#16:Don’t Shilly Shally : Edwyn Collins (Elevation Records, ACID 4/WEA 248273-7, 1987)
Alan McGee had co-founded Creation Records in 1983. As indie-labels go, it had been a relative success, but there was an element of frustration that the limitations of the typical set-up of indies, particularly around distribution and finance, prevented singers and bands crossing over into at least part of the mainstream and enjoying greater rewards from their endeavours.
McGee approached WEA records, the biggest of them all, and suggested a joint venture whereby some Creation acts would benefit from the way the major label operated in the market. This new hybrid label was called Elevation Records, and it was set to go from March 1987. McGee brought Creation signings The Weather Prophets and Primal Scream to the label, along with Edwyn Collins who, at long last, would be recording as a solo artist, with his debut single enjoying a release in July 1987.
It proved to be a song that wasn’t a million miles away from the sort which appeared on The Orange Juice LP back in 1984. There are no musicians credited on the single, but there’s a very interesting producer on board – Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins. He was responsible for all three songs which appeared on the single, but there was possibly a hint of dissatisfaction with the production as Edwyn’s old friend and trusted ally, Dennis Bovell, was later brought into to remix the A-side
mp3: Edwyn Collins – Don’t Shilly Shally
Here’s the two other songs from the session:-
mp3: Edwyn Collins – If Ever You’re Ready
mp3: Edwyn Collins – Queer Fish
The first of these was included on the 7″and 12″ releases, and makes for an interesting listen as there’s the occasional hint of the sort of guitar playing you’d pick up listening very closely to the Cocteau Twins. It’s proved to be a song that Edwyn is very fond of it, as he would later re-record it on two occasions, the first being for his 1989 album Hope and Despair, and the second being as a b-side to a single in 1995 (watch this space!!!).
The second of the songs was only on the 12″, and in terms of what Edwyn had released up to this point, was quite experimental with a more electronic sound rather than relying on guitars. It’s not one I go back to all that often.
None of the early singles on Elevation had been hits. Don’t Shilly Shally was no different. In an era when the singles chart went all the way to a Top 100, it came in, for one week, at #93.
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
I seem to recall Edwyn saying it was something his Grandmother always used to say ‘Don’t Shilly Shally’. After Blue Boy it is my favourite song he has been involved with. I love it and I can’t really explain why. Sounds great live too!
Just wanted to say thank you for this series. I only sorta tangentially was aware of OJ and Edwyn Collins growing up. It’s been cool seeing it all in context.
Good track.
In a perfect world, all Edwyn’s singles would be at least minor hits.