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Roddy Frame proves he's still on fire with a string of October 2011 UK tour dates

Posted: 12 years ago

Once upon a time in the early '80s, there were no frilly-clothed, powder-puff New Romantics, nor were there lank-haired ravers in any huge number because these were the years before we all got a bit more concerned with style over substance (abuse). The golden-era of DIY labels was in full-swing and the term 'indie', short for independent (as in attitude), really meant just that.

Scotland's Postcard Records didn't last very long but, in the few years of releases, they issued singles and albums by a few very select artists. Orange Juice, Go-Betweens and Josef K all recorded fine memorable 7", with Aztec Camera becoming the rank outsiders with just two singles, "Just like Gold" and "Mattress Of Wire", before heading off to chart-land (eventually) to have hits and rub shoulders with those aforementioned New Romantics and ravers. Main lyricist and member, Roddy Frame, was about 16 when he wrote those tunes - y'see, it can be done from a young age as Adele recently proved with her first album [and as Ed Sheeran's currently also proving - Ed].

After releasing his most under-rated and misunderstood album, "Frestonia" in 1996, the Aztec's front-man dropped the moniker and became a solo Roddy Frame, albeit with the occasional band behind him. Albums have included the impressive electric-pop album "North Star" and the plaintive acoustic set, "Surf". There could be another on the way - Frame has announced some tour dates!

The confirmed towns so far begin with Leeds on 10th October, followed by various other mainly Northern towns until Bristol on 17th and finally London's Bush Hall on the 19th AND 20th. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am, priced £18.50 - £25. Expect many gorgeous songs from his catalogue - "Pillar To Post", "Killermont Street" and "How Men Are" will surely feature.

Paul Pledger