Part 1, The Question.
"Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?"
This is our first answer song blog. There are a few answer songs out there and we play some of the good ones on Bitter FM.... although, not always back to back with the song they are answering. Today we have a classic 80's song, a somewhat forgotten gem, from Lloyd Cole and the Commotions' debut album "Rattlesnakes". The album came out in 1984 and it was a great alternative to the synth pop music of the time. "Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken" is full of great lines (like most of Lloyd Cole's songs), name checks (Arthur Lee and Norman Mailer on this song), jangley guitar and white soul vocals. A fantastic track off a five star album. Good enough to get a response over 20 years later by Camera Obscura.
Part 2, The Response
"Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken"
'Camera Obscura' are a Glasgow band, led by Tracyanne Campbell. They have developed quite a cult following since they formed in 1996. They have the same folky/indie pop intelligence as fellow Scottish band 'Belle & Sebastian' and their female led side project 'God Help the Girl'. Tracyanne Cambell was obviously a fan of Lloyd Cole and "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken" is a response to his song "Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?" and although she doesn't match the original lyrically, she has still written a near-perfect pop song.
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