Josef K- Sorry for Laughing the First Ever Vinyl Reissue

LTM presents the first ever vinyl release of Sorry For Laughing, the legendary first album by cult Scottish guitar group Josef K, recorded for Postcard Records but destined to become the great ‘lost album’ of the post-punk era. 

Recorded at Castle Sound Studios (Edinburgh) in November 1980, Sorry For Laughing should have been issued as Postcard 81-1, but was shelved after the band and label boss Alan Horne decided the 12-song set sounded too polished. Perhaps two dozen white-label copies in unmade sleeves exist, and have sold for as much as £1,000 amongst collectors. Josef K issued their second stab at a debut album, 'The Only Fun In Town', in July 1981 – only to split after completing a promotional tour. 

This remastered vinyl-only edition of Sorry For Laughing' replicates the original Robert Sharp artwork (a solarised portrait of the band atop Calton Hill, printed in silver pantone), with detailed sleeve notes on the inner bag, and the added bonus of a 12 track CD, The TV Art Demos, featuring all tracks from the band’s very first recording sessions in 1979. The remastered edition is due for release on November 26th through LTM Recordings.

http://www.josef-k.org/news.htm

Paul Haig

Paul Haig is a multifaceted Scottish artist recognized as the frontman of the early 80s Post-punk group Josef K. Following the band's dissolution, Haig transitioned into a solo career, where he established himself as a composer, producer, and singer. Throughout the 80s, he released numerous albums and singles, all while nurturing his enduring Rhythm of Life organization, which continues to thrive today.

Haig's early career starts are connected to Edinburgh's independent record label Rational which released his early work. This included his first singles, as well as the experimental album Drama. The album was released in 700 copies as limited edition cassette only set of home recorded electronica featuring Franz Kafka texts set to music.

In the early 1982, Haig teamed up up with the Belgian independent record label Les Disques du Crepuscule and relocated to Brussels for an intensive recording schedule. This resulted in two new singles, showcasing a departure from the sound associated with his previous work with Josef K. 

Later this year Haig signed the deal with Island Records for a new album, the first recorded in a studio, in New York. His first Island single was a newly arranged "Heaven Sent" announcing the new album Rhythm of Life and a short tour promotion. The album sold respectably, but the Josef K. fans could not follow here anymore. Simple bad luck seems to have prevented all three singles providing solid hits which might have allowed Haig to cross over to a new, wider audience. Inexplicably 'Island' failed even to release the album or the singles in the US, the very market to which they had been tailored. While Haig stayed in the USA Les Disques du Crepuscule went on releasing his music around Europe. 

In 1984 Haig teamed up with Alan Rankine in London to produce a new album. The first and only single from the album was the song "The Only Truth" co-produced with Bernard Sumner and Donald Johnson. It failed to chart which led to disconnection between Island Records' and Les Disques du Crepuscule, resulting in a shelved  album. Rather than release the cancelled set on Crepuscule, it was decided to combine half the album with new songs recorded throughout 1985. Haig launched his fightback later in the year with a powerful single, "Heaven Help You Now", and the excellent album The Warp Of Pure Fun. 

Unhappy with Crepuscule, Haig left seeking a new record deal. During 1986 he mostly spent time writing new songs and recording with Billy Mackenzie, the other Associate. In the early 1988, Haig financed recording of a new new album Chains himself on the Virgin offshoot Circa. The album featured the song "Something Good" one of the highlights of Haig 80's era songs. Both the album and the song broke commercially and no tour followed.

In the early 90's, Circa financed the recording of another album that was dance orientated with Curtis Mantronik and Lil Louis as producers. During the 90's he also released Cinematique, an instrumental set of imaginary film themes as well as Memory Place, an album compiled by the songs Billy Mackenzie and Paul Haig recorded. In 2001 Haig released another two volumes of Cinematique on his ROL Imprint.

In 2007 Haig released his first album and single in 14 years. The album Electonik Audience was influenced by Kraftwerk and Cabaret Voltaire. Another album followed in 2008, Go Out Tonight. It marked Paul returning to his roots and tracks such as "Trouble Maker" which are very reminiscent of early solo recordings such as "Chance". Haig also embarked on his first tour since 1989 when he promoted both old and new tracks. 2009 saw the release of the critically-acclaimed album, Relive, during December. The album marked a return to form with some songs such as "Ambition" and "Trip Out The Rider" evoking the energy displayed on earlier albums.

Going through the ups and downs of his career which last for almost 30 years. Haig has never released a record with his own face on the front cover. For me personally, remaining as one of the most underrated artists of all time.

The main source: 

wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Haig
http://www.rolinc.co.uk/

Paul Haig- Relive

Paul Haig, the former front man of the Scottisch group Josef K. will release another solo album this year on November 16, 2009. It's his third album in the recent years which has been released on Rhythm Of Life Records. The album is already available at CD Universe and Amazon. Check out the official site for the album preview.

http://www.rolinc.co.uk/index.html