One of Mojo Magazine?s 100 greatest cult bands, London?s The Bevis Frond release their 17th album, Valedictory Songs this November on Rubric Records. The release coincides with their event closing appearance at Terrastock... more » IV in Seattle November 5th. This marks the first Rubric release for the Frond. The CD is 17 Nick Saloman penned studio tracks with longtime bassist Adrian Shaw and drummer Andy Ward rounding out the group. This is a "songs" oriented release, and will unquestionably continue the success the band has had at college radio in recent years, as well as appeal to their significant fan base.« less
One of Mojo Magazine?s 100 greatest cult bands, London?s The Bevis Frond release their 17th album, Valedictory Songs this November on Rubric Records. The release coincides with their event closing appearance at Terrastock IV in Seattle November 5th. This marks the first Rubric release for the Frond. The CD is 17 Nick Saloman penned studio tracks with longtime bassist Adrian Shaw and drummer Andy Ward rounding out the group. This is a "songs" oriented release, and will unquestionably continue the success the band has had at college radio in recent years, as well as appeal to their significant fan base.
CD Reviews
Take Notice - Best Bevis In Years
musicmars | New York, NY United States | 12/20/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the most consistantly good record that Nick and Co. have done. As always, the lyrics excel, but this time more attention is paid to the melody. The music is heavily influenced by great 60's psychedelic rock. Georgeous, intricate melodies along with the best production the Frond have ever had. No this is not a "knock you over the head" heavy psych fest (if you want that get Bevis' new Acid Jam II companion release) although it does feature the world's greatest guitarist Bari Watts on one track and he rips it up as usual (Bari is also on Acid Jam II).Supremely listenable, heartfelt and mature. Album of the Year! Buy It!"
Supremely listenable rock
Michael Hall | Clarkston GA USA | 08/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Bevis Frond was one of those bands that I had always heard of, but never heard, so I bought Valedictory Songs just to find out more. It has not yet left the CD player in my car. Every song has merit, and most are neo-psychedlic masterpieces: some of the riffs recall Hendrix and Led Zep at their heaviest, but the arrangements are not throwbacks--many sound positively post-grunge. Besides, teenagers couldn't write these lyrics! Nick Saloman, as a lyricist, seems alternately caught between cynicism, wonder, and bafflement, and I think most slightly-older-guys can relate. My favorites: Let Them Beautify You, Early Riser, Can't Feel It, and the exquisite High On A Downer."
What a discovery !
t'amant | 02/28/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After hearing a snippet of this CD in a radio review, I was determined to track it down (no easy feat)and purchase it. If you are a fan of retro-rock sounds, Valedictory Songs is the answer to your prayers. The art of combining astonishing musical talent with imaginative lyrics makes this, for me anyway, the best CD I have found in years. Apparently, creativity and artistry are still alive and well. No trend-jumping here, just solid, interesting music. How refreshing is that, music fans ? A must-have."
NICK SALOMAN SUFFERS FROM PREMATURE VALEDICTION!
t'amant | WA | 12/30/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A terrible malady, if so many great albums are left seeking expression. Thank God he has followed the only treatment available to one with this rare flare-up, admitting the problem while working on and releasing more great recordings from 2000 hence. With an album as sublime as this, how could he be so cruel to his fans and think he could stop here, leaving them drooling for more? Inner Marshland was the album I was first turned on to (and I have bought a half dozen more since - all excellent), and this is more polished and song-oriented than that one, but also more tight and professional (Inner Marshland still is a fav though - a freakfest of playful, creative psychedelia). This recording is done in a real studio this time, some earlier ones were done on primitive 4-tracks, not that they suffered much from that (it kind of gives them more charm). Andy Ward of Camel fame and Adrian Shaw (of Hawkwind at one time) make some fine contibutions to the overall quality (Nick did an incredible job on previous recordings though covering all of those bases). Check out Bari Watts guitar on Can't Feel It, his only contribution on here, but a great one! This is one of those all songs are great albums for me (with 17 of them on here I hesitate to discuss them individually, every one is memorable and sticks with you)! Seriously, each song has something incredible to appreciate - a beautiful melody, layered harmonic genius, deep heartfelt lyrics, and/or rock solid structure and jamming, etc. An unbelievable display of song-writing prowess that boggles the senses - very diverse and interesting! And as usual, the guitar playing is top shelf (stream of conciousness castles in the sand). This selection is particularly notable for Nick's incredible harmonized guitar leads and self harmonizing vocally...so %$#@6 cool and beautiful!! I really do look to his stuff as an inspiring example of how to create soulfull psychedelic masterpieces that will live on in a universe of it's own. He "doesn't want to fade away in the same way" (Old School Rock)...when you hear this great music it will be clear, we won't "forget HIM when he's gone", this legacy will grow with time I am sure! Treat yourself to a 71:30 minute masterpiece (nice package with all lyrics, cool artwork, etc.). Thanks NS for the great pleasure of your music!
And do I hear a voice confessing?
Telling me to count my blessings,
Try to understand we got to get it straight before it's too late.
"
Phenomenal Frond
t'amant | 01/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having had the great fortune of attending Terrastock this past year,I can attest to what I always suspected--Nick Saloman's artistic genius.And I don't assign this this label lightly.It's almost overwhelming to witness it live,because he and his great band played their hearts out,never giving in to pretension or gimmickry(hmm how refreshing).A true sign of real talent and brilliance. It all comes through on this record. Some songs are just about perfect pop("Early Riser"--hard not to hum along)while others just rock out("We are the Dead").And for the uninitiated,Saloman is one of the greatest electric guitarists EVER,another label I do not assign lightly.Hearing him live proves it,and can be confirmed by the many working guitarists who were in the audience that Terrastock night.I remember the numerous dropped jaws which stayed that way each time Nick broke into one of his mesmerizing solos.No exaggeration.Mind blowing beauty,and we all knew it.For a guitarist, this was heaven on earth. Oh yeah--buy this record. And Vavonna Burr.And the live one.And any other Frond record you can get your hands on.You'll discover what the cult of the Frond already knows."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1