My Nation Underground is an album ripe for rediscovery – This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1988 Mercury Records UK release and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl. Saint Julian had established Julian Cope as something of an establishment anti-hero and audiences, whod been reacquainted with him were expecting more of the same. Instead, Cope changed his band line-up and attempted to mix funk and Krautrock on his new material; Chris Blackwell paired him with veteran US producer Ron Fair. The album produced three singles including “Charlotte Anne” which was a minor hit in the US. Album opener, “5 OClock World”, a cover of a 1965 Vogues song, is light and poppy and the seven-minute title track, complete with strings and a harmonica solo, is one of the greatest (and perhaps only) attempts to merge go-go beats with post punk. There is a great deal to enjoy on My Nation Underground, underlining as it does Julian Copes desire to continually push the envelope. … Tracks: 5 OClock World / Vegetation / Charlotte Anne / My Nation Underground / China Doll / Someone Like Me / Easter Everywhere / Im Not Losing Sleep / The Great White Hoax
