Bram Tchaikovsky - Strange Man, Changed Man (1979) {Polydor} 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip plus Redbook CD Version

, the debut album by Bram Tchaikovsky, is one the great albums from the heyday of power pop. The mix of upbeat and slower tunes is especially effective. Bram Tchaikovsky (born Peter Bramall) began playing in local pub rock bands in Lincolnshire, England, in the late '60s. He joined the Motors in 1977 and was relegated to mere sideman status by the nucleus of the band, songwriters Andy McMaster and Nick Garvey. While waiting on pre-production work for the second Motors album, Tchaikovsky took the opportunity to do some recording of his own. The resulting single, "Sarah Smiles," drew enough interest for him to leave the Motors and form his own band. In addition to its leader, the band Bram Tchaikovsky consisted of Mike Broadbent (bass, keyboards) and Keith Boyce (drums). They signed to the new Radar label in 1978 along with Stiff expatriates Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello. The band showed a great deal of promise with their first album, , fitting in nicely with the growing power pop movement. allmusic 4.5/5 stars

LP track listing

Side One

1. "Strange Man, Changed Man" (Bram Tchaikovsky) - 4:01
2. "Lonely Dancer" (Ronnie Thomas) - 3:58
3. "Robber" (Micky Broadbent, Bram Tchaikovsky) - 3:06
4. "Bloodline" (Micky Broadbent, Bram Tchaikovsky) - 3:48
5. "I'm the One That's Leaving" (Micky Broadbent, Bram Tchaikovsky) - 3:27

Side Two

6. "Girl of My Dreams" (Ronnie Thomas) - 4:06
7. "Nobody Knows" (Micky Broadbent, Bram Tchaikovsky) - 4:32
8. "Lady from the U.S.A." (Bram Tchaikovsky) - 3:28
9. "I'm a Believer" (Neil Diamond) - 3:46
10. "Sarah Smiles" (Bram Tchaikovsky) - 3:37
11. "Turn on the Light" (Bram Tchaikovsky - 2:49


Released: 1979
Recorded: 1978-1979
Genre: Rock
Length: 40:38
Label: Polydor
Producers: Bram Tchaikovsky, Nick Garvey, Peter Ker

Personnel

* Bram Tchaikovsky - bass, guitar, vocals
* Micky Broadbent - bass, guitar, vocals
* Keith Boyce - drums, percussion
* Nick Garvey - bass, backing vocals
* Mike Oldfield - tubular bells on track 6