Author: Monocled Alchemist

  • “Poor Old Soul” by Orange Juice is a fourth single released by Postcard in March 1981. The track features emotive lyrics and Edwyn Collins’ heartfelt vocals, embodying themes of weakness and confessions. The accompanying B-side offers a playful version of…

    Orange Juice | Poor Old Soul | Postcard | 1981
  • The record “Felicity,” produced by Adam Kidron and released by Polydor, showcases a catchy, honest pop sound expected to gain airplay. The B-side, “In A Nutshell,” offers a pretty arrangement but lacks the same impact. The reviewer expresses a love…

    Orange Juice | Felicity | Polydor | 1982
  • The Psychedelic Furs’ debut album, released in 1980, is critiqued for its lackluster sound and superficial lyrics. Despite attempts at emotional depth, tracks like “Imitation Of Christ” and “Sister Europe” fail to deliver impactful experiences. While “We Love You” stands…

    The Psychedelic Furs | S/T | CBS 1980
  • The record “A-Side: Cath, B-Side: All I Ever Said,” produced by Colin Fairley and released on January 28, 1983, is described as a simple yet heartwarming tune likely to resonate with families. The review in Smash Hits highlights its charming…

    The Bluebells | Cath | London | 1983
  • Aztec Camera’s debut album “High Land, Hard Rain,” released on April 15, 1983, showcases ten meticulously crafted songs that blend emotional depth with intricate melodies. Roddy Frame’s exceptional guitar work and vocals highlight the album’s themes of love and longing,…

    Aztec Camera | High Land, Hard Rain | Rough Trade 1983
  • China Crisis delivers a powerful ballad with their track “Greenacre Bay,” supported by the B-Side “Performing Seals.” Released in January 1983 under Virgin Records and produced by Peter Walsh, the song features evocative bass and acoustic melodies, encouraging listeners to…

    China Crisis | Christian | Virgin | 1983
  • The Sounds of Silence, released on January 17, 1966, is Simon & Garfunkel’s second studio album featuring iconic tracks like “The Sound of Silence” and “Homeward Bound.” The album combines acoustic and electric sounds, with songs primarily written by Paul…

    Simon & Garfunkel | Sounds Of Silence | CBS 1966
  • A-Side: Almost With YouB-Side: Life Speeds Up Record label: Carrere CAR 247Producer: Bob Clearmountain Released: 30/07/82Purchased: 09/04/83 Taken from the LP “The Blurred Crusade”, however the B-side is non-LP.

    The Church | Almost With You | Carrere | 1982
  • The Psychedelic Furs’ album “Talk, Talk, Talk,” released in May 1981, features tracks with a unique sound blending sax and guitars, albeit lacking distinctive tunes. While Butler’s vocals show promise, the overall mix falls flat. Despite its frustrations, the album…

    The Psychedelic Furs | Talk Talk Talk | CBS 1981
  • The A-side titled “Looking For Footprints” and B-side from the one-sided flexi-disc was released by Flexipop on May 28, 1982. Produced by John Leckie, this disc was included for free with Flexipop magazine Number 16, purchased in the same year.

    XTC | Looking For Footprints | Flexipop | 1982
  • The article reflects on the profound impact of The Jam, highlighting their musical evolution and cultural significance. It celebrates their final album, “Dig The New Breed,” as a testament to their legacy, showcasing how their songs address pressing societal issues.…

    The Jam | Dig The New Breed | Polydor 1982
  • tracks on LP: Mr Tambourine Man | I’ll Feel A Whole lot Better | Spanish Harlem Incident | You Won’t Have To Cry | Here Without You | The Bells Of Rhymney | All I Really Want To Do | I Knew I’d Want You…

    The Byrds | Mr Tambourine Man | CBS 1965