Sunburst Finish (album)

Sunburst Finish is the third studio album by English rock band Be-Bop Deluxe, released in February 1976. It was recorded in Abbey Road Studios, London.

The album contains what would become one of their few forays into chart success; the February 1976 single "Ships in the Night", which reached number 23 in the UK Singles Chart.

Keyboardist Andy Clark, who had served as a temporary member during Be-Bop Deluxe's 1975 Futurama tour, joined the band as a full member for this album. He remained until the band was dissolved by Bill Nelson in 1978 and would be the only member of Be-Bop Deluxe apart from Bill Nelson to become part of Bill Nelson's Red Noise.

The album marked the production debut of John Leckie, who would later produce artists such as Simple Minds, XTC, The Stone Roses and Radiohead. It was re-released in early 1991 with three bonus tracks.

Q Magazine described it as the band's 'finest hour' where 'Bill's lyrical excesses are held in check while the band belt out track after track of uniquely futuristic pop'.

Musical style
The music of Sunburst Finish has been classified as art rock, pop rock and progressive pop.

Track listing
All songs written by Bill Nelson.


 * 1) "Fair Exchange" – 4:49
 * 2) "Heavenly Homes" – 3:36
 * 3) "Ships in the Night" – 4:03
 * 4) "Crying to the Sky" – 3:57
 * 5) "Sleep That Burns" – 5:16
 * 6) "Beauty Secrets" – 2:47
 * 7) "Life in the Air Age" – 3:59
 * 8) "Like an Old Blues" – 3:27
 * 9) "Crystal Gazing" – 3:24
 * 10) "Blazing Apostles" – 4:29
 * 11) "Shine" (Reissue bonus track)
 * 12) "Speed of the Wind" (Reissue bonus track)
 * 13) "Blue as a Jewel" (Reissue bonus track)

Personnel
with:
 * Be-Bop Deluxe
 * Bill Nelson – electric and 12-string guitars, lead vocals, cover concept
 * Andy Clark – keyboards, synthesizer
 * Charlie Tumahai – bass guitar, backing vocals
 * Simon Fox – drums
 * Ian Nelson – alto saxophone on "Ships in the Night"
 * Andrew Powell – orchestral arrangements on "Like an Old Blues" and "Crystal Gazing"

Cover photograph
John Thornton photographed the cover based on a concept by Mike Doud. The model was Nicky Howarth Dwek.