THE ASSOCIATES “LOVE HANGOVER” (1982)
originally recorded by Diana Ross (Diana Ross, Motown, 1976)
cover version appears on “18 Carat Love Affair” b/w “Love Hangover” (WEA 12”, 1982) and Sulk (WEA LP, 1982)
If the album cover alone doesn’t slay you, prepare yourself for the tunes.
Scottish new wave/post-punk band The Associates are a largely underrated gem. The duo, fronted by outrageously gifted vocalist Billy MacKenzie, were active between 1979 and 1990.
I only discovered this cover tonight, sorting through LPs I’d purchased but had not given a listen. I’ve had a copy of The Associates’ debut, The Affectionate Punch (1979), for sometime, and “Tell Me Easter is on Friday” from their second record Fourth Drawer Down (1981) has been a fixture on many a mix CD I’ve made over the last two years. How I’ve overlooked Sulk to just this evening is a mystery. Suffice to say, it is a completely brilliant release, definitely their most danceable, party-ready album in all its theatrical glory.
Mackenzie also worked with Yello, Shirley Bassett, British Electric Foundation, and Paul Haig of SW favorite and fellow Scottish act Josef K. Alan Rankine, the other half of the Associates, works currently as a record producer. Robert Smith of the Cure, Martha Ladley from SW favorites Martha and the Muffins, as well as members of SPK and the Mekons have contributed to Associates records or performances.
Billy Mackenzie’s suicide in 1997 has been eulogized in song famously by The Cure (“Cut Here”), Siouxsie Sioux (“Say”, as the Creatures), and Morrissey (“William, It Was Really Nothing”). In June of this year, a play entitled Balgay Hill was performed at the Dundee Rep Theatre in Mackenzie’s hometown celebrating his life and career.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED blogload: The Associates’ Sulk at Frisian’s Other Favorites
