Revisiting Julian Cope’s Vinyl Classics – Saint Julian and My Nation Underground
Welcome to Now Spinning Magazine, where we delve into the world of music with reviews, discussions, and fond memories. Today, I’m joined by the lovely Sue Aston to discuss two newly reissued vinyl albums from the legendary Julian Cope: Saint Julian and My Nation Underground. Both albums mark pivotal moments in Cope’s career, showcasing his evolution from an eccentric rocker to an experimental pop craftsman.
Saint Julian (1987)
Often regarded as one of Julian Cope’s finest works, Saint Julian represents a bold foray into a polished rock sound. This album features Cope embracing the archetype of a rock star with confidence, delivering anthemic tracks that still resonate today.
“World Shut Your Mouth”: Ironically, this song doesn’t appear on the earlier album of the same name, making its presence here even more iconic.
“Trampoline”: A standout track with infectious energy and timeless appeal.
“Spacehopper”: Co-written with Ian McCulloch (of Echo & the Bunnymen fame), this track hints at Cope’s Liverpool connections and musical camaraderie.
The album’s artwork is equally compelling, featuring a dystopian junkyard scene with Cope in a crucifix-like pose—a stark and thought-provoking image that encapsulates the album’s themes.
My Nation Underground (1988)
A year later, Cope released My Nation Underground, an album that marked a shift toward a funkier, more pop-oriented sound. While it lacks the raw edge of Saint Julian, it’s still a remarkable record filled with memorable tracks.
“Charlotte Anne”: A captivating song that stands as one of Cope’s finest moments.
“China Doll”: Another standout track, blending introspection with accessible melodies.
We also revisited some of our collectibles from this era, including the 12” singles for “Charlotte Anne” and “5 O’Clock World,” which showcase stunning and cohesive artwork.
These newly remastered vinyl editions breathe fresh life into Cope’s classic albums, presenting them in high-quality packaging with lyric inserts and meticulous attention to detail. The sound quality is stellar, making these must-haves for both longtime fans and newcomers.
Sue Aston’s Take
Sue Aston shared her insights, noting the thematic depth of Saint Julian, which explores humanity’s fragility and historical cycles. She also appreciated the boldness of My Nation Underground, though we both agreed that Saint Julian remains the stronger of the two.
Julian Cope’s unique artistry and vision shine brightly in these albums, and it’s wonderful to see them reissued for a new generation of listeners. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or discovering them for the first time, they encapsulate the creativity and spirit of an artist who’s never been afraid to follow his own path.
ORDER MY NATION UNDERGROUND HERE
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
