If I Were Brittania I'd Waive the Rules
Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox album Template:Music ratings If I Were Brittania I'd Waive the Rules is the sixth album by the Welsh power trio heavy metal blues rock band Budgie, released in April 1976.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The album is the band's first new release with A&M Records, having signed with them in late 1975 to distribute the US pressings of Bandolier. Musically, the album is significantly more subdued and polished than their earlier, heavier releases, exploring new experimental territory, which they would also continue to develop on their next release, 'Impeckable' : the band's usual hard rock blues rock style is augmented on this album with funk-Jazz rock fusion elements in two songs, and progressive rock in two others.The sound engineer on the album was Pat Moran, noted for his equally eclectic rock-fusion work with Dr. Feelgood (band) on Down by the Jetty, Robert Plant, Lou Gramm, Queen, Iggy Pop,Van der Graaf Generator, and Peter Hammill. The album was recorded at Rockfield Studios.<ref name=AMG/>
Noted science fiction fantasy artist and book-cover illustrator Alun Hood provided the iconic artwork for the sleeve, whilst acclaimed rock photographer, Gered Mankowitz provided the band photographs.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> The title of the album is a pun on the concept of Britannia ruling the waves. Professor Irene Morra of Cardiff University wrote that Budgie used this title to "declare an essential lack of agency within Britain" which helped portray a countercultural identity, lacking in national ambition.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
Track listing
[edit]Template:Track listing Template:Track listing Template:Track listing
Personnel
[edit]- Budgie
- Burke Shelley – bass, lead vocals
- Tony Bourge – guitar, backing vocals; lead vocals (track 6)
- Steve Williams – drums
- Guest musicians
- Richard Dunn – keyboards
- Production
- Pat Moran – mix engineer
- Fabio Nicoli – art director
- Alun Hood – illustrator
- Gered Mankowitz – photography<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1976) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (Kent Music Report)<ref name=aus>Template:Cite book</ref> | 98 |