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.[ 2]
Professional ratings Review scores Source Rating AllMusic [ 1]
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 .[ 1]
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.[ 3] 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.[ 4]
All tracks are written by Burke Shelley and Tony Bourge
Side one Title 1. "Anne Neggen" 4:04 2. "If I Were Brittania I'd Waive the Rules" 5:50 3. "You're Opening Doors" 4:14 4. "Quacktor and Bureaucats" 3:52
Side two Title 5. "Sky High Percentage" 5:52 6. "Heaven Knows Our Name" 3:52 7. "Black Velvet Stallion" 8:07
2010 remaster bonus tracks Title 8. "You're Opening Doors" (2006 version) 3:38 9. "Black Velvet Stallion" (2006 version) 7:56
Budgie
Burke Shelley – bass, lead vocals
Tony Bourge – guitar, backing vocals; lead vocals (track 6)
Steve Williams – drums
Guest musicians
Production
Pat Moran – mix engineer
Fabio Nicoli – art director
Alun Hood – illustrator
Gered Mankowitz – photography[ 5]