The BDI’s

The BDI’s (pronounced like “The Beady Eyes”) is a brand new band based out of London, England. The band’s only new in the name sense, they were around in the mid-90s as The Panda Gang. As far as I can tell, they were a contemporary band doing motown^[1].

Early in their career, they were supported by Jimmy Miller (who’s produced the Rolling Stones albums from 1968-73). They were planning on working together, but unfortunately Miller passed away in 1994 before any work could be done.

They were signed onto Quattro Records (Sony) in Japan^[2], and I don’t think the For a Rainy Day (1998) album was ever release anywhere else in the world.

Trivia
The band got their name from the initials of the current members: (B)rent Thorley, (D)ominic Clark, and (I)an Pakes.

Footnotes
[1] Ally Brown review in skinnymag.co.uk
[2] Link: hmv.co.jp
[3] Link: cdbaby.com
[4] Craig Charle’s show in the 2hr 40m mark

Well, they’re back now as the BDI’s. The new album, according to their website, is out now^[3]. It has an overall 70s funk and soul sound and was recently featured on BBC Radio 6 Funk and Soul Show^[4].

The DJ Craig Charles exclaimed:

“Nice voice! Good groove! How come I haven’t heard of them before?!?”

Although the song, “Lucky Like That” is pretty good, I liked “Sweet Relief” a little better because it has a really funky bass and there’s a gospel background.

August 27, 2007 12:49 AM vu my♥posts vu@weheartmusic.com thebdis.com myspace.com/thebdis