Stray (album)

Stray is the fourth album by Scottish group Aztec Camera, released in 1990 on Sire Records.[1]

Stray
Studio album by Aztec Camera
Released	10 July 1990
Recorded	December 1989-April 1990
Genre	Rock
Length	41:11
Label	Sire
Producer	Roddy Frame, Eric Calvi[1]
Aztec Camera chronology
Love (1987) Stray (1990) Dreamland (1993)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
Robert Christgau	B+[3]

Stray was praised for its diversity of songs and styles, and for the assured nature of Roddy Frame's lyrics (which had been considered the weak-point of some of his earlier material). Its understated production was also received positively, particularly coming after the group's previous album Love, which sold well in the United Kingdom but had been criticised by some for being too sanitised and glossy.

Stray peaked at No. 22 in the UK Albums Chart.[4] The single "Good Morning Britain", a collaboration with Mick Jones, reached No. 19 in the UK Singles Chart.

Critical reception

In a 2013 review of Aztec Camera reissues, Uncut called Stray "the most inventive and durable Aztec Camera LP. Diverse, yes, but it’s exhilarating to hear Frame switching-up from plaintive balladry ('Then Over My Head') to the BAD-influenced 'Good Morning Britain.'"[5]

Track listing

All tracks written by Roddy Frame.

1. "Stray" 5:34
2. "The Crying Scene" 3:34
3. "Get Outta London" 3:41
4. "Over My Head" 5:53
5. "Good Morning Britain" 4:02
6. "How It Is" 4:00
7. "The Gentle Kind" 5:32
8. "Notting Hill Blues" 6:41
9. "Song for a Friend" 2:27

Singles

• "The Crying Scene" (UK No. 70)
• "Good Morning Britain" (UK No. 19)

Personnel

• Roddy Frame – Guitars, Vocals
• Gary Sanctuary – Keyboards
• Paul Powell – Bass Guitar
• Frank Tontoh – Drums

References

1. "TrouserPress.com :: Aztec Camera". www.trouserpress.com.
2. "Stray - Aztec Camera - Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 21 August 2017.
3. "Robert Christgau: CG: Artist 88". www.robertchristgau.com.
4. Thompson, Dave (22 May 2000). Alternative Rock. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN 9780879306076 – via Google Books.
5. "Aztec Camera - reissues". 2 January 2013.