The Associates Archives - TURN UP THE VOLUME

Gone But Not Forgotten! THE ASSOCIATES (1979-1990)

Great artists/bands from the past

10 February 2023

Band: THE ASSOCIATES
Who: Scottish post-punk and art-pop duo featuring
otherwordly voice and songwriter Billy Mackenzie
and guitarist Alan Rankine.

Active: 1979-1990 / 5 studio albums

Billy MacKenzie had a short solo career after the duo’s
split. He took his own life on 22 January 1997. Alan Rankine
died recently, on 3 January, only 64. R.I.P.

3 top tracks.

– WHITE CAR IN GERMANY –
(From compilation album ‘Fourth Drawer Down)

– THE AFFECTIONATE PUNCH –
(Title track from 1980 debut LP)

– PARTY FEARS TWO –
(From 2nd LP ‘Sulk’ – 1982)

THE ASSOCIATES: History – Discography

(Image on top: cover of compilation ‘Fourth Drawer Down’)

‘Fourth Drawer Down’ – THE ASSOCIATES (1981)

Posted on March 10, 2020 by JL

Old and new albums to make your day…

‘Fourth Drawer Down’ by Scottish duo THE ASSOCIATES
Released: October 1981 – a compilation album featuring all
A- and B-sides from the six singles the band released that year.

ALL MUSIC wrote: “Just as there are Smiths fans who listen intently to Johnny Marr’s guitar playing and attempt to block out Morrissey’s flamboyance, there surely are numerous beings who tune out Mackenzie’s crooning to hone in on Rankine’s actions. Those who can appreciate both are in for a real feast, and those who prefer one over the other still have much to sink their teeth into.” Score: 4,5/5 – Full review here.

TURN UP THE VOLUME says: Theatrical, monumental and dazzling pop extravaganza
with Billy Mackenzie‘s unique, falsetto vox as the driving force. Bombast at its very best.

TOP TRACKS: White Car In Germany / Kitchen Person / A Girl Named Property

– WHITE CAR IN GERMANY –

– KITCHEN PERSON –