The Brighton Port Authority were an outfit who built a huge word-of-mouth reputation on England's south coast from the early 1970s onwards before petering out in the mid-'90s. From what can be easily pieced together, they were a loose-limbed jamming unit, originally known as the Brighton Phonographic Association. At its core were local musicians Norman Cook and Simon Thornton who gathered various singers and session men around them, built the rather ramshackle BPA studio, and would occasionally hold multi-day warehouse parties from which their semi-legendary reputation stems.
Norman Cook, meanwhile, was certainly the driving force behind the BPA but when confronted on the subject he usually becomes extremely cagey.
"This is just a load of bollocks," he notoriously once replied when asked about it by Sir Melvyn Bragg who was researching a potential South Bank Show Special. However, approached more recently by a local newspaper he took a very different tack, stating, "There was so much potential then. From what little I can remember it was such an interesting time. Simon played me some of the tapes and I'm amazed at the quality."
"The BPA was a great lost era for Norman and numerous other musicians," explains Dr Seal, "They were experimenting with all kinds of concepts. Iggy Pop was over in the mid-'70s, he was really out there. The BPA were having some kind of warehouse party, testing synthesizers, shooting fireworks across the bay, Iggy just had to get involved. He recorded a version of The Monochrome Set's debut single 'He's Frank' four years before The Monochrome Set wrote it. It was an incredible time."
Norman Cook, meanwhile, was certainly the driving force behind the BPA but when confronted on the subject he usually becomes extremely cagey.
"This is just a load of bollocks," he notoriously once replied when asked about it by Sir Melvyn Bragg who was researching a potential South Bank Show Special. However, approached more recently by a local newspaper he took a very different tack, stating, "There was so much potential then. From what little I can remember it was such an interesting time. Simon played me some of the tapes and I'm amazed at the quality."
"The BPA was a great lost era for Norman and numerous other musicians," explains Dr Seal, "They were experimenting with all kinds of concepts. Iggy Pop was over in the mid-'70s, he was really out there. The BPA were having some kind of warehouse party, testing synthesizers, shooting fireworks across the bay, Iggy just had to get involved. He recorded a version of The Monochrome Set's debut single 'He's Frank' four years before The Monochrome Set wrote it. It was an incredible time."
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02:51
The BPA - He's Frank (Slight Return) Feat. Iggy Popmotionmaker
The Brighton Port Authority return with 'He's Frank' featuring the legendary Iggy Pop. The debut album 'I Think We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat' is...
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07:57
The BPA - He's Frank (Washing Up) Featuring Iggy Popmotionmaker
Here's a club version of He's Frank. Look out for the release of the Original version and the album 'I Think We're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat' in...
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03:47
Pop Waffle (sound) Bite: Toe Jam by The BPAmotionmaker
Pop Waffle (sound) Bite's sample contest video for "Toe Jam" by The BPA with David Byrne and Dizzee Rascal. To upload your submission, go to www...
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03:30
Fatboy Slim - THE BPA TOE JAM (southpark odition)motionmaker
Check out this South Park inspired sample contest video bartjevosje made after watching THE BPA's "TOE JAM". Visit the group page to upload your...
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03:47
Pop Waffle Presents: Toe Jam by The BPAmotionmaker
See Pop Waffle's version of the video for "Toe Jam" by The Brighton Port Authority (The BPA). Find out the whole story of The BPA, and hear more...
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04:34
The BPA - The Tapes Have Been Foundmotionmaker
Find out the whole story of The Brighton Port Authority (The BPA), and hear more tracks here: http://www.thebrightonportauthority.com http://www...
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03:38
The BPA - Seattle Feat. Emmy The Greatmotionmaker
The Brighton Port Authority's 2nd single 'Seattle', features Emmy The Great. For more info on The BPA, Visit: http://www.myspace.com/thebpa http...
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03:27
The BPA - Toe Jam Featuring David Byrne & Dizzee Rascalmotionmaker
Remember this video hit from Fall 08? Of course you do - it wasn't so long ago!The BPA invites users to create their own music video for Toe Jam...
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