When discussing Bill’s early 80s output, I always see people mention tracks like “Flaming Desire” or “Do You Dream In Colour” as highlights of this period (and rightly so). However, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone mention “Tender Is The Night” from the Chimera mini-album (or Vistamix here in the US), and in my opinion it’s one of Bill’s best-ever songs. The funky bass line, the way the synths and guitars lock together, and Bill’s expressive vocals all come together to make something extra special. Any other fans of this track?

I’m looking to get a few albums from Bill’s Bandcamp page, but there’s so much I’m not sure where to start. I’ve asked elsewhere and the three that seem to be the most universally well-regarded are The Alchemical Adventures of Sailor Bill, The Romance of Sustain, and Fancy Planets. Should I start there, or are there more essential albums to get first (again, specifically from the Bandcamp page)? For context, I have all the Be Bop Deluxe albums plus Northern Dream, Sound On Sound, Quit Dreaming and Get On The Beam, The Love That Whirls, La Belle Et La Bête, Chimera, Vistamix, The Two-Fold Aspect of Everything, On A Blue Wing, and Chance Encounters In The Garden of Lights. I’m interested in hearing albums that show off other sides of Bill’s music, but I’m not opposed to albums that fans of the above would enjoy either. Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

Hello everyone! I’m a relatively new fan, having just gotten into Bill’s music through Be Bop Deluxe in the last year or two. I’ve managed to find a few of Bill’s solo albums from the 80s and have enjoyed those just as much as Be Bop, and I’m looking forward to exploring his more recent output through the Bandcamp page. Bill, if you read this post: thank you for your wonderful music, and for continuing to make it over the years. I appreciate the way you continue to experiment and follow the muse wherever it leads. I also admire the way you interact with your fans—not all artists are as open and generous as you are! It’s unlikely I’ll ever make it to a Nelsonica gathering (since I live in the U.S.), but thanks for making this digital space available for us to discuss your music. I’m looking forward to learning from and chatting with you all here on the forum! Cheers, Simon