"Sorry for Laughing" is both a song and the title of the legendary "lost" debut album by Scottish post-punk band Josef K. Recorded in November 1980 at Castle Sound Studio in Edinburgh for Postcard Records, the album was shelved before release because the band and label boss Alan Horne felt it sounded too polished and lacked the "manic and abrasive edge" of their live performances. Only a handful of white-label test pressings circulated among collectors, and the album did not see an official release until 1990123.
Song and Single
The title track, "Sorry for Laughing," was recorded as a single for the Belgian label Les Disques du Crépuscule after the album was scrapped. It is considered one of the band’s most commercial and accessible recordings, marked by chiming guitars, rhythmic drive, and Paul Haig’s distinctive, slightly detached vocals. The song’s nervous energy and angular sound place it alongside the best of early '80s post-punk, drawing comparisons to labelmates Orange Juice but with a more existential, urgent edge3.
Lyrics and Themes
While the lyrics are characteristically enigmatic, "Sorry for Laughing" explores themes of alienation, self-doubt, and the absurdity of social interactions—fitting for a band named after Franz Kafka’s protagonist in The Trial. The phrase "sorry for laughing" itself suggests a sense of discomfort or guilt in moments of levity, hinting at the tension between outward appearance and inner turmoil. This existential unease is a hallmark of Josef K’s songwriting, with Simon Reynolds noting they found "an odd, giddy euphoria in doubt"3.
Legacy and Influence
Though their career was brief, Josef K’s sharp, literate style and innovative guitar work influenced later acts like The Smiths and the C86 scene4. The original Sorry for Laughing album, long a cult favorite, has been reissued in various formats, including a 2024 remaster with bonus demos and restored artwork52. The title track was also famously covered by Propaganda, further cementing its status as a post-punk classic56.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Josef K |
| Song | Sorry for Laughing |
| Recorded | November 1980 (Castle Sound Studio, Edinburgh) |
| Intended Release | Postcard Records (shelved, 1981); first official release 1990 |
| Label (single) | Les Disques du Crépuscule |
| Genre | Post-punk |
| Notable Themes | Alienation, self-doubt, existential angst |
| Legacy | Influenced The Smiths, C86; covered by Propaganda |
Summary
"Sorry for Laughing" is a quintessential post-punk track—nervy, literate, and emotionally complex. Its journey from lost album centerpiece to cult classic reflects both the uncompromising vision of Josef K and their lasting impact on indie music132.
