Track Listing

1. Over you
2. Surf
3. Small world
4. I can't start now
5. Abloom
6. Tough
7. Big Ben
8. High class music
9. Turning the world around
10. Mixed up love
11. For what it was

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41589 in Music
• Released on: 2004-10-04
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
The second solo album by the former Aztec Camera songwriter is as lo-fi as they come: Surf is Roddy Frame's voice, and Frame's acoustic guitar, recorded in Frame's front room. From a lesser singer, guitarist and songwriter--which is to say, just about any singer, guitarist or songwriter--this might have resulted in a work that was tiresomely monochromatic, or indigestibly ascetic. From Roddy Frame, it is a joy. One of the trademark delights of Aztec Camera albums was the solo acoustic vignette that closed them ("Down The Dip" from High Land, Hard Rain, "The Birth Of The True" from Knife, "Killermont Street" from Love, "Song For A Friend" from Stray) and Surf is basically a comp! lete album of such tracks.

The songs on Surf stand comparison with the best Frame has written. At times, it almost sounds a companion piece to Aztec Camera' precocious debut, High Land, Hard Rain, released when Frame was a teenager: the reliance on acoustic guitars and pure melody is similar, but where High Land, Hard Rain was suffused with optimism for the journey ahead, Surf looks back on the road travelled with some regret, considerable bemusement, and a final redemptive acceptance of the way things are. Frame, still not 40, is embarking on middle age as gracefully as could have been hoped.--Andrew Mueller

Customer Reviews

Unplugged and unbeatable
Roddy Frame follows no path but his own. The critics can say what they want but I think he's leagues ahead of just about every singer/songwriter in this country. This cd will break your heart with the power of its lyrics and melodies. The North Star (Roddy's last album) was a masterpiece that few people ever got to hear, now he's made an even better record. If you think you can write a song, give it up now. Mr Frame has already out written and out played you before you've even picked up your guitar. I won't spoil this record for you so all I'll say is there's eleven tracks played unplugged with no ego or vanity in sight. Frame sings from the heart and that's where his songs will hit you. Let your curiosity guide you.

Prepare to be moved...
Just when you thought Roddy had reached his creative peak with the excellent North Star he produces this mini masterpiece. It takes real performing and writing talent to carry off this minimalistic piece and Mr. Frame has it in bucketloads. A voice which whispers, muses, soars and torches in turns and which has matured remarkably since his last outing; lyrics and phrasing which probe and pinpoint the real and often wistful experience of someone approaching mid-life; melodies which tease and soothe and excite; topped-up with a virtuoso acoustic guitar performance which adds power and dynamics to this rivetting collection of songs. You won't hear better songs this year - if ever - don't waste your money on anything less moving. Love. Neil

"Early Doors" Lead Me To A Gem
"Small World" the theme tune for the wonderful Early Doors comedy lead me to this utter gem of an album from the former Aztec Camera front man. I found ten other beautifully crafted tracks with the simplicity of one man singing along to his acoustic guitar. But, what a singer and what a player. It certainly reminds me of Nick Drake's "Bryter Later" from which Frame, like so many others clearly drew inspiration.Highlights are the said "Small World" and "Tough", but the most outstanding track is the achingly beautiful "I can't Start Now". I just cannot recommend this album highly enough. Go on, treat yourself.