We could also write blog posts
Aztec Camera — We Could Send Letters (original version)
(from the cassette sampler C81, 1981)
From C86’s less celebrated but arguably more awesome predecessor C81 comes this original version of one of my favorite tracks from Aztec Camera’s debut album. You can hear the outlines of the bigger-sounding, more ornate later arrangement here, but what I find interesting about this take is the way it doesn’t really sound much like anything else that was going on in the Scottish post-punk scene at the time. If anything, it sounds more like one of Bryan McLean’s Love songs or something. Dunno what’s up with the drummer, though: he definitely has it in for that crash cymbal. Other bands on C81 include the Television Personalities, The Gist (Stuart Moxham’s post-Young Marble Giants outfit), the Red Krayola, Robert Wyatt and Josef K. It’s around, if you look for it.
–Stewart Mason
