Description
Alan Rankine – The World Begins To Look Her Age – Vinyl Record
The World Begins to Look Her Age is the debut solo album by Alan Rankine, released in 1986. Alan Rankine is best known as one half of the influential Scottish post-punk band The Associates, which he co-founded with Billy Mackenzie. Following his departure from The Associates, Rankine embarked on a solo career that allowed him to explore a broader range of musical styles, including electronic, new wave, and experimental pop.
Best known as the other half of Associates, Alan Rankine’s musical career actually began in the mid-’70s as guitarist for Caspian, a cabaret band based in Scotland. During 1976, his band was looking for a new singer; during a performance by a band called Stan & Deliver, singer Billy Mackenzie’s talents were brought to his attention. Rankine nabbed Mackenzie for Caspian, but the two eventually chucked the cabaret circuit to assault the U.K. pop charts as Associates.
After internal tensions busted the duo up in late 1982, Rankine traveled around the world and started lending his production skills to the likes of the Cocteau Twins, Pale Fountains, and Paul Haig. In 1986, Rankine signed on to the Belgian Crepuscule label as a solo act. While producing some of the label’s artists, he also found time to record The World Begins to Look Her Age. The following year, Virgin released the wider distributed She Loves Me Not, another full-length that included a trio of songs from his debut. The Big Picture Sucks, a completely instrumental album, was issued by Crepuscule in 1989.
An early-’90s reunion with Mackenzie never reached fruition due to failed label negotiations and the singer’s restless creativity. Distancing himself from recording and production throughout the remainder of the ’90s, Rankine became involved in lecturing on music at a college in Glasgow, in addition to writing songs for pop groups. Oddly enough, Rankine can be partially credited with the rise of Belle & Sebastian. Assigned to make a record as a project for one of his classes, the group submitted their legendary Tigermilk LP.
Tracklist and Themes
Last Bullet – A dark, moody track that sets the tone for the album, blending atmospheric synths with Rankine’s distinctive production style.
The Sandman – A song with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics, exploring themes of dreams and escapism.
The World Begins to Look Her Age – The title track, likely a reflection on aging and the changing perspectives that come with it, delivered with a mix of melancholy and acceptance.
The World Begins to Look Her Age embraces the sound of the mid-1980s, with a strong emphasis on synthesizers, electronic beats, and a polished, new wave aesthetic. Rankine’s work is known for its artistic approach to pop music, blending accessible melodies with experimental touches and thought-provoking lyrics. Rankine’s production is characterized by its lush, layered soundscapes, creating a cinematic feel that complements the introspective themes of the album. The album covers a wide emotional spectrum, from the upbeat and energetic to the reflective and somber, showcasing Rankine’s versatility as a songwriter and producer.
The World Begins to Look Her Age was well-received by critics, who praised Rankine for his ability to craft sophisticated pop music that maintained an experimental edge. The album was seen as a strong debut that established Rankine as a solo artist with a distinctive voice. Fans of The Associates and those who appreciated the post-punk and new wave scenes of the 1980s found much to admire in Rankine’s solo work. The album solidified his reputation as a creative force in the music industry. While the album may not have achieved significant commercial success, it contributed to Rankine’s standing as an influential figure in the alternative music scene of the 1980s.
The World Begins to Look Her Age is part of Alan Rankine’s broader legacy as a musician who pushed the boundaries of pop music, influencing subsequent generations of artists in the indie and alternative scenes. The album remains a significant release for fans of 1980s new wave and synthpop, appreciated for its blend of artistic innovation and pop accessibility. The album marks an important chapter in Rankine’s post-Associates career, showcasing his ability to succeed as a solo artist while retaining the creative spirit that defined his earlier work.
The World Begins to Look Her Age by Alan Rankine is a notable debut that captures the essence of mid-1980s new wave and synthpop while also reflecting Rankine’s unique artistic vision. With its atmospheric production, thoughtful lyrics, and blend of pop and experimental elements, the album stands as an important piece of Rankine’s legacy and a significant entry in the alternative music canon of the 1980s.
Brand new, never played, unsealed
Attitude Records 1986 ATT 18
Track Listing
Elephant’s walk In Morning Glory
Mission For the Don
Your Very Last Day
The Best In me
The World Begins To Look Her Age
The Sandman
Last Bullet
Love In Adversity
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