Be-Bop Deluxe-Sunburst Finish (1976)

Be-Bop Deluxe was one of those unclassifiable bands that navigated between the sounds of glam rock, art rock, new wave, and the avant-garde of the seventies, with sarcastic and ironic messages in their lyrics. Their core revolved around guitarist Bill Nelson, the only permanent member of the band. Their first two albums leaned towards the glam rock style of "Axe Victim" (1974) and the art rock of the following one, "Futurama" (1975). On both albums, Nelson's outstanding lead guitar work stands out, along with the complex instrumental performances, featuring melodic and accessible rhythms. In 1976 came their third album, "Sunburst Finish", which represented the creative peak for both Be-Bop Deluxe and Nelson, resulting in a more pop-rock-oriented album of excellent quality. Tracks related to the new wave sounds of the time, such as "Fair Exchange", the carefree "Ships in the Night", the addictive mid-tempo "Crying to the Sky", the dynamic "Sleep That Burns", the somber "Life in the Air Age" or the rock "Blazing Apostles", make up the best work of this iconic British band.