Comeback shows are usually terrible. Pointless money grabs where the artists involved neither look or sing like your memories.
The tone was properly set by the Sex Pistols “Filthy Lucre” awfulness (and the failure of consumers to understand it defeated the whole point).
But I would have liked to be at the Roddy Frame “High Land Hard Rain” show.
Aztec Camera (pictured atop) were certainly a bit twee as was their home Postcard records (“The Sound Of Young Scotland”).
But that was quite brave at a time when Punk Rock ruled – and Aztec Camera were brave enough to play acoustic pop whilst supporting Killing Joke. I know because I saw them get bottled off.
But Aztec Camera (and their Postcard pals – Orange Juice, Josef K and Go Betweens) were important in reintroducing the music of people like the Buffalo Springfield, and the Byrds, and Love to the musical vocabulary after their thorough ousting by punk rock. And so their jangling 12 string love songs are directly responsible for C86 British indie in all its fey glory (including the likes of the Jesus and Mary Chain and Primal Scream), and for The Smiths. And also for some great 80s pop moments from the likes of Haircut 100 and The Pale Fountains.
Brilliant songs perfectly expressed.
And Roddy – the singer – had the best fringed jacket in rock since David Crosby. Which was an added bonus.
-TH
[btw – and this is based only on the reviews. Note to people (re)playing their original album – if you are doing it do the extra songs first, rather than a greatest hits encore that undermines the point of the show. Much better way, and well done Roddy.]
[btw2. The Sex Pistols was the most pointless comeback show I’ve seen put on (I didn’t see it), but hats off to Mick Head and the Pale Fountains for not even bothering to learn the words. Top work, scally]
