"Best of Budgie" is a compilation album by the Welsh hard rock band Budgie. Released in 1997, it gives audiences a comprehensive overview of the group's musical journey. The band, formed in 1967 in Cardiff, Wales, by Burke Shelley, Tony Bourge, and Ray Phillips, is often recognized as one of the earliest heavy metal bands.
This compilation features hits that span their extensive career, from their debut album 'Budgie' in 1971 to their tenth studio album 'Deliver Us From Evil' in 1982. Songs included in the album reflect the band's unique blending of progressive rock influences with heavier aspects, characterized by Shelley's distinct vocal stylings, Bourge's heavy guitar riffs, and Phillips's powerful drumming.
Tracks such as "Breadfan," "In the Grip of a Tyrefitter's Hand," and "I Can't See My Feelings" showcase the high-energy, complex instrumentation that made Budgie stand out among their contemporaries. Despite not achieving widespread commercial success, Budgie has garnered a dedicated cult following, and the 'Best of Budgie' album serves as a testament to their enduring impact on the hard rock and heavy metal genres.
The compilation is an essential collection for any fan, offering a broad snapshot of the band's musical and stylistic evolution, representing their popular tracks, deep cuts, and fan favorites.
