Paul Haig might be best known as the frontman of Scottish
post-punk band Josef K, whose lone official record played a major role in the
development of the C-86 scene that followed a few years after the group's
disintegration. Haig continued with a number of involvements in the following
decades, releasing a number of records on his own in addition to issuing
several collaborative efforts. The early-'80s breakup of Josef K also saw him
abandon some of the anti-commercial ideals that he previously stood for, as he
also aligned himself with a number of musically varied names in the process.
Haig was most prolific in the years immediately following
Josef K, releasing a number of singles and full-lengths under his own name as
well as Rhythm of Life. Trading in guitars for synths and drum machines, his
first solo album follows the synthpop formula to perfection, featuring female
background vocals that reek of Human League, and upbeat synthpop gems in the
style of Blancmange, as are the vocals. Debut album Rhythm of Life, originally
released in November 1983 was recorded in New York and London by renowned
producer Alex Sadkin. A collection of nine polished club-pop tracks, the
sessions featured a stellar case of guest musicians including Berni Worrell
(Parliament/Funkadelic), Jack Waldman (Robert Palmer), Anton Fier
(Feelies/Golden Palominos) and Tom Bailey (Thompson Twins). The album spawned
no less than four singles: Heaven Sent, Justice, Never Give Up and Blue For
You. Five tracks were taken from the album (the four singles plus Stolen Love)
and are given extended dance remixes by Big Apple DJ Bruce Forest. They’re
collected here as the mini album Paul Haig (New York Remix).
