Aztec Camera

Aztec Camera formed in East Kilbride, Scotland in 1980, though in practice it was always the vehicle for Roddy Frame's songwriting. Frame was a remarkable talent — he wrote the songs that would appear on 'High Land, Hard Rain' as a teenager, and the album's combination of intricate acoustic guitar work, sophisticated chord changes, and emotionally mature lyrics was extraordinary for someone so young. They were signed to Postcard Records, the legendary Glasgow indie label, before moving to Rough Trade.

'High Land, Hard Rain' (1983) was an immediate critical success and remains one of the finest debut albums in British pop. 'Oblivious', 'Walk Out to Winter', and 'We Could Send Letters' demonstrated a melodic gift and emotional intelligence that belied Frame's age. The album's sound — acoustic guitars, jazz-inflected chords, and Frame's warm voice — was unlike anything else in the post-punk landscape.

Subsequent albums moved in more polished, sophisticated pop directions. 'Knife' (1984) and 'Love' (1987) were both successful, with 'Somewhere in My Heart' from 'Love' becoming a top five hit. Frame continued to record under the Aztec Camera name through the 1990s before eventually releasing music under his own name. His guitar playing and songwriting remain among the most admired in British pop.