Bandolier

Bandolier represents a progression, or evolution, if you prefer, of Cardiff, Wales-based Budgie's musicianship and creativity, due in large part to the addition of Steve Williams on drums. Mr. Williams could tap the full spectrum of the drumkit as an instrument, and the versatility and style of his playing enabled the band's sound to evolve to a higher level of musicality. My prior experience of Budgie was the In for the Kill! album, which featured his predecessor, Pete Boot, on drums; Boot was one of the prototypical heavy drummers, in the style of Carmine Appice, the late Eric Carr, and Triumph's Gil Moore.Budgie never really had that much of a following on this side of the pond, which consigned them and several of their contemporaries to the so-called "underside" of English heavy metal. Fortunately they had a few notable fans, such as Metallica, who cover 2 of their songs on the Garage, Inc, collection. Bandolier is an impressive collection of material, especially the expanded CD with the bonus live and acoustic tracks; I had previous owned the vinyl LP, which had impressed me from the first time I heard "Breaking All the House Rules," the only song to get any airplay in the Pittsburgh area in the mid-70's. That track is one of the live selections on the CD, with John Thomas filling in for regular guitarist Tony Bourge; he does an excellent job.Bandolier should serve as an introduction to Budgie for fans of classic rock and metal; the songs are all tight and cohesive, and they explore other genres as well, as evidenced by "Slipaway" and "Who Do You Want for Your Love?' Another distinctive aspect is the vocal styling of bassist Burke Shelley on "Napoleon Bona, Part One" and other tracks, which is reminiscent of the late soul singer Nancy Wilson on such classics as "Free Again" and "Sunny." If you're a fan of Black Sabbath, Humble Pie, Uriah Heep, and other bands of that period, then definitely pick up Bandolier. Budgie is still playing and recording, with former Dio member Craig Goldie now on guitar, and Steve Williams still anchoring the rhythm section.

Though every Budgie album is great, this album is, in my opinion, the best Budgie album ever, hands down. Every song is really good, but "Napoleon Bona-Part One and Two" is the definite standout. It's also my favorite Budgie song of all time. It showcases the ultimate, best style of songs that are my favorite kind of Budgie songs and appear on every album. Though they do great, mellow ballads and fantastic rockers, I personally believe the best representatives of Budgie songs are the kind that start slowly and progress into a fast-paced ending that goes out with a bang. A nice bonus to this re-release is one song not on the original release and live versions of two songs, as well as a PC video. If one only ever buys just one Budgie album I would recommend "Bandolier".

The first five Budgie albums arrived together. I began from "Budgie" and played through to "Bandolier" non-stop. I had the first three albums on vinyl in the 70's but some lucky thief relieved me of them over 30 years ago. I now realize how much I missed these treasures of wonderful rock music. Potential purchasers have no fear you will not be disappointed.Check out Australian 70's rock outfit Buffalo albums "Dead Forever" and "Volcanic Rock" on Aztec Music. They are also a great band albeit a four piece.The artwork and packaging of the Budgie releases is superb. Damn good choofin' sounds for sure.

This is the best band nobody has heard of. Tony Bourge is on my list of top 5 guitar players ever (okay, I admit...there are probably more than 5 on my top 5 list). I'm thrilled to have a copy of this album on vinyl, and the condition is excellent, as represented by the seller. Bandolier and Impeckable are probably my favorite Budgie albums, but really, all 7 albums with Bourge fall into the must own category. Probably the weakest of these 7 are "Brittania" and "In For the Kill", but even these are pretty good. I'm actually happy these songs are never played on the radio...makes me feel priviledged and exclusive.

I gave it to a friend as a gift, I already have the CD and the album , my friend is going through some stuff times, I wanted to cheer him up !!!

This is a great re-release of a classic Budgie album. It contains all of the original tracks plus four bonus tracks that were not on the original vinyl album. Three of the four bonus tracks are live recordings, the other was a B side from a single. The sound quality is good - nothing changed from the original release (that I could tell).

I have been a fan of Budgie since I was a teen, many many years ago. I don't know what happened to my collection from years ago, but I was very glad to find these albums are still available.

Wonderful album.!

The last album for MCA and what an album it is,arguably their best album of the 70's,from the opening 'Breaking All The House Rules' with its hypnotic groove and Burke Shelley indulging in his Robert Plant isms in the middle to the thunderous Napoleon Bonaparte parts 1 and 2.its a joy to listen toThrow in the laid back 'Slip Away' (stunning solo from Tony Bourge) and the bluesy 'Who Do You Want For Your Love ?' and its a winner all the way,that its drummer Steve Williams debut on drums makes it all the sweeter.assorted bonus tracks inc the B 'Side 'Honey', some live tracks from 1980 and one from 1975,all in all a tidy collection. Excellent booklet and superb remastered audio make this an easy buy.

Forget the age - this is a real classic. I had the original LP but couldn't fint it on i-tunes. Not cheap to buy but worth it. I have been listening to it for the last four days ! Budgie play stripped down hard rock - as you would expect from a three piece band, but still manage to create a full sound. Not over produced with multiple over dubs like some bands but kept simple the way it should be. Get it now !

Had this on vinyl years ago so great to hear album again. A fantastic band with great riffs and songs Burke, Tony and Steve at their brilliant best! Would recommend highly to 70s rock band lovers.

Budgie fans will already own this on vinyl and like me worn the records out by now as this is one of thier best albums along with In For The Kill and the self titled album Budgie. Never seen them live unfortunatly but one of Britains underated rock gems. All three albums are a must buy for anyone who likes rock/progresive music ,best Welsh band ever but try another Welsh band called Man.

Great album and service.