After the doomed pop compromises of 1988’s My Nation Underground, Peggy Suicide effectively signalled the start of Julian Cope’s mature phase. ‘Mature’ being a relative concept, of course, when you’re wearing a giant papier-mâché head and calling yourself Sqwubbsy.
Still, liberated from most commercial ambitions, Julian Cope made his masterpiece, an expansive eco-concept piece that managed to be eclectic, psychedelic and surprisingly funky. “Safesurfer” remains his greatest eight minutes, ostensibly a Tamworth “Maggot Brain”.
A second disc, predominantly of baggyish remixes, however, confirms once again that Julian Cope should stay well away from prevailing fashions.
Advertisement
JOHN MULVEY
Latest and archive album reviews on Uncut.co.uk
Advertisement