New Release: Classic Reissues of Julian Cope’s “World Shut Your Mouth” and “Fried”
Proper Records, in collaboration with Universal Music Recordings have announced the reissue of the first two albums released on Mercury Records by Julian Cope. Originally issued in 1984, these records – “World Shut Your Mouth” and “Fried” – saw the mercurial former leader of The Teardrop Explodes establish himself as a fully-fledged solo artist.
Julian Cope’s Solo Debut: “World Shut Your Mouth”
When The Teardrop Explodes disbanded in late 1982, all eyes were on what leader Julian Cope would do next. Retreating to the village of Drayton Bassett in Staffordshire, Cope began writing his first solo album, “World Shut Your Mouth.” Released in March 1984, this album is the closest to his old band’s sound of all his solo work. Notable tracks such as “Metranil Vavin” and “Pussyface” were originally intended for The Teardrop Explodes. Featuring Gary Dwyer on drums and Kate St. John on oboe, the album’s pastoral beauty shines through in highlights like “Strasbourg,” “Kolly Kibber’s Birthday,” and the reflective “Head Hang Low.” The album’s first single, the string-led, schizophrenic “Sunshine Playroom,” was followed by the radio hit “Greatness And Perfection.” “World Shut Your Mouth” is a deeply satisfying album, worthy of reappraisal.
The Bold and Eccentric: “Fried”
Later in 1984, Julian Cope released “Fried,” one of his boldest and most eccentric albums. The album’s cover, featuring Cope wearing a turtle shell and staring at a toy van on a landscaped spoil tip in Warwickshire, amplified the perception of his artistic madness. The opening track, “Reynard The Fox,” is a six-minute psychedelic garage rock tour-de-force, culminating in a Cope monologue that references English folk tales and a stomach-slashing incident from 1983. Side One closes with “Sunspots,” one of his greatest recordings in a career spanning over 40 years. “Fried” stands out as one of the very best works of this singular British eccentric.
Audiophile Reissues
Both “World Shut Your Mouth” and “Fried” are presented with meticulous attention to the detail of the original UK first pressings, including the poster in “Fried.” These reissues are available on audiophile 180gm vinyl.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
