WINNING FORMULA
There is musical brilliance in writing a riff that connects with people so deeply that it never really leaves them. Recalled at a drop of hat, these irresistible hooks are the antitheses of intricacy, but have ceaseless, persuasive staying power. The infectious Top 10 hit A Girl Like You, penned by Edwyn Collins, is a perfect example of the power of an insistent guitar line. Despite being written in 1994, the fuzzed-up single still has bite, swagger and lasting appeal, as does the man who wrote it.
Edwyn is building up to the release of his ninth solo album and fourth since suffering two debilitating strokes in 2005. He says this new release marks a significant milestone in his long and determined recovery. “The lyrics were quite specific and simple back then,” he says, discussing Losing Sleep, the first solo album released after his illness. “I’m not sure what’s going on. Now the lyrics are a progression.”
The new record, , is named after an abandoned clifftop village, delivers an anthemic riff driven by a pounding rhythm section. Brooding, brash and raucous, it’s a tricky tune to shift from your inner ear.
