As most of you know Josef K. were one of those bands from Edinborough that gave many influences to bands to following decades. Back in the early 80's I listened to some songs from them and I have to admit that I wasn't a fan from the first time. But while releasing their first album The Only Fun In Town I felt good with their sound. A very unique combination of post-punk, funk and disco rhythms made them great and still worth to listen from time to time. Their sound wasn't able to be a fan from the start but if you sink into their music you will get great pleasure - still.
Almost three weeks ago I had myself a wonderful and unforgtable time with the other blogging mates in Glasgow. Sitting at home and wearing the Postcard-shirt (thanks again JC) I think it is time to feature this label on this place. Postcard Records was a superb Scottish independent label formed by Alan Horne back in 1979 an the label's motto The Sound Of Young Scotland was programme.Also short lived Postcard was a massive influence of C81/C86 movements. I have to admit that this label brought out artists that were still found on my turntable. Also the the output by former members of the early bands.
One of the first releases on the Postcard were Orange Juice. I bought their first album because I enjoyed the cover. Two dolphins jumping out of the water that made me think musicians that put this picture on the cover can't be bad at all. And surprisingly the music fitted to me very well. Based on post-punk guitars they created a very unique sound. The songs had hooks and the voice of Edwyn Collins was far different to any other at this time around.
From Edinburgh they signed Josef K., another post-punk band and they borrowed their name by Franz Kafka and the protagonist of his novel The Trial. Founder Paul Haig mixed post-punk guitars with funk and disco. Very new and not everybody's cup of tea at this time. For me they opened ears to different genres and I understood that this would be normal in the subsequent years. Sadly these pioneers hadn't the success they should have.
The Go-Betweens from Brisbane released only one single on Postcard but you can hear on this early one that they had a massive potential and talent that other companies also saw. I Need Two Heads is nothing more or less a classic of the band and their live sets.
This post wouldn't be complete if I did not mention Roddy Frame and Aztec Camera. I remember a few discussions in the early 80's if it is good that songwriter jump on the independent train. I hardly had to fight about my opinion that every good record can be named as independent when it wasn't released by major companies. On his first records Roddy Frame showed us his talent in singing and songwriting that got better the older he got.
Postcard Records were resuscitated by Horne in 1992 for three years that brought us back Paul Quinn with The Independent Group for some great records.
Today's the decision on the Referendum to get independent from GB. Nowadays the headlines are filled with comments about pros and cons. I know that I don't have the right to add me in other people matters but I think the decision moves between rational and emotional guidelines. 300 years under the supremacy of the Englishmen might get the right to vote yes. The economic consequences speak against it. I don't know what is right or wrong but I know for sure: peoples voice should be respected in any way the Referendum will be decided. And everyone should deal with the result.
