Adamson left school and shifted into graphic design attending Stockport Art College[3] but quit shortly after, favouring to venture into the exploding punk rock scene of the late 1970s. He joined ex-Buzzcocks singer Howard Devoto's band Magazine, playing bass guitar, scoring one chart single, "Shot by Both Sides"; in late 1977, he also joined Buzzcocks, as a short-time replacement of Garth Smith. He played on all of Magazine's albums, and contributed to Devoto's solo album and his next band, Luxuria. He also contributed to the studio-based band Visage, playing on the ensemble's first two albums, Visage and The Anvil.
After Magazine broke up, Adamson worked with another ex-Buzzcock, Pete Shelley, before joining Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He appeared on five of that band's albums: From Her to Eternity; The Firstborn Is Dead; Kicking Against the Pricks; Your Funeral, My Trial; and Tender Prey. After his stint in the band, he went solo, releasing an EP, The Man with the Golden Arm in 1988, and his first solo album, Moss Side Story, the following year, the soundtrack to a non-existent film noir.[4] The album incorporated newscasts and sampled sound effects and featured guest musicians Marcia Schofield (of The Fall), Diamanda Galas, Roland S. Howard, and former colleagues from the Bad Seeds.[4] Adamson's second solo album was the soundtrack to a real film this time - Carl Colpaert's Delusion, and he would go on to provide sountracks for several other films.[4]
Adamson's third album, Soul Murder, was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize in 1992.[4][5]
His solo work is influenced by John Barry, Elmer Bernstein and Ennio Morricone. Later works have included jazz, electronica, soul, funk, and dub styles.
In 2002, Adamson left his long-term label, Mute Records, and started his own 'production home', Central Control International. In 2006, he released Stranger on the Sofa, first for his Central Control International imprint, to critical acclaim. Back To The Cat, his second album for the label, was released in March 2008.[1]
In 2007 it was announced that Magazine would reform for concerts in 2008. Adamson will be part of this and the same line up that recorded Secondhand Daylight will reform, with the exception of the late John McGeoch. McGeoch will be replaced by Luxuria/Apollo 440 member Noko.
The Big Bamboozle
Barry Adamson Lyrics
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I'm gonna show you it in black and white
I'm wanted for murder, kidnapping, robbery, armed robbery, conspiracy, threatening New York."
[You have nothing to worry about Mr Adamson]
The lyrics of Barry Adamson's song "The Big Bamboozle" provide a glimpse into the psyche of a criminal who has been on the run and is speaking to someone who can help him evade the law. The opening lines suggest that the singer is trying to convince the listener of his honesty by stating that he will provide proof of his actions in black and white. However, the subsequent lines reveal the singer’s true character as he confesses to a litany of severe crimes, including murder, kidnapping, robbery, armed robbery, conspiracy, and threatening New York.
The tone of the lyrics is one of desperation and urgency, as the singer attempts to persuade the listener to overlook his criminal past and help him escape the consequences of his actions. The final line, "You have nothing to worry about Mr. Adamson," adds a layer of irony as it suggests that the listener is someone in authority trying to convince the singer of his safety, even as he confesses to serious crimes.
Line by Line Meaning
Everything I tell you today
Every word that comes out of my mouth from this moment forward is the truth
I'm gonna show you it in black and white
I have concrete evidence to back up everything I say
I'm wanted for murder, kidnapping, robbery, armed robbery, conspiracy, threatening New York.
I am being accused of several severe crimes and am being pursued by the authorities
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
brianartillery
One of my all-time favourite tunes. Big and brassy, one of Barry Adamson's 'Soundtracks For Imaginary Movies'. You can see it playing over the opening credits of a movie. I like the re-use of vocal samples from his earlier album 'Moss Side Story', which is an imaginary soundtrack par excellence. I've been a fan of Barry's work for a very long time - his great bass work in Magazine, and later as one of Nick Cave's Bad Seeds. I consider him one of the greatest musicians ever - and yet, the average man on the street will never have heard of him.
Bobby Shaftoe
He's a musical genius, I was lucky enough to see Magazine late 70's and twice (about 7 years ago). Then by himself 2 years ago at The Deaf Institute Manchester,what a FANTASTIC gig/venue that was !