Thought I would go for one from my youth that I actually found in someone’s collection years later and gave the nod of approval.
First time I ever seen the Associates on TOTPs was when I was up in Scotland (usual give me mam some time to herself 4 weeks ) about 82. I thought they looked ace especially Rankine.
From the 3 singles around that time, I wanted the LP, but I remember going in HMV when it was next to Ostlers and it being about £4.99 back then. (Might be wrong but it was a lot more than I could afford for an LP). Took me months to actually buy it with my wages from my grocers’ job, but when I did it was never off my Sony music Centre. I still have the vinyl and those plastic sleeve covers that were about 20p extra, but it must be scratched to fuck now. Since then, I went on and bought nearly everything they did and even managed to see (minus Rankine) Mackenzie at the poly, whippets in tow.
As I had the house to myself all weekend, every Friday me and best mate Aky (RIP) used to have a cider night (basically we couldn’t afford 2 nights out) and bang this on full belt. Out would come a kay bass guitar that I was still to learn and that is probably the reason when I finally got around to getting an amp the thing was fucked when I tried to play it.
Stand out songs for me became its better this way and skipping. Dempsey bass on these tracks is excellent, Rankine’s keyboards that and the Dundonian Rippertonesque high tone vocals make superb cider dancing music in a bedroom, with all the neighbors screaming turn it fucking down.
I could have picked loads of LP’s from around 82-86 but this still is an ace one to me.
I was once at a house rave in Headingley around 90-92 (after coming out of the twilight zone I think it was) and me and what became a good mate were sat in the living room whilst everyone was in the kitchen and everywhere else. I started looking through the records and found this sat there and banged skipping on. Better than any dance music played that night or over them years tbh.
Might not be to everyone’s taste, but I loved it and the memories it still brings.
Enjoy
I could only find the US release on spotify but my lp version is this (unless someone can find the Europe version)

Side one

"It's Better This Way" (remix) – 3:30
"Party Fears Two" (remix) – 5:08
"Club Country" – 5:33
"Love Hangover" (Pam Sawyer, Marilyn McLeod) – 6:09
"18 Carat Love Affair" – 3:47
Side two
"Arrogance Gave Him Up" – 3:00
"No" – 5:45
"Skipping" (Rankine, Mackenzie, Dempsey) – 4:00
"White Car in Germany" – 4:50
"Gloomy Sunday" (Seress, Lewis) – 4:08