The 80s Crusade continues, unabated! After the initial punch in the temple that was Kilimanjaro, '81 saw The Teardrops sophomore effort, Wilder. In comparison, it was a more considered affair, but no less brilliant for it. This track for me, exemplifies the musical (mad) genius that was/is, Julian Cope. A true 'front man', but so much more, as his later recordings would confirm. This is truly sweeping & epic and for those of us (me included) who have occasionally denounced the decade as meaningless fluff, it's a sharp reminder that although there was some proper crud, many gems like these are there to be mined. I saw The Teardrops in July 1981 at the long lost Tiffany's in Glasgow. Cope, in dramatic mood,"Have you ever been low? HAVE YOU EVER BEEN LOW?? So low, so low, so low". A broad cry from one of the assembled masses, "Open a can, man!" Cope creases into laughter. Welcome to Glesga' Jules! I've still got a wee illegal recording on cassette. Now, where are my New Romantic boots...   44

21schizoid 30 Jun 2014