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Aztec Camera




  Background group_or_band
  Origin Glasgow , Scotland
  Genre New Wave , Alternative Rock
  Years Active 1981 - 1995
  Label Postcard , Rough Trade , Sire , WEA
  Associated Acts Roddy Frame


Aztec Camera were a Scottish New Wave Music Band from Glasgow .


HISTORY

The band's line-up changed several times in its first few years. The constant member has been Guitarist / Vocalist / Singer-songwriter Roddy Frame . Founding members included Campbell Owens ( Bass ) and Dave Mulholland ( Drums ). Craig Gannon was a member from 1983 to 1984. Guitarist Malcolm Ross (formerly of Josef K and Orange Juice ) joined in 1984, and appeared on the ''Knife'' Album (produced by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits ).

Although generally considered to be born out of the Post-punk movement, Aztec Camera's music is mostly Acoustic oriented and might be better described as Indie guitar music.
The band's first UK 7" Single was released by Glasgow -based Indie Label Postcard Records in March 1981, and contained the songs "Just Like Gold" and "We Could Send Letters". An acoustic version of the latter song appeared on the influential '' C81 '' Compilation Cassette , released by NME in early 1981. A second single, "Mattress Of Wire", was also the last Postcard Records release before the group signed for fellow Independent Record Label , Rough Trade . US releases were on Sire Records .

Aztec Camera's debut album, '' High Land, Hard Rain '', was released in April 1983 . The album was successful, gathering significant critical acclaim for its well-crafted, multi-layered Pop . The band went on to release a total of six albums, although most of these were essentially written and played by Frame. The albums included ''Knife'' (1984), ''Love'' (1987), ''Stray'' (1990), ''Dreamland'' (1993) and ''Frestonia'' (1995).

After the release of Aztec Camera's sixth album, ''Frestonia'', Frame finally decided to record under his own name, and left the major Record Label , WEA .

Popular songs by Aztec Camera include "Oblivious", "Still On Fire", "Walk Out to Winter", "Somewhere in My Heart", and "Good Morning Britain" (a Duet with former The Clash guitarist Mick Jones ).

A 'Best of' collection was released in 1999.



DISCOGRAPHY


Albums