You Better Take It

Description

You Better Take It is sole album by the British progressive rock band Driver, independently released on the bands own label Rods Records in 1980. The album was engineered by Rick Woolgar and Andy “Bonus” Dransfield at Studio Playground in Wragby/Lincolnshire, England; with Erick W (a.k.a. Rick Woolgar) producing. (This album recorded at the thaumaturgic Studio Playground Wragby as quickly & cheaply as possible. Overall credit to the LORD.)

Featuring Dave Albans and Mick Lee on guitar and vocals, Simon Bell on piano, synthesizer, and vocals, Nigel Barlow on piano and synthesizer, Robin Vega on bass, and Roderick “Rod” Williamson on drums, percussion, and vocals.

The UK private press You Better Take It strikes me as sort of a lower-budget After The Fire Signs Of Change, combined with a hint of Gentle Giant. That puts Driver in the progressive art-rock category, and a fairly fine example of it I might add. The low-tech vibe doesn’t preclude lots of fancy synthesizers, coupled with aggressive electric rhythm guitar, bass and drums. Usually a brisk tempo with lots of lengthy instrumental passages. Nine original songs: the title track, «Hear I Am», «Power In Me», «Psalm», «So They Say», «Destination Zion», «Like A Mirror», «I’m Not Dreaming» and «Marananthem». Back cover says “This album recorded at the thaumaturgic Studio Playground Wragby as quickly & cheaply as possible.” 1000 made. [Ken Scott, The Archivist, 4th edition]

LP tracklist:

Side One This Side
A1. “You Better Take It”
A2. “Hear I Am” (Instrumental)
A3. “Power In Me”
A4. “Psalm”
A5. “So They Say”

Side Two That Side
B1. “Destination Zion”
B2. “Like A Mirror”
B3. “I’m Not Dreaming”
B4. “Marananthem”

Note: 300 copies pressed. Sleeve opening is on the left.

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