Th… Read Full Bio ↴Aztec Camera was a Scottish Indie pop/New Wave band from Glasgow.
The line-up of the band changed several times over the years, but the constant member had been guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Roddy Frame. Founding members included Campbell Owens (bass) and Dave Mulholland (drums). Ex-Bluebells bassist Craig Gannon was a member from 1983 through 1985, before joining The Smiths. Guitarist Malcolm Ross (formerly of Josef K and Orange Juice) also joined in 1983, and appeared on the Knife album.
Aztec Camera first gained recognition as part of the Scottish post-punk scene along with bands like Orange Juice and Josef K, all of which released singles on the influential Glasgow-based label Postcard records. The band's first UK 7" single was released by Postcard in 1981, containing the songs "Just Like Gold" and "We Could Send Letters". The latter was included on the NME's C81 compilation, which pointed strongly towards the future C86 indie pop movement in the United Kingdom.
Though most commonly remembered generally as part of the 80s New Wave era, Aztec Camera has gone through numerous stylistic changes throughout their career, ranging from stripped-down, almost pastoral post-punk to slicker, more sophisticated pop rock as well as jazz and latin influenced acoustic ballads. As Roddy Frame's guitar playing has always been the signature of the band's music, guitar pop might be a more succinct description.
Aztec Camera's debut album, High Land, Hard Rain, was released in 1983. However, Owens and Mulholland left the group before the release, leaving Frame to complete the album alone. The album was quite successful, gathering significant critical acclaim for its well-crafted, multi-layered pop. The band went on to release a total of six albums, although most of these were essentially written and played by Frame. The albums included Knife (1984), Love (1987), Stray (1990), Dreamland (1993) and Frestonia (1995).
After the release of their sixth album, Frestonia, Frame finally dissolved the band to go solo.
Popular songs by Aztec Camera include "Oblivious", "Somewhere in My Heart", and "Good Morning Britain" (a duet with former Clash guitarist Mick Jones).
The group have also done cover versions of Blue Orchids "Bad Education", and a slowed-down version of Van Halen's Jump.
A 'Best of' collection was released in 1999.
Valium Summer
Aztec Camera Lyrics
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And leave the lovers to the night
Remembering how they came together
With such violence
Felt so good they did it twice
Too early for September songs
But much too late for love to bloom
V-A-L-I-U-M summer
Could you be mine shine through my summer
Could we be set free fly all summer
V-A-L-I-U-M summer
Misunderstood the moon and missed the sun
Too busy waiting on the word go
But now your lips will last a lifetime
And every second is a rainbow
Too early for September songs
But much too late for love to bloom
Chorus
The lyrics to Aztec Camera's "Valium Summer" paint a picture of a quiet, sparkling cityscape that sets the stage for two lovers to come together with a violent passion. The lyrics hint at the idea that the two may have even engaged in physical violence, perhaps as an expression of their intense feelings for one another. Despite their explosive start, however, the lovers seem to recognize that their time together is limited, as the summer draws to a close and it becomes "much too late for love to bloom."
Throughout the song, there is a sense of urgency and a desire to hold onto the fleeting moments of summer. The lyrics invoke the powerful drug Valium as a symbol of escape, perhaps suggesting that the lovers are seeking to numb themselves to the inevitable end of their time together. Despite the melancholic undertones, the chorus provides a glimmer of hope, imagining a world where they could be set free to fly together throughout the summer.
Overall, "Valium Summer" is a bittersweet ode to the fleeting romance of summertime, capturing the intensity and transience of young love.
Line by Line Meaning
Where the streets just sparkle silently
The streets are quiet and peaceful, creating a beautiful atmosphere.
And leave the lovers to the night
The quiet streets give lovers the privacy that they need to be together.
Remembering how they came together
The lovers reflect on the circumstances that brought them together.
With such violence
Their attraction was so strong that it felt powerful and intense.
Felt so good they did it twice
Their passion was so strong that they couldn't resist doing it again.
Too early for September songs
It's still too early in the year for fall-themed music.
But much too late for love to bloom
It's too late in the season for love to start and develop fully.
Misunderstood the moon and missed the sun
They didn't appreciate the beauty of the moon or the warmth of the sun.
Too busy waiting on the word go
They were too impatient and preoccupied with waiting for things to happen.
But now your lips will last a lifetime
Their love is strong and enduring, represented by a kiss that will last forever.
And every second is a rainbow
Their time together is so joyful and colorful that it feels like a rainbow.
V-A-L-I-U-M summer
A summer filled with relaxation and calmness, much like the effects of Valium.
Could you be mine shine through my summer
Could you be the person who brightens up my summer?
Could we be set free fly all summer
Could we escape our problems and enjoy the freedom of summer together?
V-A-L-I-U-M summer
A summer of peace and tranquility.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RODDY FRAME
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind