Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
November 10, 1995
A tiny voice with a thick Scottish brogue answers the phone at the London home of singer Edwyn Collins. William, 5, has temporarily taken over his father’s public relations duties and is screening the calls.
Edwyn probably needs the help just about now.
Since disbanding his pop group Orange Juice in 1985, Collins concentrated on a solo career that won him a cult following in America, but not much name recognition beyond that.
Those days are gone. Collins has a Top 40 hit single with “A Girl Like You,” which is one of the most requested songs on radio. The second single from the “Empire Records” soundtrack, the song also is on Collins’ latest solo album, “Gorgeous George.” It’s about to make the 35-year-old Scotsman a pop star for the second time around.
Touring to support his CD, Collins will be in Chicago for a concert at 10 p.m. Thursday; at the Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee. His band includes former Sex Pistol Paul Cook on drums. Ivy opens. Tickets are $8. Call (312) 559-1212 for further information.
Q. Is it true your video cost substantially more to make than your CD?
Collins: Yes. We spent 10,000 pounds (about $15,600) to make the album and about 100,000 pounds ($156,000) for the video, which I find kind of obscene and ironic. But that’s the business end of it that I don’t really understand.
Q. You obviously were influenced by David Bowie. How important is his music to you?
Collins: I enjoy his music, and I definitely have to concede that I was influenced by many musicians, especially earlier in my career. I think there’s always been a mutual appreciation society, especially between American and British musicians. So many Americans wanted to be Mick Jagger, and Mick Jagger wanted to be Muddy Waters or Bobby Womack. But I also think that if somebody hasn’t transcended his or her influences after 15 years, then that’s pretty sad. Then they’re basically (Abba imitators) Bjorn Again . . . or Green Day.
Q. You don’t like Green Day?
Collins: They’re a very enjoyable group to go see live, but I just don’t think they’re valid.
Q. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Collins: That I can make really good sushi. If you looked in my kitchen, you’d find seaweed, Japanese rice, sheets of ginger in the deep freeze. I can also make tempura. It’s good to know how to make your own because (sushi) is so expensive over here, even more than in the U.S.