BUDGIE - IF I WERE BRITTANIA I'D WAIVE THE RULES - 12" Vinyl LP Album

Budgie's 12" vinyl LP "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules" is a daring sonic journey. The album, produced by the band and sound engineer Pat Moran, blends progressive and hard rock seamlessly. Led by Burke Shelley's vocals and bass, Tony Bourge's intricate guitar work, Steve Williams' rhythmic drums, and Richard Dunn's atmospheric keyboards, the album defies norms. A showcase of Budgie's fearless innovation, it's a masterpiece that challenges musical conventions.

 

BUDGIE - If I Were Brittania I'd Waive The Rules 12" Vinyl LP Album front cover https://vinyl-records.nl

Collectors information / Album Description: 

In the realm of progressive rock and heavy metal, few bands have pushed the boundaries of musical exploration as boldly as Budgie. Their 12" vinyl LP album, "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules", is a testament to their artistic courage, featuring an intricate blend of genres, unconventional arrangements, and an unforgettable lineup. Produced by the band itself and featuring the technical expertise of sound engineer Pat Moran, this album remains a revered masterpiece that challenged norms and carved a unique niche in the world of music.

The Journey Begins

Released with a title that echoes the sentiments of a maverick spirit, "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules" takes listeners on a captivating sonic journey. The album is a testament to Budgie's penchant for defying categorization, as they seamlessly traverse the realms of hard rock, progressive rock, and experimental sounds. The album title itself serves as a bold declaration of the band's intent to break free from constraints, setting the tone for the musical voyage that follows.

Behind the Studio Magic

Behind every great album is a team of individuals who contribute their expertise to create an immersive sonic experience. In the case of "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules", Budgie's self-production and the sound engineering finesse of Pat Moran are integral components of its unique sound. Moran's skillful handling of the recording process ensured that the album's sonic intricacies were captured with precision, allowing each instrument and vocal nuance to shine.

Harmony in Diversity

The album's lineup is a remarkable ensemble of talent that brings depth and complexity to the music:

- Burke Shelley: As the vocalist and bassist, Shelley's distinctive vocals and commanding basslines form the backbone of the album's sound. His emotive delivery and lyrical prowess add layers of meaning to the tracks.

- Tony Bourge: The guitar virtuoso, known for his innovative playing style, weaves intricate melodies and searing solos that contribute to the album's dynamic range.

- Steve Williams: The rhythmic anchor of the band, Williams' drumming provides the heartbeat of the music. His diverse percussive skills enhance the album's ever-shifting rhythms.

- Richard Dunn: The addition of keyboards, provided by Dunn, adds a new dimension to the album's sonic palette. The keyboards infuse a sense of grandeur and atmosphere, elevating the music to new heights.

Exploration and Expression

"If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules" isn't just an album; it's an artistic expedition that defies expectations. Tracks like "Anne Neggen" and "Sky High Percentage" showcase Budgie's ability to seamlessly blend progressive rock elements with their signature hard rock edge. The album's diversity is evident in songs like "If I Were Britannia", where introspective moments intertwine with soaring guitar work and intricate arrangements.

A Legacy of Unconventionality

Released in 1976, the album continues to stand as a testament to Budgie's fearless innovation. "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules" defies easy categorization, capturing the essence of Budgie's boundary-pushing approach to music-making. The album's blend of technical prowess, intricate compositions, and expressive lyricism has left an enduring imprint on the progressive rock and heavy metal genres.


 

Album Production information:

The album: "BUDGIE If I Were Britctania I'd Waive The Rules" was produced by: Budgie

Pat Moran - Sound Engineer

Record Label & Catalognr:

A&M Records SP 4593

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1976 Made in USA
Band Members and Musicians on: BUDGIE If I Were Brittania I'd Waive The Rules
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Burke Shelley - Vocals, bass
  • Tony Bourge - Guitar
  • Steve Williams - Drums
  • Richard Dunn - Keyboards
Complete Track Listing of: "BUDGIE If I Were Brittania I'd Waive The Rules"

The Songs/tracks on "BUDGIE If I Were Brittania I'd Waive The Rules" are

  1. Anne Neggen (4:04)
  2. If I Were Brittania I'd Waive the Rules (5:50)
  3. You're Opening Doors (4:14)
  4. Quacktor and Bureaucats (3:52)
  5. Sky High Percentage (5:52)
  6. Heaven Knows Our Name (3:52)
  7. Black Velvet Stallion (8:08)

BUDGIE (Band) Selected Vinyl Albums & Album Cover Gallery

Budgie band's history:

Formed in Cardiff, Wales, in 1967, Budgie is a rock band that left an indelible mark on the music landscape with their innovative sound and dynamic performances. Comprising Burke Shelley (vocals/bass), Tony Bourge (guitar), and Ray Phillips (drums), the original lineup emerged as one of the pioneers of the hard rock and heavy metal genres.

Budgie's self-titled debut album, released in 1971, introduced their distinctive style, characterized by intricate guitar work, powerful basslines, and Shelley's unique vocal delivery. Their second album, "Squawk," further solidified their reputation for combining hard rock with progressive elements, earning them a dedicated fanbase.

In 1972, Ray Phillips was replaced by Pete Boot on drums, marking a pivotal moment in Budgie's evolution. Their album "Never Turn Your Back on a Friend" (1973) garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, featuring the hit song "Breadfan." The album's combination of heavy riffs and Shelley's emotive vocals established Budgie as a force to be reckoned with in the emerging heavy metal scene.

"Budgie" (1971) and "In for the Kill!" (1974) continued to showcase their sonic prowess, while "Bandolier" (1975) and "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules" (1976) ventured into more progressive territories, emphasizing their musical versatility.

Budgie's lineup underwent changes over the years, with Steve Williams replacing Pete Boot on drums and Myf Isaac joining as keyboardist. Despite lineup shifts, the band maintained their commitment to innovation. The late 1970s saw the release of "Impeckable" (1978) and "Power Supply" (1980), the latter showcasing their signature blend of hard rock and progressive influences.

The 1980s marked a shift as Budgie pursued new musical directions. While their popularity slightly waned, their legacy remained influential. The band eventually disbanded in 1988, but their impact endured. Many bands, including Metallica and Soundgarden, cited Budgie as an inspiration.

In 1995, Burke Shelley reformed Budgie with new members. The band continued to perform live and released new material, showcasing their enduring relevance. Despite lineup changes, Shelley remained the sole constant member.

Budgie's legacy continues to resonate. Their ability to blend hard rock, progressive rock, and heavy metal set them apart, influencing generations of musicians. Their intricate compositions, powerful performances, and pioneering spirit have secured their place in rock history, cementing Budgie's status as true rock innovators.

BUDGIE - If I Were Brittania I'd Waive The Rules
Thumbnail of BUDGIE - If I Were Brittania I'd Waive The Rules album front cover

A&M Records SP 4593, 1976 , Made in USA

Budgie's 12" vinyl LP "If I Were Britannia I'd Waive the Rules" is a daring sonic journey. The album, produced by the band and sound engineer Pat Moran, blends progressive and hard rock seamlessly. Led by Burke Shelley's vocals and bass, Tony Bourge's intricate guitar work, Steve Williams' rhythmic drums, and Richard Dunn's atmospheric keyboards, the album defies norms. A showcase of Budgie's fearless innovation, it's a masterpiece that challenges musical conventions.

Learn more
BUDGIE - Power Supply
Thumbnail of BUDGIE - Power Supply album front cover

Active Records ACT LP 1 , 1980 , Made in England

Budgie's "Power Supply" 12" vinyl LP album, complete with an included insert, is a heavy metal classic. Released in 1980 under Active Records, the album emanates raw energy. Tracks like "Easy Skanking" and "She's Gone" showcase Budgie's signature sound. With Burke Shelley's vocals and bass, Big John Thomas' fiery guitar, and Steve Williams' drums, the album is a dynamic journey through the essence of British heavy metal.

Learn more