Acquitted by Mirrors, Issue 8

As you are probably aware this current issue of A.B.M. is somewhat later than usual, due to the pressures of work and other vague excuses. I originally hoped to present it as a special Christmas Edition, with snow on its logo like the Radio Times and the Beano, but Christmas has long since departed so......welcome to 1984 !

I spent ten days in New York just before the holidays, doing various interviews and generally trying to sow media seeds for a forthcoming America/Canada release called 'Vistamix' This is a compilation album made up of selected tracks from 'Quit Dreaming' 'The Love that Whirls' and 'Chimera' material which most of you will already possess. This is all part of my new record contract with CBS for their 'Portrait' label. The good news is I will soon be starting work writing and demoing new songs for an album to be released later this year, worldwide, on the Portrait label. As subscribers to A.B.M. you will of course, have first hand information of this as the work progresses.

The A&R man whose enthusiasm was responsible for my being able to sign with CBS is Mr. Bob Feineigle, (Hi Bob !) who runs the Portrait label from the CBS offices in New York. The attitude of Bob and the staff was very positive and Mark and I left New York confident of the new record company's abilities to spread the Nelsonian cause over a wider area than before. I can honestly say that I saw more enthusiasm in one week at CBS than I had seen from Phonogram during the entire duration of my Mercury contract. This all looks very promising for the future and I am looking forward to a year of increased creativity, sound in the knowledge that my music will be in good hands.

For those of you who reserved copies of the boxed set 'Sensoria (The Book of Splendours)' I offer my apologies for the slight delay in its release. I've completed the selection and editing of tracks but have suffered a minor setback when some of my artwork was accidentally damaged. I'm currently working on new artwork and am compiling photographs for the book which will be included in the set. As 'Sensoria' is a limited edition, I don't want to sacrifice quality for the sake of speedy manufacture, so things are taking a little longer than originally estimated. Don't worry though, because I think you will find it worth the wait. Besides the rare 'Sounding the Ritual Echo' album the box will include three previously unreleased albums:-

'Pavilions of the Heart and Soul' an album dedicated to the aesthetic pursuit of sexual and spiritual sensuality (!); 'Chamber of Dreams' which features music from The Invisibility Exhibition; and 'A Catalogue of Obsessions' an eclectic collection of musical miscellania. All the tracks, (some seventy odd I believe) were recorded at my home, in the Echo Observatory studio, Yorkshire. The entire work spans a period of year with no other purpose in mind than to amuse myself and exorcise a few personal demons. I have often found that a glimpse at a painter's sketchbook is more enlightening than looking at his finished paintings........'Sensoria' is just that, an electronic sketchbook where the flesh of an idea is captured quickly without too much attention being focused on superficial 'glossiness' Most of the tracks are very concise and I hope you will find their simple but devious form as attractive as I do. I am very proud of 'Sensoria' and see it as being my most personal and open work to date. It represents untold hours of experiment above a kitchen where dinner was always ready just in the middle of a mixdown or take, but such are the advantages of recording at home ! But don't let me put you off...'Sensoria' is very accessible and will bring subtle but substantial rewards to the initiated listener. I don't know, maybe I should sell records instead of making them Don't answer that one!)

Christmas here at Nelson Acres was accompanied by the usual tide of festive nostalgia. Every year, during this season, I seem to spend more and more time and energy in re-creating the atmosphere of my childhood, despite the increasing cynicism of my adulthood. We had a log fire blazing merrily in the hall, a nine foot tall Christmas tree bedecked with shining baubles and colored lights, dozens of pink, blue and white balloons, paper chains, holly, walnuts and tangerines; Santas that play 'Jingle Bells', plastic snowmen that never melt, and a wholesome supply of Jan's home-made mince pies, to be washed down with ample measures of festive claret. All in a desperate attempt to forget the real world lurking horribly outside the front door. And how quickly it is all over, how strange that this annual milestone should be such a focus for us all to forget the realities of living in England in the Austere Eighties. Switching off the Christmas tree lights for the last time on Twelfth Night has, for me, become a ritual akin to leaving an oasis in the middle of a vast and terrible desert. The very first hero that I can recollect from my childhood days was Peter Pan....how I envied him, not only could he fly, but he would never grow up !

Somehow, despite all the dictates of common sense, I still harbour thoughts born on the wings of naivete at this time of year. I am not saying this as well as I should but, despite its brutal commercialization Christmas holds at least one quiet moment for us all when we realise that the child we once were will always be hanging on a slender thread in the heart of our being, still naive, still very vulnerable, but still alive......Oh dear I am straying into the realms of Philosophy here,(Who me? Heaven forbid! Anyway, I'm sure you know what I mean.

Well on to more pressing questions. I'm sure you are all dying to find out what I got for Christmas....(don't all shout at once) Just remember where you read it first, this stuff is highly classified information ! As you all know by now, I am generally accompanied through life's highways and byways by my delectable and long-suffering wife Jan She's the subject of the 'Object Lesson' photo-poster in Savage Gestures for Charm's Sake) Well most of my presents this year came from her, (Seeing as how she is the keeper of my checkbook) The best of these presents was a stunningly beautiful Mont Blanc Masterpiece fountain pen in black lacquer and gold ("Oooh !" from audience) I also received some very neat corduroy trousers, a tres chic knitted jacket, a very cool handknitted jumper in black and grey, a grey and green corduroy shirt, a gentleman's manicure set, a pink and grey address book, a Christmas Dinner beyond compare and one night of unparalleled bliss. (Jan says it was more than one night, but champagne makes it all such a blur my dears !)

On to more serious things....Many of the musicians among you have written to me about the E-Bow that I use so often these days. I've just discovered that they are being manufactured again these days, in a slightly up-dated design finished in matt-black plastic and incorporating an on/off switch not included in earlier models. These should be available in reputable music shops very soon, partly as a result of my humble use of the device, I am pleased to say. Watch out for my review of the new E-Bow in the March issue of 'One, Two, Testing' magazine.

Sitting here in my wood-paneled study, glancing at the bare trees outside, the winter ravaged garden and the frozen ponds, puts me in mind of 'The October Man' song from 'The Love that Whirls' There is a dusky, autumnal mist, drifting in between the evergreens and the river, and the sun is low and silver.... a luxury beyond compare. The most fortunate reward I have received for my work as a musician has been the acquisition of this fine old country house in a quiet corner of the Yorkshire countryside. A house where my imagination has been free to roam and the quiet moment has not been hard to find. At times I feel a tremendous guilt for having allowed myself such an indulgence...but in the end, the work should justify it. I've yet to come to terms with the idea of making music as a job. To be able to live as a musician seems such a decadent luxury to me....still, I'm glad it is possible !

I've recently received several letters asking about my interests in the Magical Arts and the Order of the Rosy Cross. For anyone interested in researching the subject I have included in this issue a list of worthwhile books which should prove enlightening. Some of them are more advanced than others, it depends on how much you might have already read. It has been said many times, but nevertheless it is true that systems of magic are to be taken very seriously and are not to be'dabbled'in. A study of the Hermetic Sciences is a life-long commitment that can bring great spiritual rewards to the sincere initiate but can be very dangerous in the hands of a mere thrill-seeker. True magic requires embarking on a programme of learning akin to a university degree, so be warned !

Well that's about it. This must be the longest editorial in the history of this magazine. Before I go I'd just like to say a sincere 'thank-you' to everyone who sent me a birthday card or Christmas card through the club this year. They are most welcome and have all been proudly displayed in my home over Christmas. The neighbours can't understand why I have so many friends ! As usual, the coming year should be full of new and exciting projects, so we here at A.B.M. wish you all the very best ...and stay tuned !

Bill Nelson, January '84

Here is a personally recommended list of books dealing with Magic and Rosicrucianism which will be of great help to the sincere enquirer:

The Rebirth of Magic by Francis King and Isabel Sutherland A Corgi paperback This is a cheap and easy to read overview of western occultism which serves as a general introduction to the subject *****

Magic, An Occult Primer by David Conway Published:Mayflower paperbacks A do-it-yourself guide which explains some of the basic elements of ritual. Infonmative but a little superficial. *****

Witchcraft, Magic and Alchemy by Grillot de Givry Published:Dover A general history with interesting illustrations *****

A History of White Magic by Gareth Knight Published Thorsons Written by a contemporary magician.,..informative *****

The Magician..his training and Work by W.E. Butler Published by Thorsons Ltd A useful; if somewhat dry, basic trainer. Worthwhile ****

A Rosy Cross Unveiled by Christopher McIntosh Published by Aquarian Press An enthusiastic attempt to unravel the mysterious history of the order. ****

The secret Doctrine of the Rosicrucians . by Magnus Incognito Published: The Yogi Publication Soc. Written in 1949, a sound introduction to the outer principals of Rosicrucianism ****

Orders of the Quest by Manly P Hall Published by Thorsons An informative history of some of the worlds mystery orders ****

Secret Teachings of all Ages By Manly P Hall Published by Thorsons A large and lavishly illustrated encyclopedia of Hermetic, Masonic, Alchemical and Rosicrucian principals..essential ****

Art and The Occult by Paul Waldo-Schwartz Published:Unwin Paperbacks An entertaining exposition of the magical nature of art..heavily illustrated. ****

The Secret Temple by Robert Wang Published by Thorsons Ltd How to construct a technically correct home temple for the practice of ritual magic. ****

Laws of the Fraternity of the Rosie Crosse by Michael Maier Published:Philosophical Research Soc. A facsimile of the 1656 edition. Difficult to read but an important document. ****

The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz by Johann Valentin Andreae Published:Minerva Books The famous alchemical romance of 1616.Essential ****

The Golden Dawn. The Inner Teachings by R.G.Torrens Published: Samuel Weiser Inc A useful, practical manual ****

The Tree of Life, A Study in Magic by Israel Regardie Published: Aquarian Press An initiated exposition of the workings of practical magic ****

The History and Practise of Magic by Paul Christian Published:Thorsons A classic book, written originally in French. First published 1870 ****

Magic, Supernaturalism and Religion By Kurt Seligmann A Paladin paperback A scholarly but readable book, written by the surrealist American painter. ****

The Magicians of the Golden Dawn By Ellie Howe Published: Routledge Ksgan Paul A thoroughly researched though not entirely sympathetic history of England's greatest magical order. ****

Magick in Theory and Practice By Aleister Crowley Published: Dover A famous book by an infamous magician. Not for the absolute beginner. Needs care and diligence.

The Magical Mason By Willia llynn Westcott Published:Aquarian Press The lecture and papers of one of the founders of The Golden Dawn.

These are just a few of the books in my personal library, maybe if the interest is there, I'll prepare another list at a later date. It isn't easy to obtain books of this nature but again I recommend a supplier in Leeds known as 'The Sorcerers Apprentice' This is essentially a mail order supplier of occult books, magical equipment, temple and ritual paraphernalia who can be depended upon for quality and integrity. I recommend that you write to them for their comprehensive catalogue if you sincerely desire to further your knowledge of the subject. Their address is 'The Sorcerers Apprentice' 4-8 Burley Lodge Rd, Leeds LS6 lP Phone 0532-451309

THE UNITS.

As so many of you want to know more about the musicians that Bill has been working with - here is a short biography of The Units.

In the early '70s, Scott Ryser, a San Francisco English literature major, switched from guitar to synthesisers to be able to create soundtracks for a number of experimental films. Through mutual friends in the avant-garde rock group Tuxedomoon, Scott met Rachel Webber in 1978, a transplanted New Yorker who was attending art school in the San Francisco bay area. They began to work together on a series of performance art pieces combining elements of theater, film and original synthesiser music. Ultimately growing into three synth players and a live drummer, they became The Units and opened for every one from The Dead Kennedy's to the Go-Go's the following year. Around the same time they released a self-produced EP called HIGH PRESSURE DAYS, followed by a second single later that year. This attracted local label 415 Records who released their first LP DIGITAL STIMULATION in 1980 The band toured with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark in the USA.

Bill bought a copy in Yorkshire and met up with them when playing San Francisco in Spring 1981 (On the Practical Dreamers Tour) That Christmas he returned to produce their next album for them. Due to endless legal problems with 415 the Units parted company and the tapes were never released.

Undaunted the group spent the first half of 1982 changing their line-up and working on a new live show. They became, Scott and Rachel plus the identical twin brothers David and Jabari Allen. They then concentrated their efforts into writing new material. They released 'The Right Man' at the end of the year, produced by Tubes' Michael Cotton, on new New York label-UpRoar. It became a major US club hit and was one of the few indie records to reach the Rockpool Top Ten

In Spring 1983 they signed a deal with Epic Records and released a 12" single A GIRL LIKE YOU. To produce the album for them, they chose Bill and flew to England to work with Bill at Rockfield studios. The album will be released this Spring 1984

We will have a proper interview with Scott and Rachel in another issue.

Lyrics

Atom Man loves Radium Girl

Engines roar and the sky is crowded She's counting clouds Her face is shrouded I stand behind in naked silence I stand in pools of perfect violence... Perfect Violence... Atom Man loves Radium Girl....Radium Girl Atom Man loves Radium Girl....Radium Girl Time stands still She walks on air Time reverses She combs her hair Something shinning Skin like fish scales I dream of finding her reptile details, Reptile details

Cars go by and the light is changing I take another picture The world is waiting She tears her blouse I can see her breathing She falls like an insect Her kiss is freezing Her kiss is freezing

It's a flash in the pan for Atom Man and Radium Girl

Ideal Homes (A solution to every gift problem)

In the chromium homes of England humans measure time by the distance between objects by interior design permanently waiting in states of emergency in the chromium homes of England at the heart of the mystery.... In the desolate dream-kitchen domestic science fails the servants having eaten their meat is hung on nails bloated bladders and blow flies the odor of decay in the chromium homes of England at the end of a perfect day Oh, another real life drama of the present day Oh, the scientific family is here to stay Oh, every Dick and Harry has his part to play Oh, so wonderful that everything can be this way.... In the showrooms of seduction dealers deal in lies performing tracks in darkness by the light of fluorescent ties in their catalogues of terror the advantage of surprise is the much required item every customer desires.....

Instantly Yours

Lets share this moment with my camera Lets just take the night in Kodachromes And just to make sure we remember Lets Polaroid our chromosomes

Life's a chemical process memory can be stored frame the image and focus I'll be instantly yours...

Lets make a movie of our romance Lets wrap our hearts in celluloid Your body burns under the arc-lamps Your smile projects across the void

Life's a chemical process memory can be stored frame the image and focus I'll be instantly yours...

I saw a film by Andy Warhol I saw a portrait on the wall I took a picture of you sleeping It didn't wake you up at all... I think you're very photogenic I think you're good in black and white You really looked as if you meant it You looked so glossy in that light

The printing gremlins got at the last issue and managed to remove the line-up of Red Noise on page 14. It should have had 'Left to Right: Ian Nelson, Andrew Clark, Bill Nelson, Rick Ford, Steve Peer. Photo-Denis O'Regan'

Various of you have been enquiring after albums that Bill has worked on abroad and that are not easily available here. Firstly there is a mini album The Units called 'New Way to Move' It has six tracks - three produced by Bill which are New Way to Move, Your Face and More Alike. The full album is being released in the States in the New Year, I am not sure of the running order yet. The Units mini album is £4.60 plus 60p p&p

The Yellow Magic Orchestra album that Bill played on in Japan is called 'Naughty Boys' and there is also an instrumental version of the same called 'Naughty Boys Instrumental album' Good Eh ? We can get both from the importers The vocal album is £9.20 + 60p and the instrumental £7.20 + 60p p&p

The high prices of all these imports are as a result of the exchange rates and the cost of airfreight. None of them are released here - a situation I am not very happy about, but can do nothing about. If you wish to order any, then please add to the mail order form.

Like they say every system has its faults and we do have occasional hiccups in the system (Not very often I hope) Rather than blame it all on the firm that does our mailing lists. Can I just ask if anyone has not got their merchandise or a specific issue of ABMs - please can you write (again if necessary) on a separate sheet of paper with membership name, number address and the problem. We will then sort it out straight away.

Various recording sessions have not found their way onto vinyl - for various reasons they were aborted. The Bill/Richard Jobson single 'Ring those Bells' belongs to Virgin Records and they decided not to release it. I believe, the song is however being featured in Richard's new band's set. The single 'The Boy' by Bee was cast aside due to time problems and because we were not very happy with the finished vocal. At the last count he had joined the new Southern Death Cult line up, and we have heard no more.

As those of you who wanted a copy of Sensoria for Christmas have already discovered. The box set has been delayed. All the music was ready - but unfortunately not all the cover drawings and book. It will be available later this spring. All the albums will then be available individually.

Some of you have enquired why some items have disappeared from the mail order leaflet. This is due either to availability or sales response. The 'Guitar' shirt was our oldest and best selling and has now retired along with 'The love that whirls' shirt. All existing orders should be filled although there might be a change of colour. The imported single 'Rooms with Brittle Views' has now had its stocks almost depleted. It will however be available in the singles box set for a while longer.

Somewhere enclosed with this magazine should be your 1984 membership form. We hope you are enjoying the service and hope you will enlist again for another year. Costs have gone up slightly in some areas and we are now getting an idea of how many we will have on the list throughout the year. Get your friends to join and bring down the over-all costs. It does effect us to be able to order in bulk. We are hoping to open a club in USA and Canada soon, in spite of all our previous problems. Now that we are releasing records in those markets it will become a necessity and our postage costs to USA and Canada must keep a lot of people employed. If you are in those countries and wish to wait for a few months please do and we will be in touch as soon as it is organised with more details. It has to be cheaper than airmail ! Or rejoin now and get a refund When we open up in your country.

I have no further news of the club get together in the UK-yet, except to say that it will probably be in the spring. I would like it to co-incide with the touring plans. All '83 members will get a card in due course. Thank you for your patience - nurse. When it happens it will be worth the wait.

Back to all you Americans and Canadians - Hello again. The best type of payment we have been receiving is USA Inter- national money Orders and Canadian Money Orders. Check them out in your post office to see if they are cheap and easy to buy. Please let me know.

As mentioned by Bill elsewhere, the E-Bow has become available again. Its a miracle ! Thank You ! Try Rhodes Music in Denmark Street, London if you have problems. (The price has I know gone up. But then that is probably why they went broke making them last time.

Thank you all for your patronage throughout this year. I hope you would like to join again for the year of '84. The first issue has an article by Mrs. Deluxe showing great literary skill and the first EP will include the piece written for the 1984 preview programme that the BBC broadcast. Raid those piggy banks and I will start printing. Thank you !

Blackmail Corner - is proud to bring you BILL NELSON live and onstage at the Regal Cinema with his band 'Midnight Kreepers. Here he shows you new uses for a vinyl table-cloth.

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