Review by Ned Raggett
For all the broader attention Orange Juice received with its leap to Polydor, it was with its earlier independent singles on Postcard -- many being the earlier versions of songs later re-recorded -- that it built its deserved reputation. Though the low-key sonic quality of the earliest days sometimes obscured the disco and soul roots that were as important to the original quartet as the likes of T. Rex and the Velvet Underground, The Heather's on Fire finally brought those brilliant songs together in one place, 40 minutes' worth of energy, romanticism, and sly lyrical hearts on display in one place. Scads of photographs (many featuring the famous Collins fringe) and a variety of remembrances, quotes, and bemusing essays help tell the original story very well, but it's the gorgeous, energetic rise of the music one wants to concentrate on. Collins' ever-arch vocals sounded even more on the edge and at points slightly strained in those days, but never with a sense of flailing, making the beautiful kick of songs like the Chic homages "Falling and Laughing" and "Poor Old Soul" all the more of a passionate listen. Even at its murkiest ("Moscow Olympics" sounds like it was recorded at the other end of a gymnasium), the music as a whole can't be beat; songs like "Blue Boy," "Upwards and Onwards," and brilliant renditions of "Simply Thrilled Honey" and "Felicity" sparkle with life and energy echoed in any number of bands since. Postcard's tongue-deeply-planted-in-cheek Scots-kitsch packaging is on full display here, from the tartan in the CD inlay to the obviously doctored cover photos of the members in kilt-laden regalia (or Brian Eno get-up!). Unlisted bonus track: an extremely thrashy and not entirely there take on the New York Dolls' "Who Are the Mystery Girls?"
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