2000 Great Songs #1284: A Girl Like You

High up on the list of bands I wish I liked more is Orange Juice. The Scottish band released a number of albums and singles in the early/mid-80s that a lot of the right people seem to revere, and they're credited with influencing a lot of later indie bands. I've picked up their work over the years, but it's just never really clicked for me; I like some of the music, particularly the more jangly proto-Smiths tunes, but... well, maybe one of these days.

The closest I've come is a solo track by former frontman Edwyn Collins. "A Girl Like You" was first found on his third solo LP, 1994's Gorgeous George--though I admit I don't own the record, and only know the song from the soundtrack from Empire Records, the truly terrible 90s film I've watched a billion times and will still hate-watch any time it shows up on late night cable. Like a lot of the soundtrack, the song is just a perfect encapsulation of decent-enough mid-90s alternative rock that somehow digs its claws in. Shades of 80s-era David Bowie--my least favorite Bowie--but with something dark and slinky, a post-punk lounge music vibe that makes that song work better than it should.

Live on tv 1994:

Adorable Pets cover:

Animal Triste cover:

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