The Definitive Top 5 Brian Pern Tracks

Brian Pern invented World Music. He was also the first musician to use plasticine in his music videos.

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5. Land of the Crab

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Land of the Crab is a classic track from Thotch's 2nd album "Onion Divorce". We chose this because it is quite a bit shorter and easier to listen to than their other big hit from that album, "The Oyster Catches the Owl", which is 6 sides long and has a 5 minute bass pedal solo.

In this live performance from 1975, Brian Pern wears one of his more memorable costumes.

Brian was known for going off on a tangent while introducing live peformances...

Which didn't impress his bandmates...

Pern's costumes and theatrics led to creative differences within the band, and he eventually left Thotch in 1978.

4. Chinese Meal

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Brian Pern helped to pioneer the protest song with this track about the arrest of John Bartlett. Nobody has been arrested for eating a Chinese Meal since its release.

"Chinese Meal" also has a great saxophone solo.

3. Naughty Man

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Naughty Man signalled a change in direction for Brian Pern after leaving Thotch. It deserves an honourable mention for showing his versatility... but to be honest, we're glad he abandoned this look.

Although, for a little while it did stop people from talking about Thotch...

2. Spirit Level

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After travelling the world searching for new sounds, Brian Pern took everyone by surprise with his comeback single "Spirit Level". He had a transatlantic No. 1 and even knocked Thotch off the top spot!

1. Love is Modern

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This is one of Pern's catchiest solo songs, and has to take the top slot for its stirring lyrics which compare love to no less than 4 different kitchen appliances.

We love you Brian Pern!

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...And we love Thotch!

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