By the time Getting the Holy Ghost Across had been released, Bill Nelson
had already separated his style and method of songwriting from original
band Be Bop Deluxe. This is the mid-80s and much of that Bowie/Roxy
Music influence is featured on this recording. Nelson (along with
several others) was a pioneer of this style when he released the final
Be Bop Deluxe album. Getting the Holy Ghost Across was where he
perfected it.
Nelson’s superb sense of humor is less evident on this concept album
than normal. This more weighty nature led him to the best solo work of
his career, as the album’s theme is a contemplation of faith in the
modern world. It’s excellently performed and produced by Nelson, almost
a one-man show. Nelson plays Guitar, Keyboards, Percussion, Bass and
sings all vocals. Bills vocals are always charming and uplifting. Here
he uses his beautiful falsetto more frequently and sings hummable
melodies in a pleasant manner, not unlike David Bowie during his
Low/Heroes period.
By this time Bill Nelson had all but given up his out of this world
guitar histrionics that he had performed on the first few Be Bop Deluxe
records and uses his former primary instrument mostly for atmosphere and
mood. The focus on this album is mostly on keyboards, similar at times
to Thomas Dolby or Heaven 17.
Getting the Holy Ghost Across has a checkered history as it was
initially released in Europe as a double album, but introduced stateside
as a single with much of the record hacked off and a different tracking
order, this release is called On A Blue Wing. Currently only Getting
the Holy Ghost Across is the only one available and it should stay that
way, since much of the theological concept was lost with the US release.
Now if the keyboard driven artists from the 80s like Howard Jones, Yaz,
Eno-period David Bowie and the aforementioned others really flip your
switch, this is great stuff. If you’re looking for another Genesis or
Yes clone, look elsewhere. This was what was progressive in the
mid-80s, Synth-Pop and New Wave. Sample the songs “Living for the
Spangled Moment,” “Because of You,” “Lost In Your Mystery” or “Illusions
of You.” After that, recommended if you’re willing.
Reviewed by Terry Jackson on May 19th, 2011
