Living in My Limousine’ could be construed as an unnerving song, but its astute guitar fills, prominent bass line, skilful use of synthesisers and catchy chorus almost belie its overall spookiness. This is music of the mainstream that lives on the edge.
As a bridge between Red Noise and Nelson’s solo works, Ian Nelson’s sax makes important contributions throughout the album, no better demonstrated than on ‘A Kind of Loving’ which also has some remarkable bass lines and a memorable synth break, and ‘White Sound’, the latter also featuring clanging guitars and exquisite synth textures. It should be noted that ‘Disposable’ was actually recorded with all of Red Noise, and has another cool sax break. There is also an oriental feel on songs like ‘Life Runs Out Like Sand’ (in the percussion, vocals and general vibe) and the closing title track; there is some discussion on this in the liner notes. ‘Decline and Fall’ perhaps typifies Nelson’s signature sound: based on some basic guitar chording, it is the arrangement and pounding rhythmic backing (with some forceful bass work high up in the mix) that produces an elegant flow to the piece, with a reminder that Nelson is not content with playing safe on a wild synth solo at its conclusion. As he sang on ‘Banal, “Every song I hear seems to sound the same”. But, not this time for with “Quit Dreaming and Get on the Beam”, Nelson produced an album made to last. It is many years since I last listened to it, and I had forgotten how good it really is.
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