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Biography by Andy Kellman

Paul Haig might be best known as the frontman of Scottish post-punk band Josef K, whose lone official record played a major role in the development of the C-86 scene that followed a few years after the group's disintegration. Haig continued with a number of involvements in the following decades, releasing a number of records on his own in addition to issuing several collaborative efforts. The early-'80s breakup of Josef K also saw him abandon some of the anti-commercial ideals that he previously stood for, as he also aligned himself with a number of musically varied names in the process.

Haig was most prolific in the years immediately following Josef K, releasing a number of singles and full-lengths under his own name as well as Rhythm of Life. Released in 1983, the synth-based The Rhythm of Life (recorded in New York) featured the handiwork of Pere Ubu's Anton Fier, Parliament/Funkadelic's Bernie Worrell, and the Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey. Compared to the Human League and the British Electronic Foundation, the record hardly resembled his earlier, frantically guitar-driven work, basing itself in slick pop and alienating many of his fans as a result.

A couple of 1984 singles were recorded with Cabaret Voltaire and Bernard Sumner before Haig teamed up more significantly with ex-Associate and live associate Alan Rankine. A full album was shelved due to label issues, but the recordings that followed were released as 1985's The Warp of Pure Fun. Stylistically similar to The Rhythm of Life, Rankine remained aboard and added his mastery of electronics and production. Meanwhile, the big band and torch standards curiosity Swing in '82 was released, which sat in the vault for three years before seeing the light of day. European Sun was issued in 1988, compiling singles and extras spanning six years. The self-funded Chain was recorded during 1988 with Rankine, with Virgin affiliate Circa picking up the recordings, but not releasing them until mid-1989.

Circa put up the money for a follow-up, enlisting the services of Lil' Louis, Mantronix, and the Chimes. A first single from the sessions went nowhere on the charts, but a second release (Flight x) did well in the clubs, however the album (Right on Line) was shelved. Crepuscle eventually bought the rights to the record, releasing it in 1993 as Coincidence vs. Fate. Haig began a label of his own called Rhythm of Life, issuing a second (2001) and third (2003) installments of Cinematique . He also released a number of posthumous Billy Mackenzie recordings, most notably the collaborative Memory Palace, released in 1999. In 2003 LTM reissued and remastered Coincidence vs. Fate and The Warp of Pure Fun with new liner notes and bonus tracks.

In 2007 Rhythm Of Life released 'Electronic Audience', a return to some of the electronic themes that Haig pursed throughout his solo ventures and in 2008 we see the release of his 10th solo album 'Go Out Tonight'.

 
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Press Release April 2008
 

paul haig ‘go out tonight
Formats: CD/Digital
Release Date: 14 April 2008
Catalogue Number: ROL019

'go out tonight' is the 10th solo album from paul haig.Its release will be supported by his first full live performances since 1989.Featured Tracks are 5. 'Hippy Dippy, 1.'Troublemaker' and 10. ‘Gone in a Moment’

The positive and resultant energising effect of the reaction to 2007's 'electronic audience' (**** Uncut) was followed by Paul Haig writing and recording his new album in a franticly creative burst toward the end of 2007. 'go out tonight' explores familiar themes of alienation that has stalked this great artists career. His dark view of the world all started back in 1979, just in case you missed the mordant irony of 'The Only Fun in Town', the title of the only 'complete' Josef K album to be released.

This thread continues through this his 10th solo album due out in April 2008. Paul Haig has charted the complex business and many subtexts of what most of us would see as the simple step of going out for the night. Going out being the shorthand for what can happen when simple actions can lead to dire consequences in this world. In 2008, step outside and you never know what's going to happen, surveillance cameras follow your every move, violence around the corner, crowded nightclubs, the passion of strangers, predatory (fe)males, Alphaville, George Orwell and Sylvia Plath set to a dislocated beat. 'go out tonight' could be subtitled the many sides of Paul Haig as this album brings together the styles, genres and subject matter Paul has been exploring throughout his career. It all kicks off with the A Certain Ratio-esque opener 'Troublemaker' and moves on at pace through to this album's first single 'Hippy Dippy Pharmaceutically Trippy', which could easily be Josef K brought right up to date with its angular guitar riff and Giorgio Moroder inspired bridge.'Believe' references the blue eyed soul that Haig virtually invented in the 80's with his proto indie version of the Sly Stone classic 'running away'. There are two electronic tracks included in this set that will appeal to devotees of the 'Cinematique' series like self confessed fan, Edinburgh based and internationally acclaimed writer Ian Rankin.

These tracks slide by subtly laying the groundwork for the albums corner stone, 'Scene' an understated track that is both vulnerable and disturbing in its refrain. Going out on the fatalistic line; "the organ stops, the organ grinds". The singer on the edge, not being able to take anymore. A fitting end to the boredom of another pointless night out. But, just as you think it's all over 'gone in a moment', possibly one of PH's most upbeat songs ever, urges you to "leave the past behind" and possibly go out tonight all over again.'go out tonight' - after listening to this collection of songs ? Well, maybe.

tel+447736399048 evan@rolinc.co.uk www.rolinc.co.uk

Rhythm of Life Inc Ltd.

 

 

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