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
Peter Collins said,
March 23, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Gorgeous, isn’t it. Great tunesmith that man. And blimey, I still have that tape around in the loft somewhere. Must dig it out - remember playing it to death as an 18 year old. Thanks for reminding me.
david yee said,
March 23, 2009 @ 9:30 pm
And to think Roddy penned it when it was what … 15 or 16 yrs old, i have this c-81 which i agree is better than c-86 and the other track, orange juice’s blue boy stood out too
eric h said,
March 24, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
I also had this fine tape. I think the last “official” Buzzcocks tune is on this. They broke up just afterwards. This is a collection I wish was available for download or on CD. A great snapshot of the times.
Dom said,
March 25, 2009 @ 9:06 am
If I remember correctly, you had to save several vouchers from the NME and send a cheque,to get hold of this. I was at university at the time and can still recall the thrill of seeing this small package sitting in my pigeonhole as I went in for breakfast. It was a superb and eclectic collection, but above all else, the three postcard bands, Josef K, Orange Juice and Aztec Camera captured the excitement of that time. This version of the song is so much more intense and aching than the album version and in this form is one of my favourite songs ever. In fact , for me, nothing that Aztec Camera recorded after even approached this dizzying height.
Anonymous said,
March 25, 2009 @ 4:55 pm
CLASSIC
Schrottblogger said,
April 3, 2009 @ 10:27 am
This version reminds me hardly to The Monochrome set in their early days. Great song.
Allan said,
April 5, 2009 @ 12:51 am
great tune, great tape, one that has never been too far away from my stereo. Being a subscriber to the NME in the US at the time, I seem to recall that the tape that was offered in the UK wasn’t the one that I found in a shop here in Oregon; the UK version had tracks by the Specials and Lynx that were replaced by the Panther Burns and the Television Personalities (the DIY tape guide from the NME has resided in my desk drawer for all of these years). IIRC, this tape was also the debut recording of the ‘new’ Scritti Politti, The ‘Sweetest’ Girl sure as heck didn’t sound much like Skank Bloc Bologna!.
After all of these years, keep up the good work!
Peter Collins said,
April 6, 2009 @ 3:55 pm
Oh, and there was a great version of Low Profile by the Blue Orchids. Super stuff. Did anyone else know the Nightingales (check out their first three lps from the 80s) had reformed and were gigging again?
Coincidence Vs Fate said,
July 6, 2009 @ 10:47 am
I subscribed to NME at the time and was a particularly excited 15 year old as it included, as someone else pointed out, the last recorded song from the original line-up of the Fab Four, the Buzzcocks. “I Look Alone” was an absolute classic, available now on the “Product” boxset. This cassette was also responsible for my now lifetime obsession with Josef K/Paul Haig.
BloggerDude said,
October 8, 2009 @ 6:25 pm
I don’t know If I said it already but …Excellent site, keep up the good work. I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I’m glad I found your blog. Thanks,
A definite great read….
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July 30, 2010 @ 11:19 pm
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