For a surprising number of people, Orange Juice are one of those bands on the list of ‘groups I must listen too’, despite often being described as hugely influential and original. That can stop right here, with a comprehensive and handsomely packaged anthology of the band that finally gives their music the full credit it deserves. We know them best, of course, for classics such as the stridently funky ‘Rip It Up’, but there are far more pop gems revealed in the course of this listen. ‘Blue Boy’, ‘Dying Day’, ‘What Presence’ and ‘Falling And Laughing’ are subtly majestic examples of pop music finding a new direction, with influences running below the surface to link the music back to disco and forward to the likes of Franz Ferdinand, maybe even LCD Soundsystem and Hot Chip. The lean sound they make is very much of its time, but with that period in the early ‘80s now being recognised for its influence on today’s pop and dance acts more than ever, it couldn’t be a better time to get yourself acquainted with the music of Edwyn Collins and friends. Don’t be put off by the amount of music here either, as it works best listened to in single CD (or DVD) bursts. In summary, some wonderful songs that make their mark as growers, even if you don’t always have a firm idea of what Collins means in his lyrics. Even in these moments, the music will transport you to a higher plane.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
