Orange Juice Songs, Albums, Pictures, Photos and Artwork
Who are they?
Orange Juice were literally a fresh breathe of air in an increasingly stagnant post punk scene. Hailing from Glasgow, the four piece set against the dour path that most bands were following after Joy Division. The original lineup included Edwyn Collins and James Kirk on vocals and guitar, David McClymont on bass and Steven Daly on drums.
In 1979 the band signed with Alan Horne's Postcard label and began releasing a series of increasingly good EP's through the late 70's and early 80's (Falling and Laughing, Simply Thrilled Honey, Blue Boy and Poor Old Soul). It seemed as if the band could do not wrong, with each release being met with more critical acclaim than the previous effort.
This great streak raised the bands profile to such an extent that the major label Polydor entered the race to sign the band. Orange Juice finally left Postcard in 1981 and began making preparations to finish their debut LP.
'You Can't Hide Your Love Forever' was released in February 1982 to massive acclaim. Orange Juice were now cult heroes. However not all was well in the camp. In-band tensions increased to breaking point when ex Josef K guitarist Malcolm Ross was introduced into to the setup. Feeling suitably threatened by Ross's prescence , James Kirk the band and was quickly followed by Steven Daly.
Collins found a replacement for Daly in Zeke Manrika, a Zimbawean immigrant and all-round excellent percussionist.
The changes in the bands roster had a significant effect on the band's sound which was evident in the group's second LP release 'Rip It Up'. 'Rip it Up' was a commercial success thanks to the popularity of the title track.
Ross and McClymont left shortly after 'Rip It Up' leaving only Collins and Manrika who went on to release the EP 'Texas Fever' and their final album together 'The Orange Juice'. Edwyn Collins disbanded Orange Juice on-stage in the Brixton Academy in 1985.
Sadly lead singer Edwyn Collins suffered a brain harmerroge in February 2005 and later contracted the super-bug M.R.S.A whilst in hospital. Thankfully Edwyn is on course to make a great recovery.
What are they most famous for?
Orange Juice are famous for their leftfield #10 hit 'Rip It Up'
This was nothing compared to when Edwyn really hit the big time throughout the mid ninties with the release of the 'Georgous George' which contained the international smash hit 'A Girl Like You'.
This success was followed up by 'The Magic Piper' single which made the top 40 and appeared on the 'Austin Powers : International Man of Mystery' movie soundtrack.
Since then Edwyn has directed and starred in the off-the-cuff music TV drama 'West Heath Yard' which was panned by critics but maintains a cult following to this day.
Why aren't they famous?
Edwyn Collins is still a household name thanks to 'A Girl Like You'
Orange Juice aren't as well recognised mainly because most of their songs are not geared towards mainstream radio. Of course this was not always the case, particularly with the later albums. 'I Can't Help Myself' in particular could and maybe should have made a greater impact upon the public.
Where to start
'You Can't Hide Your Love Forever' is undoubtedly the bands strongest album. It may require 3 to 4 listens for it to settle if you are not familiar with the band's sound. The latter half of the album is exceptional. For me the standout tracks are 'Falling and Laughing', 'Dying Day', 'Consolation Prize' and Felicity.
'Rip It Up' has its moments as well, although it is somewhat less balanced than it's predecessor. Both the title track and 'I Can't Help Myself' are excellent tracks.