Nelson, Bill: Getting The Holy Ghost Across (2 CDs)

Bill Nelson should need no introduction in these pages as his music since the early days of Be Bop Deluxe has been nothing short of excellent. The band was famous for harnessing a sort of Bowiesque sound but making it all their own. Bill's distinct guitar pyrotechnics can be heard across his discography. One of his most important solo albums was Getting The Holy Ghost Across released in 1986 and its companion EP Living for the Spangled Moment. In the U.S., due to reasons that seem absolutely ridiculous now, the album's name was changed to On A Blue Wing with a completely different album cover. In 2006 the album was reissued on the artist's own Sonoluxe label. Fast forward to 2013 and the album has been masterfully reissued on Cocteau Discs, a division of Cherry Red Records.

If you are a fan of '80s new wave music Getting The Holy Ghost Across will be well worth your time. Artists like Howard Jones and Nik Kershaw came to mind while listening as this is a very keyboard heavy album. The music is uplifting and very melodic in contrast to the album's more serious themes of love and faith.

The album begins with the lovely ambience of "Suvasini" and its atmospheric guitar and keyboards. This one displays some of his best guitar work on the disc. "Contemplation" is a keyboard heavy synth-pop tune with a hint of East India in the guitar. Nelson's vocals subtly remind me of Iggy Pop in places. "Theology" is another keyboard dominated track with a slower beat and machine-like electronic percussion sounds ala Kraftwerk. Oriental themes augment the super catchy "Wildest Dreams" and "Lost In Your Mystery", with the latter including some quirky keyboard work. The electro-pop of "The Hidden Flame" is another melodic gem featuring a deep bass groove and could have been a hit back in the day.

The second disc includes the 12 inch EPs Living In The Star Spangled Past and Wildest Dreams, both originally released in 1986. The songs fit in well with the main album as the electro-pop theme continues. Highlights include the soulful glistening pop sheen of "Heart And Soul" (almost wonder if The English Beat listened to this while recording Special Beat Service) and the relaxing "Feast Of Lanterns". Both tracks feature Nelson's stellar guitar work.

It is hard to believe how this record was overlooked when it was released as it showcases the best of what European synth pop had to offer at the time. If you missed it then and are a fan of '80s pop music I whole heartedly recommend this often forgotten gem.

Track Listing:
CD 1 - Getting The Holy Ghost Across
1. Suvasini
2. Contemplation
3. Theology
4. Wildest Dreams
5. Lost In Your Mystery
6. Rise Like A Fountain
7. Age Of Reason
8. The Hidden Flame
9. Because Of You
10. Pansophia

CD 2 – taken from Living for the Spangled Moment and Wildest Dreams
1. Wildest Dreams (Wild Mix)
2. Heart And Soul
3. Living For The Spangled Moment
4. Feast Of Lanterns
5. Illusions Of You
6. Word For Word
7. Finks And Stooges Of The Spirit
8. Nightbirds
9. Self Impersonation
10. Wildest Dreams (single version)
11. The Yo-Yo Dyne

Added: June 27th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 2029
Language: english

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