Search - Aztec Camera :: Stray

Lynda C. from GIG HARBOR, WA
Reviewed on 2/16/2012...

One of the most overused terms in music reviews is "under rated." Allow me to add one more to the perenially underrated list. Roddy Frame's talents have long been overlooked (on this side of the big pond at least).
As an original fan of "High Land, Hard Rain",I recently rediscovered their catalogue and have begun exploring their later releases. I've found that Roddy's genius had not diminished.
Gone for the most part are the acoustic based songs of "High Land..." in exchange for a fuller produced sound. The results are mixed. Songs like "Stray," "Over My Head" and "The Gentle Kind" display Aztec at their best jazz-tinged pop, and still have the feel of their earlier songs. On "Good Morning Britain", "How It Is", and "Get Outta London" it's hard to get past the comparison's to the Clash's poppier Mick Jones penned tunes. I have to admit, after a few listens, these "more Clash than Aztec" songs have grown on me in their own right, and I gotta give Aztec credit for pushing the boundaries of their sound. That said, I'll always turn to Aztec for the soul and jazz-fueled pop songs that make them unique.

If you find, get it.

H3@+h | VT | 07/26/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I actually bought this album on the strength of a song I heard only twice in 1990. The song was "The Crying Scene", and though it may not be their best ever, it is really good. In fact, this whole album reminds me of other brit-pop bands from that time, like everything from "The Lightning Seeds" to "Simply Red". This has slow tracks like "Over My Head", to upbeat sing-a-longs like "Good Morning Britain". Newcomers might just want the Best Of album, but this is one "Stray" worth picking up if you find it."