Rip It Up

Scottish indie is separated from both other British indie and other Scottish art by its whimsy, its gentility and its poppiness. Whereas indie from the rest of the British Isles dabbles with sweetness and light, it doesn't supress its tendencies to morosity and rock for long. And if Scottish literature has one distinctive theme, it's guilt, be it personal, communal or ancestral: from Macbeth quaking before the visage of a dagger (even though Shakespeare was English) through various justified sinners and Jekylls and Hydes, to Renton and his pals' quest for oblivion, the Scottish protagonist never ceases to loathe themselves for the crime of simply being alive and Scottish. Scottish indie, however, has embraced both warmth and humour, and frequently sought pointers from straight-up pop. Look at The Jesus and Mary Chain incorporating girl-group melodies within their wall of noise, the enshrining of jangly guitars with the Scottish C86 bands, Teenage Fanclub's championing of Big Star and the Beach Boys, Belle & Sebastian dismissing grunge with an effete handwave, and Franz Ferdinand declaring that they wanted to make music for girls to dance to. If you're looking for a group that established this Scottish lighthearted, openhearted ethos, the one that makes most sense is Orange Juice. Orange Juice were your standard art-school band formed in the wake of punk. However, they reacted against the perceived dourness and melancholy of many post-punk bands (making them post-post-punk?) whilst retaining the movement's heterogenity and intelligence. The provocative wannabe impresario Alan Horne founded Postcard Records as a vehicle for Orange Juice and (the much more angst-ridden) Josef K; the tagline for Postcard Records was "The Sound of Young Scotland", an affectionate distortion of Motown's "The Sound of Young America", and as clear an indicator as any of Orange Juice's embrace of effervescence. Also note that Orange Juice were one of the most clean-cut, well-behaved bands of the time, eschewing alcohol (hence the bandname) and most drugs (though sometimes partaking in the mod/punk staple of amphetamine, funnily enough). With this, their second album, the line-up had changed substantially, after leader Edwyn Collins left the original drummer and guitarist. (the next drummer, Zeke Manila, was Zimbabwean, and two of the songs are sung in Shona). With this new line-up, Orange Juice hurtled in an even poppier direction, overtly referencing the Four Tops and, in the common post-punk ambition, marrying the Buzzcocks with Chic. And I like it a lot. The title song not only gave us the definitive post-punk slogan, but also provided one of the wryest takes on unrequited desire in the indie canon. Edwyn Collins proves himself one of the great articulators of adolescent hesitancy, turning wimpiness into, if not quite an admirable trait, then a charming, completely human feature of the everyteen (it's only a shuffle from Edwyn's croon to Morrissey's yodelling). Wonderful moments stud the album, such as the innocent piano motif on Flesh of My Flesh, which is then taken up by the saxophone (yes, saxophone). That said, the album warrants those two dread phrases, "rewards repeated listenings" and "the whole is greater thann the sum of its parts". Initially, you may well find the deliberate smoothness ungripping, and certain songs may seem disposable. But if you find the aesthetic intriguing and perhaps a little racy in its own way, then some Orange Juice should slip down satisfyingly. Orange Juice, like so many Scottish indie bands, provide Scotland with its much-needed sunlight and vitamin C.

This nonsense is so damn early 80s it makes my soul hurt. Bloopy synths, saxophone solos, and overly-stylized, Devo vocals are utterly cringeworthy. The lyrics are also mostly vapid. The second track is a bit of an outlier in that regard. I can hear shades of Sex Pistols here but like, if Sex Pistols had an older brother who thought he was super cool, had Flock of Seagul hair, and wore giant shades and lots of cheap cologne. The album is a mess, honestly. It can't decide what genre it is which, in many ways, embodies music in the early 80s. I gotta say, I'm not a fan at all.

There's not a single Tool album on this list and yet I have to continuously listen to this garbage and garbage like it.

Like a nice walk in a nice city with familiar traffic noises and the murmur of outdoor cafes. In the middle of all this is the band and sometimes I think that they listened a lot to Talking Heads.

Its like Boney-M and Depeche Mode fucked and had an unwanted child that was raised by it's grandparents. Not bad, but unloved.

love the sonic cohesiveness of this record. makes me feel like i am in a different time. or having a calm, slow sunday.

All right, who gave the Carnival Cruises house band a Talking Heads record?

They call themselves Orange Juice, but this aged like milk.

Another so-called post-punk album I had high hopes for that started off strong but quickly devolved into bland and repetitive guitar work. A few tracks with interesting melodic lines, but not nearly enough meat and potatoes to hold together an entire LP

Makes me happy, great to listen to on a rainy day

Fresh squeezed juice right here. This was super cool, I absolutely loved it. Feels like it was the start of something new.

What an interesting intersection of punk and pop

At first it was okay for me but this thing fucking bops. Been listening nonstop to it

Loved this. It does sag a little in the middle, but I adore the sonics of the album, the wonderful singing, the incorporation of funk into some of the tracks. Post-punk in general is hitting the sweet spot for me as it strikes me that so many of its participants were striving to make a pop sound that didn't patronise its listeners. You can be experimental, sophisticated and still catchy as hell. File this alongside bands like Monochrome Set.

Music mostly allright, with hints of Talking Heads and Style Council. But the vocals are terrible....

Post-punk seems to be a blanket term for most rock-ish pop-ish bands of the early 80s but I don’t think it’s a just term. There are so many meanderings away from the genre here. I do love them, however they’re described. Edwyn Collins’ voice is an acquired taste but I was always a fan and Gorgeous George was his definitive solo album. Rip it up was an anthem for its time. You should have seen us run onto that dance floor on hearing those first three notes. I also loved I can’t help myself. Those songs were massive for about 10 years. The whole album had a couple of dips and was a bit ho-hum at times so can’t quite get up to a 5. But young, gifted and Scottish they most certainly were.

This album started out really good, but it feels a bit samey by the end. Overall I think that it's worth a listen, hence 4 stars, but it's definitely on the low end of 4 stars for me. There are a lot of hidden gems in the postpunk genre, and I think this is one of them

Title track OK, the rest of the album is an also ran, a bit boring

its ok; fun but ok. poor man’s talking heads at times if i gotta be honest, but i still enjoyed those parts. the rest i felt pretty indifferent to though. the enjoyment in side a dwindled as it went further down, and i thought side b was better in terms of enjoyment. i dont like the lead vocals voice though and i felt it ruined some songs. overall, i liked it more than i expected to coming into this. 3 personal favs: a million pleading faces, flesh of my flesh

Far from freshly squeezed ...

Prefer apple juice

Scottish New Wave Funk from the 80s is an unholy combination on paper, so I was surprised to find several tracks on this album that were not just listenable, but enjoyable. I never would have picked this album up in a million years. Best track: Louise Louise

Frag nicht was für Saft

Utter shit. Why is garbage like this on the list?

DAMN it was good. It felt modern while being from some time ago. It was excellent

Echt heel leuk album, ik ben fan

Brilliant

Lost 80s new wave classic! The drums are fantastic, the horns are beautifully understated, and the eclectic African/Caribbean vibe has something for everyone.

I listened to it on repeat when it came up.

I can't get enough of the 80's vibe lately. This was so good, front to back.

More art school kids! I still remember the first time I heard "Rip It Up" and it absolutely blew me away, like it was made just for me. I can't describe how much I love this album. In this album you got world disco, new romanticism, post-punk, new wave, funk, dub, and more. It's all channeled through funky effects, wah pedals, and danceable beats. At the vox you have Edwin Collins, who would later be on the "Empire Records" soundtrack with banger solo track "Never Met a Girl Like You Before" and has maintained an excellent, if not underrated, track record his whole career in songwriting and production alike. He's gone through some surprising turns and shown remarkable fortitude, making him well worth the deep dive. That said, this album has all the tight grooves and snark you'd want of this scene. Unlike, say the Smiths, Orange Juice never stops being fun, even when heavy. They take themselves seriously enough to get you off your ass while giving you enough to ponder without being pretentious.

Banger after banger

I liked it never heard of them

Ein überraschend tolles Album! Die Stimme des Sängers spricht mich sehr an und durch die verschiedenen musikalischen Einflüsse sind die Songs angenehm abwechslungsreich.

Great album but not quite as great as the first one.

I love this album so much, and that was without even paying much attention to the lyrics. I feel like this is gonna end up in my library and on constant rotation like Prefab Sprout.

One of my favorite New Wave albums and a seminal indie pop piece of the period. Orange Juice started out signed to the Scottish indie label Postcard (before switching to Polydor for this release), which looked to advance post-punk and New Wave with 60s jangle pop and 70s power pop. Their artists would go on to influence the C86 scene which shaped twee pop, power pop, and jangle pop from the 90s onwards, such as Belle and Sebastian and Teenage Fanclub. In this record, Orange Juice takes a versatile approach, largely influenced by the Talking Heads in the vocal style, basslines, weird and wild personality, and heavy use of funk and Afrobeat in many songs. Bop after bop, this record is full of provocative hits and deep cuts that never feel like filling up the time. Distinguishable deep vocals that fit both the dance tracks and the slow songs (reminiscent of 50s trad pop). Appropriate use of synths, horns, and studio effects create lush environments that's not too forceful. The lyrics and melodies are bright, energetic, and happy, a total contrast and innovation from contemporaries. Looking at the track listing: "Rip It Up" is a perfect opener, groovy and insanely catchy. "A Million Pleading Faces" is the hardest and funkiest track as a followup. The next 3 tracks highlight their innovation and insane production skills. "I Can't Help Myself" and "Flesh of My Flesh" are 2 more infectiously catchy pop hits. The next 2 are slow and tame but nice deep cuts, probably the weakest. And fittingly is our slow and beautiful "Tenterhook" which an immensely satisfying conclusion. Favorites: Rip It Up, Breakfast Time, I Can't Help Myself

Fannnnntastic! Weird yet accessible. Very cool.

It's albums like these that are worth doing this generator for. An album I would have never ever found on my own, and I love it. Love the sounds and aura of the record, along with great variety of instruments used. Just an all around incredible album, and that's really all that needed to be said

Another random gem of a band. I liked it so much I listened to their debut album after and think that one is even better. I’d rate their debut like a 4.9 and this slightly lower. This one did grow on me on the second listen. Rating: 4.6

Absolutely loved this. Listened to the last song multiple times after the album finished.

Fantastic!

Awesome album!! A great mix of jazzy pop!

jesus christ this is a new favorite for me it has all the upbeat melancholy of a Smiths album with all of the relentlessly creative, post-punk/new-wave charm of a Talking Heads album seriously, this is so unbelievably good I just can’t even emphasize enough just how much I love this I’ve already relistened to this 3 times — 10/10

Loved it! Was ready to write it off when I saw the album art (figured it was another shitty punk album) but as soon as those synths hit in the first song I knew this was something special. So many different genres represented here. I base my ranking on whether the album would join my record collection and this one definitely would.

Freshly Squeezed

Breakfast time is a weird song. Otherwise really enjoyed!

Glasgow's answer to Franco & OK Jazz. The bass and drums are the root of the funkiest sound on the Clyde while the two intertwined clean jangly guitars' rhythmic and melodic interplay bring a bright and breezy indie sound. Jazzy sax and keyboards are scattered across the album for a smooth easy going vibe. There's a distinct West African flavour in the harmonies and guitar parts, with the high-life style sweet major-3rd sounds, densley textured Rumba grooves, bongo fills, and cheesy keyboard/synth parts. This is most clear on 'Million Pleading Faces' and 'Hokoyo', which have an 80s Southern African pop meets Fela Kuti feel, but carries through the entire album. I imagine these are marmite vocals - but I like the off-kilter delivery and one-off style. Incredibly fun album. Favorites: Rip it Up, Louise Louise, Breakfast Time, Tenterhook

never heard of them before really enjoyed this one

Very 80s and yet very modern. Really interesting percussion and guitars that don’t fit together at all, but it works. Deliciously collegiate and wholly unique.

really shockingly funky for a scottish band. has poppy lyrics, punky drums, and thundercat-esque bass. fundamentally strange, and yet every element feels necessary

Funkyyy

Well, I wasn't expecting that!! This album is an absolute joy.

Ooo I like this a lot! Never heard of Orange Juice before but the immediate similarity to Talking Heads has piqued my interest. It’s just got a cool and groovy vibe all its own and I’m obsessed. I love this album cover too! They look like a hip crew and I’d love to see them live in their heyday. Quality new discovery!

Excellent melding of the Buzzcovk edge and the Velvets

baita sonzao, curti o rockzao 80tista

Not as well known as they should be but wow, I didn't realise how much of a template Orange Juice's sound was for the Smiths and a those C86 bands I love so much

This is brilliant. Edwyn Collins in fine voice, lots of different styles which all work well and some cracking songs. Rip it Up is genius, obviously, with I Can't Help myself edging it out as best song.

A surprising connection having never heard of the band until today

What a great surprise.

Seamless transitions Reminds me of Sing Street (it has a certain kind of umph to it) It has great instrumentation and vocals

Chulo. Me recuerda a Bowie oscuro.

Y

Add to wantlist

Chulo. Me recuerda a Bowie oscuro.

Le doy su merecido 5 a este album lo quiero mucho esos solos jijooomano

Very 80s and strong talking head vibes. Some late Clash sounds on there with almost a reggae feel

loved it

I was only familiar with the title track before listening, but there are some hidden gems on here! It was like a soup of Talking Heads, Chic and Velvet Underground and the 45ish minutes flew by

Classic album what more can you say.

Deze band krijgt behoorlijk veel zure opmerkingen over zich heen, die ik enigszins begrijp. Maar die punten - van 'slappe instrumentatie' tot een 'erbarmelijke zeurstem' - leveren bij mij geen ergernissen op. Integendeel zelfs, ik heb Orange Juice en Edwyn Collins best hoog zitten. Hij is seizoensmatig niet heel goed getimed, zo op Sinterklaasdag. Het is voor mij pure lente, deze cheesy jangle pop. Maar hoewel het erg kazig is, vind ik dat in de muziek genoeg vernuft en geinige handigheidjes verstopt zitten om het af te doen als een typische, simpele 80s band. Het gevoel voor groove is van Talking Heads-niveau, de hooks met de blazers zorgen er voor dat de nummers nog even blijven kleven in je hoofd na het album af is gelopen, en de Zimbabwaanse ritmes zijn opbeurend. Heb me toch wel echt vermaakt met dit album, en ik denk dat de meeste mensen niet verder keken dan hun neus lang was. Ook denk ik dat het muziek is die een verregaande invloed heeft gehad op hedendaagse indie pop, misschien wel meer dan tijdsgenoten. Kijk de albumhoes ook, dat is elke indieband van nu. 8/10 Highlights: Rip It Up A Million Pleading Faces Turn Away (Goeie Josef K cover) I Can't Help Myself

A groovy Scottish jangle pop album that sounds oddly like it's from the Australian rock scene. Made to be played in the summer.

4/5. This was a pretty fun album with a unique sound, providing that diverse sound David Bowie and the Talking Heads started. Each song sounds slightly different while still keeping that accessible danceable beat throughout. There always feels like there is a dark undertone here, just underneath the surface. It's not perfect but it is chill. This is a great album to throw on whenever, a great pick for this list. Best Song: Rip It Up, I Can't Help Myself, Hokoyo

:0 how is it that Scottish post-punk on this list still has the ability to surprise me Even though it’s a chill, groovy album, there’s enough outside-the-box genre bending to keep it from stagnating The Associates 🤝 Vampire Weekend

Rip it up was definitely a song I danced to in the 80’s. Enjoyed the album

The production and arrangements make it a rewarding listen from start to finish.

Love that a lot

funky little record

This reminds me a lot of the talking heads and starts off really strong, but it sort of dies out in the second half. It is still good, but I just wish they made it funkier and more up beat. Mid 4.

Grappige sounds Was bang dat t weer rock zou zijn maar is wel lachen muziek dit

Never heard of it but listening to it makes me happy- maybe because it takes me back to the music of my high school years. Whatever the reason, it’s always exciting discovering new music that I actually like.

Nicely lyrical, fun alt punk

Good listen

Very enjoyable! Never would have found this on my own. 4/5

what happens if the likes of david bowie made new wave instead of experimental art rock? this early alt rock blends the usual new wave sound with a bit of a breezy, almost sunny atmosphere. especially for its time, it's very classy and funky at the same time... it reminds me of 1970s japanese funk music at points, but it makes itself stand out with expressive baritone vocals. it's a shame i haven't heard much of these guys before when it comes to new wave discussion, these guys deserve to be up there with the likes of blondie.

A refreshing morning drink to rip up your day.

Jangle pop. Interesting guitars

Love this band and this album! Reminded me of Talking Heads.

Great listen

Pleasant sound. Vocals and instrumentation. Almost surfy but not quite?? Definitely enjoyable.

I listened to it last night, and outside of the title track which I already knew and loved, wasn’t terribly impressed, but listening again today and paying more attention to the lyrics it really struck how brilliant this is as a deconstruction of the themes and topics of Pop music. The typical track three ballad actually being a breakup/ hate song, all of the playing around with metaphors and interpolations of Buzzcocks songs. I still don’t think it’s entirely essential, but I’m more impressed now than I was last night

Solid.

Wow. really cool. Far too cool for 1982version of me. Sorry to have missed this guys before. Wide variety of styles. very good mix and vibe.

Great band, sound a lot like Talking Heads

A rare British new wave W for this list. Catchy tunes, good melodies and able musicians.

As far as this kind of early 80s synth-based pop-y fakey-crooner ska-ish new-wave a la Madness/Midnight Runners/The Cure/etc I think this is actually pretty ok! It’s def not my genre per se but I’m enjoying this one! I think some of the other music we’ve heard from this era could have taken a lesson from these guys. It’s funny to me to enjoy a band called Orange Juice and to have not enjoyed a properly famous band like The Cure haha

Top to bottom good

Brings me a surprising amount of joy, and doesnt stick completely with one sound giving it potential to be return worthy after multiple listens.

This is so close to be a 5. I listened to it constantly today. Rip it Up is brilliant. So many good tunes I'll go very high 4

Love the 80s sax solos, but very early 80s