I heard Lloyd Cole's Brand New Friend on the way into work this morning. With autumn in the air, it really took me right back to the start of the new university term in September 1985 when this was a hit. I was beginning my second year, doing a course I loathed, but loving every minute of all that being a student entailed.
I adored Lloyd Cole too, and ever since I first saw the video for Perfect Skin at HMV in Guildford the previous year, I'd been doing my best to model myself on him.
It was quite easy to get the look. Bit of gel to style that quiff, some black, lots of second-hand American suede and leather jackets, shirts and jeans from the many thrift stores that abounded in my university town, and you could cover off every look from Aztec Camera to The Smiths. Jangly guitar indie pop stars ruled.
Every time autumn comes around I'm reminded of those carefree days, and you can often find me slipping a check shirt into my capsule wardrobe for the season. No really.
Sadly Cole doesn't look so good these days, but then again, who am I kidding?
I also think of this period when I hear Trapped by Colonel Abrams, but I have no compunction to get into a grey and pink jumpsuit.
Or do I...
