Episode 137 – Brand X, 1976-1980: Inhuman Fusion Conclusions

Led by the estimable Percy Jones on bass and supported by a cast of elite co-conspirators, England's Brand X released a covey of essential fusion albums in the '70s and early '80s. Blending rock and jazz with uncommon aggression and dexterity, Brand X cuts across genres and decapitates rivals. Join us on this deep dive into one of fusion's oft-overlooked champions.

Note I:

Jeff’s Voivod book, Always Moving: The Strange Multiverse of Voivod, is finally available. Taking orders now for this 540-page, 3-pound behemoth…ONLY available HERE: radicalresearch.org/voivod

Note II: The Radical Research Patreon page is now set up and ready for your patronage. We are offering tiered subscription levels for those who want a set-it-and-forget-it donation option. As ever, if you choose to support us, we are humbled and grateful! patreon.com/RadicalResearchPodcast

Music cited in order of appearance: “Nuclear Burn” (Unorthodox Behaviour, 1976) “Smacks of Euphoric Hysteria” (Unorthodox Behaviour, 1976) “Disco Suicide” (Moroccan Roll, 1977) “Macrocosm” (Moroccan Roll, 1977) “Access to Data” (Masques, 1978) “The Ghost of Mayfield Lodge” (Masques, 1978) “Don’t Make Waves” (Product, 1979) “Dance of the Illegal Aliens” (Product, 1979) “Act of Will” (Do They Hurt?, 1980) “Fragile” (Do They Hurt?, 1980) “Triumphant Limp” (Do They Hurt?, 1980) Radical Research is a conversation about the inner- and outer-reaches of rock and metal music. This podcast is conceived and conducted by Jeff Wagner and Hunter Ginn. Though we consume music in a variety of ways, we give particular privilege to the immersive, full-album listening experience. Likewise, we believe that tangible music formats help provide the richest, most rewarding immersions and that music, artwork, and song titles cooperate to produce a singular effect on the listener. Great music is worth more than we ever pay for it.