Never Turn Your Back on a Friend

It is a very hard thing for a band to put out an album with more than a couple of good songs. Budgie does this with a furverous consistancy. Every song on this album is really good. Although "Parents" is considered the "hit" (and is, by the way, my personal favorite from this album), there is not one bomb in the group. One of the things I like about Budgie is their playfulness in the titles of many of their songs. One of their best titles (and my personal favorite title of all their songs on any of their albums) is "You're The Biggest Thing Since Powdered Milk". With bass player Burke Shelley's Geddy Lee-like vocals (and looks) and Tony Bourge's scathing guitar licks, along with great drummers like Pete Boot, Ray Phillips and Steve Williams, Budgie has a big underground following, but very little radio play or critical respect. I've got to give credit to bands like Metallica, Van Halen and a few others for giving Budgie a big, respectful nod by covering some of their songs. As a fan since their first album, I am grateful to MCA and Noteworthy Productions for their re-releasing all of their albums, most of which have extra songs and even a video. If you've never heard, or even heard of Budgie, pick any one of their albums and I'll bet good money that you'll buy more of them.

I'll skip the review of the material - clearly one of Budgie's best albums("In The Grip of the Tyrefitter's Hand" alone justifies the purchase). What blew me away was the sound quality of the remaster vs. the original release. With most of these remasters the difference is barely perceivable, such that you wonder why you'd pay more when you already have the original CD release. Here it's money well spent, even at import price. Crank it up on a decent stereo and hear for yourself. It breathes, you can hear everything crystal clear. Why can't all remasters sound this way, and why can't all albums sound this good from the very first issue? This is the best thing since powdered milk.

The power trio from Wales lets loose with their third LP - the last to include drummer Ray Phillips. Every track is worthy. Tony's guitar work is outstanding, Burke's bass playing is melodic and powerful and Ray's stereophonic drumming is solid. This is the Breadfan to listen to. Their version of the often covered "Baby Please Don't Go" is as good as any and uniquely their own. The remaster sounds great. The bonus tracks add to the fun but the core album is the deal. These three gents stand as giants in my eyes.

Excellent album and well mastered

Excelente compra

Undisputably one of the best heavy rock albums I have ever owned or listened to. This album should be considered right up there alongside Pink Floyd's "Dark side of the Moon" and Deep Purples "Machine Head" & "Made in Japan" as essential classic rock albums. Many bands claim Budgie as an influence but they are hardly known outside of their inner circle of dedicated fans. Budgie should considered among the founding fathers of classic hard rock along with Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. Just buy it, you can't go wrong.

You have to add this to your collection. Do it now and don't hesitate.When I first heard Budgie (1976) I kind of didn't know what to think. It was a different sound but yet showcased a talent not seen then or now if you want to go there. The amount of talent in the three artists is immense.Go to YOU TUBE and give them a listen to. You will be blown away. "Parents" is my favorite but all the songs ROCK.

Absolute classic of an album. Budgie have a style all their own, which is sometimes translated as being like Rush or Black Sabbath. Nearer Rush than Sabbath certainly, but very different to my ears. I actually prefer In For The Kill myself, but this is a cracking album up there with some of the best rock albums ever made.