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Rip It Up

Orange Juice

1982

Rip It Up
Album Summary

Rip It Up is the second album released by Scottish post-punk band Orange Juice. It was released in 1982. This album contains their hit song of the same name, which reached the Top 10. The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Wikipedia

Rating

2.9

Votes

12898

Genres

  • New Wave
  • Post Punk

Reviews

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Apr 29 2022
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1

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

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May 18 2022
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5

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.

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Sep 25 2020
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1

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.

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Aug 25 2021
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4

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.

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Sep 14 2020
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4

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

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Feb 01 2024
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2

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

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Jun 16 2022
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1

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

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Sep 13 2024
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2

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

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May 20 2023
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2

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

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May 17 2021
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4

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.

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Apr 01 2022
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5

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

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Feb 07 2022
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5

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

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Mar 18 2021
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5

What an interesting intersection of punk and pop

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Sep 21 2020
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5

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

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Aug 29 2024
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4

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.

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Apr 05 2024
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2

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

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Feb 17 2021
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1

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

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Jan 09 2025
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4

Rip It Up I’m pretty sure I’ve given this a go in the past, probably after watching a BBC4 documentary about Postcard Records, and aside from the obviously well known title track and I Can’t Help Myself I can’t recall much about it. Listening now though I find it strange that I don’t remember much of it as it’s a pretty great little album. I can understand how the clear notes of feyness and tweeness might be off putting, but I really enjoyed their slightly quirky vibe, a kind of pale Scottish guitar band who clearly listen to a lot of Talking Heads, Disco and Afrobeat, but aren’t quite able to nail the funk element, resulting and something that is neither quite jangly guitar pop nor disco-funk, sitting attractively somewhere between the two. Rip it Up is a great example of that, I love how they wanted to do a Chic/Disco influenced track, and while you can hear that, it comes out as a far less muscular and more delightful bit of Scottish indie, with some great bits of squelchy synth whimsy and it really is a superb song, a brilliant bit of pop music. A Million Pleading Faces is excellent too, toe tappingly good with some great little guitar runs and a great Afro-groove. Mud in Your Eye's first two drum beats sound a lot like Tusk, before it goes into a very nice New Wave Soul hybrid, kind of like Elvis Costello but with less wired abrasion. Turn Away has more of the New Wave, Talking Heads vibe, and Breakfast Time has a nice amount of reggae edge to it, kind of Specials-y but less sure footed, in a good way. I Can’t Help Myself is another great bit of disco-jangle pop, again the feeling Chic gets fed in one end and something pleasingly odd and catchy comes out the other end. There is a bit of a sense of drift towards the conclusion after the excellent first 6 tracks, but I do like the horn embellishments of Flesh of My Flesh, and Louise Louise has some great harmonies and Hokoyo is another great Afrobeat bop. This is a solid 4, a great little album, not perfect, but a very enjoyable listen with plenty of charm and idiosyncrasy and enough going on musically to make me want to come back to it. 🧃🧃🧃🧃 Playlist submission: Rip it Up

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Feb 16 2022
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4

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

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Nov 21 2024
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3

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

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Jun 27 2024
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3

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

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Mar 08 2021
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3

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

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Jan 17 2025
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5

Great! Album! Thought a little about Bowie

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Jan 16 2025
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5

The Good: Who doesn’t like a nice glass of orange juice? The Bad: That they could have added some gin… The Ugly: Guess naming your band Screwdriver wasn’t an option… What was in the water in Scotland in the late ‘70s to early ‘80s? I’ve had two Scottish bands, from that era, presented to me on this list, whom I’d never heard of before, and in both cases make me wish I could travel back in time and become a massive fan-boy! The other band being The Associates with their album Sulk! The production quality on this album is great, the sounds they generate are wonderful and something that would be hard to find today as there is a lack of heavy bass. And some of the invited musicians are just incredible—I can’t get enough of the saxophone solo at the end of I Can’t Help Myself! People write that they hear Talking Heads in the music, and I have to agree that there is definitely a similarity at times, and not to mention the fact that the opening track sounds like Chic more than anything… or the afro-beat on several of the tracks. I don’t know, I guess I am getting sentimental at an advanced age, yearning back to a time when the future, though gloom with nuclear threats from commie bastards, still looked bright enough to have one too many bands create great music… unlike the repetitive, uninspired crap that is generated on a conveyor belt and spat out at us via tik-tok or whatever them youngsters use today to get their fix in... Post Punk… what a treat!!! 5*

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Dec 27 2024
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5

Call me ignorant, but not even a little what I had in mind when I read “post-punk Scottish Band.” It was delightful! Fun and bouncy and the whole album made me happy to listen to. Reminds me a lot of early ska bands in the 90’s/00’s.

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Dec 01 2024
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5

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

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Oct 25 2024
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5

Echt heel leuk album, ik ben fan

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Aug 09 2024
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5

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

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Jul 14 2024
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5

I listened to it on repeat when it came up.

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Jul 11 2024
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5

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

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Jul 03 2024
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5

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.

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May 08 2024
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5

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

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May 01 2024
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5

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

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Apr 16 2024
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5

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.

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Apr 04 2024
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5

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

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Mar 29 2024
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5

Fannnnntastic! Weird yet accessible. Very cool.

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Mar 25 2024
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5

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

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Mar 21 2024
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5

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

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Mar 20 2024
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5

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

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Mar 11 2024
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5

Awesome album!! A great mix of jazzy pop!

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Feb 25 2024
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5

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

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Feb 16 2024
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5

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.

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Feb 02 2024
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5

Breakfast time is a weird song. Otherwise really enjoyed!

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Oct 04 2023
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5

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

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Sep 06 2023
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5

never heard of them before really enjoyed this one

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Jul 26 2023
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5

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.

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Jul 26 2023
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5

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

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Apr 17 2023
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5

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

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Jan 30 2023
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5

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!

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Jan 11 2023
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5

Excellent melding of the Buzzcovk edge and the Velvets

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Nov 30 2022
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5

baita sonzao, curti o rockzao 80tista

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Nov 25 2022
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5

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

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Nov 07 2022
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5

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.

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Nov 04 2022
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5

A surprising connection having never heard of the band until today

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May 18 2022
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5

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

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Jan 28 2022
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5

Chulo. Me recuerda a Bowie oscuro.

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Feb 03 2021
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5

Chulo. Me recuerda a Bowie oscuro.

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Mar 04 2021
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5

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

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Feb 04 2021
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5

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

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Jan 17 2025
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4

Very David Byrne/Talking Heads. Great listen.

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Jan 13 2025
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4

Pleasant :) One for the jangle pop enjoyers Rip it Up- Punchy opening! Seems like they're leading with the single. It's kind of cute that this is the one song all the members are listed as writers on A Million Pleading Faces- Wow was not expecting that, immediately checked and the member who wrote this one is from Zimbabwe. Mud in your Eye- I think I prefer the higher energy songs on first listen, but still easy listening. Dreamy Turn Away- I forgot to write one for this Breakfast Time- I like this one on principle. This guy gets it. It's breakfast time Flesh Of my Flesh- s a s s y Louise Louise- didn't do a ton for me Hokoyo- I also forgot to write one for this Tenterhook- started digging it more in the second half as it felt more psychedelic A lot of variety to pack into an album, maybe a little front loaded but overall an enjoyable listen. I like the funky synths and would go back for round 2 with this one at work. You could probably make some comparisons to The Talking Heads, there's a lot of crossover you can enjoy between one and the other. Frankly it's nice to have mellow music. I wish I could have given it 3.5 but I'll settle for 4 for the sake of being contrarian because I see you all TRASHING this for no good reason

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Jan 06 2025
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4

## In-Depth Review of *Rip It Up* by Orange Juice *Rip It Up*, released in November 1982, stands as a seminal album in the post-punk and new wave genres, showcasing the evolution of Scottish band Orange Juice. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its influence on subsequent musical landscapes while weighing its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of *Rip It Up* is marked by Edwyn Collins' unique ability to blend wit with poignant reflections on love and youth. The title track opens with a catchy, upbeat declaration that captures the essence of youthful exuberance and desire. Lines like "I hope to God you're not as dumb as you make out" showcase Collins' knack for humor intertwined with romantic longing. In tracks such as "Flesh of My Flesh," Collins employs clever wordplay and vivid imagery, exemplified by the line “Here’s a penny for your thoughts; incidentally, you may keep the change.” This lyric encapsulates a blend of sarcasm and sincerity, revealing a deeper emotional undercurrent beneath the catchy melodies. The album traverses various emotional landscapes, from the playful yet melancholic "Breakfast Time," which hints at darker undertones, to the introspective "Tenterhook." The lyrics often reflect themes of unrequited love and adolescent confusion, resonating with listeners through their relatability and depth. ### Music Musically, *Rip It Up* is a vibrant amalgamation of genres, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and rock. The title track features an infectious groove characterized by Nile Rodgers-style guitar riffs and a prominent bassline that evokes both danceability and sophistication. This blend of styles is indicative of the band's willingness to experiment beyond the confines of traditional post-punk. The album showcases a variety of musical influences: - **"A Million Pleading Faces"** introduces Afrobeat rhythms through Zeke Manyika's drumming, highlighting the band's diverse sound palette. - **"Mud in Your Eye"** features an organ reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s work, creating a soulful atmosphere that contrasts with Collins' deadpan delivery. - **"I Can't Help Myself"** stands out for its playful lyrical references and catchy hooks, making it one of the album's most memorable tracks. The production quality is notable; Martin Hayles’ work adds layers of texture through synthesizers and brass instruments, enhancing the overall sonic experience. The lush arrangements complement Collins' distinctive vocal style, which oscillates between earnestness and irony. ### Production The production on *Rip It Up* marks a significant departure from Orange Juice's debut album. Recorded at Berwick Street Studios in London, the album features contributions from various musicians that enrich its sound. The inclusion of saxophone played by Dick Morrissey and flugelhorn by Martin Drover adds jazz influences that further diversify the band’s sound. While some critics initially perceived this polished production as a compromise to commercialism—given that it was released under Polydor Records—it ultimately serves to elevate the band's artistry. The result is an album that feels both accessible and innovative, bridging indie sensibilities with mainstream appeal. ### Themes Thematically, *Rip It Up* explores youth culture's complexities—love, identity, and self-discovery are central motifs throughout the album. The juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with introspective lyrics creates a sense of conflict that resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own experiences. Key themes include: - **Unrequited Love:** Many tracks reflect on longing and desire, capturing the bittersweet nature of young relationships. - **Identity:** The lyrics often question self-perception and societal expectations, mirroring the struggles faced during adolescence. - **Nostalgia:** There’s an underlying sense of looking back at youthful experiences with both fondness and regret. ### Influence Upon its release, *Rip It Up* garnered significant attention in both UK and US markets. Its innovative fusion of styles has influenced numerous artists across genres, paving the way for bands like Pulp and Radiohead to explore similar thematic depths within their music. Critics have noted how Orange Juice’s sound anticipated trends that would later dominate pop music in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The album's blend of funk-infused pop with introspective lyrics has been cited as a precursor to Britpop’s emergence in the UK music scene. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Innovative Sound:** The album successfully fuses various musical styles while maintaining a cohesive sound. - **Witty Lyrics:** Collins’ clever wordplay elevates the lyrical content beyond typical pop fare. - **Production Quality:** High-quality production enhances listening experience without sacrificing artistic integrity. - **Cultural Impact:** The album has left a lasting legacy on indie pop and rock music. #### Cons - **Initial Reception:** Some critics viewed it as a sellout due to its polished production and major label backing. - **Inconsistency:** While many tracks shine brightly, some songs may feel less impactful compared to standout hits. - **Niche Appeal:** Its eclectic style may not resonate with all listeners accustomed to more conventional pop structures. ### Conclusion *Rip It Up* by Orange Juice remains a landmark achievement in 1980s music. Its combination of infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and innovative production not only defined an era but also laid groundwork for future musical explorations. While it faced criticism upon release for its commercial leanings, time has proven it to be an essential listen for anyone interested in the evolution of pop music. Through its exploration of youthful themes wrapped in vibrant soundscapes, *Rip It Up* continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial release.

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Dec 31 2024
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4

Wow! It seems like a couple of Caribbean dudes left to Scotland and published a record back in 1980 - or maybe it’s the Talking Heads in disguise? 3.5/5

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Dec 20 2024
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4

groovy and mellow album that stays funky while still maintain a sort of nostalgic and ethereal atmosphere. Lead singer reminds me of a-ha.

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Dec 06 2024
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4

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

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Dec 05 2024
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4

Classic album what more can you say.

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Dec 05 2024
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4

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

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Dec 02 2024
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4

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

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Nov 29 2024
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4

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

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Nov 29 2024
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4

: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

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Nov 29 2024
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4

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

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Nov 20 2024
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4

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

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Oct 28 2024
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4

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.

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Oct 25 2024
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4

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

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Oct 23 2024
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4

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.

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Oct 20 2024
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4

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

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Oct 04 2024
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4

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.

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