What does it sound like?:
Now expanded to two cds and remastered from the newly rediscovered original master tapes, this debut album from the Scottish duo still packs more than just an affectionate punch.
Originally released back in 1980, this album appeared like something from another planet, something totally alien. In a way, there are almost too many ideas vying for attention here – hints of Sparks, a touch of The Cure, a little influence of early Simple Minds even, all are grist to the creative mill of Rankine and MacKenzie.
The music is that of a band still to some extent searching for an identity, still refining their unique creative approach to song writing.
The second disc comprises a mixture of early demos and remixes, including their version of Bowie’s Boys Keep Swinging, some of which would have held their own on the finished album – Double Hipness being the obvious example.
The package is completed with a very informative booklet, which makes most interesting reading.
What does it all *mean*?
An album that still sounds as innovative and invigorating now as it did back in the dim and distant days of 1980.
Goes well with…
Quirky pop, Josef K, XTC perhaps.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Any album that includes a song like Even Dogs In The Wild has got to be worth a listen, so if you’ve not heard much of The Associates before apart from the obvious singles then give this set a chance to make its mark on you!
An amazing album. I used to play that and Fear Of Music by Talking Heads and Joy Division’s Closer in rotation. Shuffling round the college town giving off an imagined air of sullen glamour.
The title track and Logan Time and Even Dogs In The Wild and Transport To Central all take me back to a small room, an imagined self and a world of possibility.
I am not a big fan of remixes and re-edts and expanded re-releases. Preferring that music as I heard it then. As it was heard then. Place. Time. Memory.
In Billy McKenzie’s words and incredible voice:
I caught me looking at myself
I caught me looking at myself
Now my voice is deep with age
Talks in tongues of younger days
Logan time, Logan time
I’ve picked up this and the Sulk reissue package – they’re everything you could want from a reissue – carefully remastered, informative sleeve notes plus relevant and worthwhile bonus tracks. I’ve previously only heard the singles so these albums are new to me and they really grabbed me – they’re wonderful, albeit somewhat flawed masterpieces and really quite bonkers.
Quite so Dr V. For the most part I like instruments to be in tune and timing to be there or thereabouts. Associates took a slightly different view and their work is all the better for it. Songs like Bap De La Bap from Sulk teeter on the edge and just when you think the plates are going to drop it lurches forward again.
I’m not sure if they were incredibly brave or just did not give a damn. Either way I’m glad they were about when they were. As you say: bonkers and wonderful in equal measure.
I LOVED this album.
As I recall I copped a lot of songwriting ideas from this record at the time.