Hard To Pin It Down

In late January, temperamental tech put paid to my efforts to create an Edwyn Collins selection. I had to make do with writing about his then-new single Knowledge instead. 

Five months later, here at last is a (lucky) 13-song compilation for your listening pleasure.

I didn't keep a note of the aborted track list but I suspect that this newly created selection bears little resemblance to what I originally had in mind. 

Not least, the release of Edwyn's tenth solo album, Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation, in March and which I've been enjoying ever since. As well as Knowledge, I've also previously posted about The Bridge Hotel, so both of them have made the cut for today's mixtape.

I've also gone back four decades for a couple of singles from the Orange Juice back catalogue, interspersed with album tracks, B-sides and rarities, spanning an incredible and at times inconceivable career in music.

Edwyn's music has been with me since my early teens and the fact that, despite everything, he's come out with another brilliant album in 2025 is a testament to his songwriting prowess and drive to make music.

In response to January's post about the new single and forthcoming album, Mike hoped that Edwyn may also tour in 2025.

"Much as I'd love to think so, I suspect it's unlikely" I replied.

Ahead of the release of Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation, Edwyn announced "The Testimonial Tour: A Last Lap Around The UK". I will be cheering him on at Komedia in Bath on 30th September. 

In the meantime, that noise you can hear is the sound of me eating my hat.

Bless you, Edwyn!

1) The Popstar: Edwyn Collins (2002)

2) The Magic Piper (Of Love) (Edit): Edwyn Collins (1997)

3) Two Hearts Together (Single Version): Orange Juice (1982)

4) The Bridge Hotel: Edwyn Collins (2025)

5) Graciously: Edwyn Collins (1990)

6) For The Rest Of My Life: Edwyn Collins (1997)

7) Come Tomorrow, Come Today: Edwyn Collins ft. Johnny Marr (2010)

8) Ghost Of A Chance: Edwyn Collins (1989)

9) Simply Thrilled Honey (Single Version): Orange Juice (1980)

10) You've Grown A Beard: Edwyn Collins (1996)

11) Knowledge: Edwyn Collins (2025)

12) Queer Fish: Edwyn Collins (1987)

13) In A Nutshell: Edwyn Collins ft. Bernard Butler (1995)

1980: Simply Thrilled Honey EP: 9

1982: Two Hearts Together EP: 3

1987: Don't Shilly Shally EP: 12

1989: Hope And Despair: 8

1990: Hellbent On Compromise: 5

1995: Volume Thirteen: 13

1996: Keep On Burning EP: 10

1997: I'm Not Following You: 6

2002: A Casual Introduction 1981-2001: 2

2002: Johnny Teardrop EP: 1

2010: Losing Sleep: 7

2025: Nation Shall Speak Unto Nation: 4, 11

Hard To Pin It Down (47:43) (Mega)