Yes Sir, I Can Boogie

May 10, 2010, 9:11 pm
Filed under: Related | Tags: CD, Hard-to-Find, Import, James Kirk, Music, Orange Juice, Postcard Records, Trashcan Sinatras

Here’s a copy of James Kirk’s debut album, ‘You Can Make It If You Boogie’.

Kirk, was a founder member of Orange Juice who alongside Edwyn Collins, created some classics of Scottish indie. It was James who wrote the great ‘Felicity’ as well as ‘Wan Light’, two of the high points from debut Orange Juice album, ‘You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever’, in 1982.

Kirk left the band shortly after this and his musical output became pretty sporadic, so it came as a great surprise to many when his debut was released. It’s an impressive effort for old and new fans alike. Produced by Mick Slaven at Glasgow’s Riverside Studios, the album features a host of guest musicians including Teenage Fanclub’s Norman Blake, Aztec Camera’s Campbell Owens (one-time temporary Trashcan bass player), Skip Reid (one-time fill-in Trashcan drummer), Del Amitri’s Justin Currie and Trashcan, Frank Reader.

Frank contributes backing vocals to “Get On Board”, a bright, orchestral sounding track and also the aforementioned ‘Felicity’, which is more relaxed than the original and includes a new bridge with the title line prominently featured.

The songs are excellent, and while he is obviously not trying to retread the past, the spirit of those songs and the personality behind them shines on every one…a classic in my mind, and I highly recommend it.

Interesting side note: James Kirk is actually the James that the band James named themselves after.

2003 Marina Records MA57 (Germany)