Fried (album)

Fried is the second studio album by American rock band Julian Cope, released in 1984 on Virgin Records. The album marked a departure from the more pop-oriented sound of his debut, World Shut Your Mouth, embracing a more experimental and psychedelic direction.

Fried is characterized by its eclectic mix of musical styles, including elements of post-punk, psychedelic rock, krautrock, and avant-garde music. Cope's songwriting on the album explores themes of spirituality, nature, and personal transformation, often presented through surreal and sometimes humorous lyrics.

The album's cover art, featuring Cope naked with only a turtle shell covering his genitals while posed in front of Stonehenge, generated considerable controversy and helped to further establish his image as a maverick and provocateur.

While not a major commercial success upon its initial release, Fried has since gained a cult following and is considered by many critics to be one of Cope's best and most influential works. Notable tracks include "Reynard the Fox," "Bill Drummond Said," and "Landscapes."