OK, OK, OK

This track has been posted all over the net, but, just in case you haven't heard it, you HAVE to hear The Shins' new track Phantom Power, which is on their new album, out in January. Along with the new Bloc Party album, it's starting to spill onto the blogs, and it would be nice if a few more tracks could come our way legally before the album comes out (hey, we got two from the Yo La Tengo album. Just wondering...will buy it anyway!)

The Shins -'Phantom Power.'mp3

If you like what you hear, go to the Sandwich club, which has some cool covers by The Shins.

Oh, and I know I posted on them a few months back, but if you really haven't heard any other stuff by the Shins, go to the Sub Pop media page. you are in for a treat. Go buy all their albums either here or at your local independent record shop.

PS I know I haven;t posted any new photos recently, but will do once new computer bloody lets me!

Gig review: Paul Buchanan/Jane Taylor

Gig review: Paul Buchanan/Jane Taylor

Usher Hall, Edinburgh November 25, 2006

Different bands emote different kinds of weather and scenarios in your head. Massive Attack emote edgy, urban paranoia (reinforced by pretty much every video from Safe From Harm onwards, bar Teardrop, obviously). Belle and Sebastian and Camera Obscura's gorgeous tweeness - and I use that as a compliment - evoke childhood memories of blackberry picking and playing pooh sticks. And The Blue Nile? The romance and beauty of a rainy night. Particularly in Scotland, where we get a lot of these.

Edinburgh's Usher Hall is playing host for two nights to Paul Buchanan's 'solo' tour (though the merchandise stall has plenty of Blue Nile T-shirts, suggesting they are still very much a going concern). And frankly, the devotion the band inspire is amazing, given that in their twenty-year plus career they have only released four albums. Amazing, that is, until you hear them, and realise that whilst they may Stone Roses type of gaps between albums, it's generally worth the wait (whereas when the Roses second LP eventually appeared, it took a while to admit to yourself that you were, if you were being honest, quite a little bit disappointed).

First on is Jane Taylor, who walks onto the stage armed with just her acoustic guitar. As I've noted here before, the solo singer-songwriter opening up for a band can really have their work cut out for them, unless they really have something special...and she does. Whilst I realise that 'support from Johnnie Walker on Radio 2' may cause certain people to turn off, he knew what he was onto here. This really is a smokey blues voice, an album 'Montpelier' released that is working it's way along at groundroots level (remember, after all, that 'indie' is short for independent, rather than just being a description of a sound), and I hope reaches a wider audience. She doesn't take herself seriously, always a risk with any musician, and that combined with
that voice and songs to match, and some great anecdotes means she deserves to make it. Anyone who lumps her in with Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones is just lazy and missing the point.

The reverence this audience have for Buchanan is unbelievavble. Whilst the Nile have never 'rocked out' (quote unquote), the roar of recognition at each track as they recognise them - often from a simple drum-beat - is a sign that people wait so long for a Blue Nile album 'cos they know it will be worth it. Opening up with 'Over the hillside' from 1989's Hats, the connection with his audience is complete very quickly. Whilst their sound may evoke those rainy nights, the sheer goddamn joy of hearing them is like hot chocolate for the soul. In 1997, at a very wet and muddy Glastonbury festival, The Blue Nile pretty much bought the sun out for the first time that weekend. As he goes straight into Peace At Last, all worries outside the hall are laid to rest.

There are still people who will get into discussions about which Nile album is better out of the first two, A Walk Across the Rooftops or Hats. My money has always been on Hats, but it's tracks from the first album that really, really hit the spot tonight, like the gently experimental title track, Easter Parade and Tinseltown in the Rain. Buchanan apologises for his voice having difficulty tonight, but the crowd help him out on the chorus of the latter song, and it's soaring. (This song is currently in the top 5 of the Jocknroll poll).

The set finishes with an astonishing take on The Downtown Lights, which could be the perfect finish - but it turns out that he has an unexpected ace up his sleeve. When he comes on for the encore, we get High, and then he finishes with Strangers In The Night, done Blue Nile style (NB the song popularised by Frank Sinatra, not 747 (Strangers in the Night) by Saxon. That would be wrong). And boy, is it wonderful.

The two new - untitled, as far as I can tell, songs played tonight suggest that while it may, as ever be a long wait for the next album, indeed as long as the river itself - we can wait. Few bands I have seen this year can match this for sheer emotional connection and joy.

Kiss Kiss Molly's Lips

Hi there. Hoping for a quiet(er) weekend, so finally have got around to posting again. Thanks for all the feedback on the Jocknroll - always good to know people are reading.

I may do several posts this weekend, to make up for all I've been missing. First of all, may I push you, nah, shove you, in the direction of The Vaselines. For those of you who haven't encountered the Vaselines, boy are you in for a treat! Frances McKee, Eugene Kelly, James Seenan and Charlie Kelly may have made only a handful of records, but, as they say, their influence cannot be under-estimated. Brian Eno famously said that only a few people may habe brought the first Velvet Underground album, but everyone who did went and formed a band. That's the thing was the Vaselines, they make you feel like you should go and form a band. And if you're singing about sex in pretty well every song, then, you can't argue with that. They were tied in with the C86 movement in retrospect, but they were kind of a bit later than that.

Their most famous fan was Kurt Cobain, who covered several of their songs; Jesus Doesn't want Me For A Sunbeam on their MTV Unplugged album and Son Of A Gun and Molly's Lips can be found on Incesticide. However, it would be nice to think that the Vaselines would be remembered and treasured even if it weren't for Seattle's finest.

This is a fansite on myspace, where you can hear and download tracks - given that Egene and Frances are 'friends' I think you can consider that endorsed! But don't forget to check out both Eugene and Frances's own myspace pages where you can hear what they have been up to, not forgetting Eugene's own website. These are people who helped make not just the scottish music scene what it is, but also impated massively on the whole 'indie/alternative/whatever' music scene across the world over the last twenty years. And it's time that those people who don't realise it woke up to it!

Buy All the Stuff And More at Amazon.

And while you're there, go and buy all the stuff by Eugenius, Suckle, Frances and Eugene you can find. Or, go and check your local independent shop
Then let me know what you think!

Hello...still here

It's been a busy week or so. Am still alive, and so far, being thirty has been way better than I thought it might be. I went out for dinner with my better three-quarters and then she and I went to see Half-Man Half-Biscuit. I have also now sorted myself out with a new computer and so am hoping to be doing more regular updates.

What I would like to point you in the direction of is a website called Jocknroll where they are polling readers for their favourite ever scottish singles. Please go and vote. It's certainly NOT just indie, as there have been many great scottish acts who weren't.

I keep changing my mind about my Scottish Top Ten singles, but right now it would be:

1. The Delgados ' No Danger [Kids' choir edit]
2. Franz Ferdinand 'Darts of Pleasure EP'
3. Aberfeldy 'Heliopolis by night'
4. Associates 'White car in Germany'
5. Shop Assistants 'I Don't Want to be friends with you'
6. Belle and Sebastian 'This is just a modern rock song'
7. Proclaimers 'Sunshine on Leith'
8. Sons & Daughters 'Johnny Cash'
9. Arab Strap 'Turbulence [Bis remix]'
10. This mortal coil 'Song to the siren.'

Mind you, even typing out that list, I realise that I haven't included Mogwai, Jesse Garon and the Desperadoes, Teenage Fanclub, Cosmic Rough Riders,Mull Historical Society, Blue Nile, Boards of Canada, Mylo, Travis, Deacon Blue, Cocteau Twins, Josef k, The Fire Engines, Idlewild, Bis, Simple Minds, Eurythmics, Wet wet wet, Texas...what do you mean, I cannot be serious about the last four? Granted, some of them produced some...rubbish, but they also produced some gems:
Simple Minds' first albums, up to about 1984 were fab (Belfast Child is hideous, though), Texas were great until they decided to start cuddling up to Chris Evans and the Wu-Tang Clan (I Don't want A Lover is excellent), Eurythmics produced some stunning early stuff like Sweet Dreams, and wet wet wet's High on the happy side album has some great moments. Love is all around was tedious by the end of it's reign, though. Way I see it, if the Beatles were all still alive, and had never split, there would have been some hideous records from them (check the solo careers).

So go to the site, work it out and add your own list. They also want worst tracks...well, even a country with a music scene as fertile as this one can't get it right all the time!

And please, let me know what you think. This blog continues to get quite a lot of hits, so let's have some feedback!

See it in your eyes

So, tomorrow, I'm thirty.

Bloody hell. So much for live fast die young stay beautiful.

Anyway, after a fantastic birthday party, it would be time to post someting bouncy, surely?

Nah, in typically pervserse mode, this is Public Image Ltd, on Top of the pops, oerforming 'Death Disco'. Who would have thought that the 'Swan Lake' theme would work so well in this context? The Sex Pistols may have given the music industry a massive kick up the backside, and a well-needed one at that, but PIL's music was genuinely far more innnovative. No wonder Malcolm McLaren couldn't control him.

PIL Death Disco


Buy PIL on Amazon.

Though if you want a copy of the Original Metal Box album, try e-bay!

Hotly anticipated...

What can I say? One of the most anticipated albums of the year, the Long Blondes
have released Someone to drive you home...and the release date has already happened! Doh...that's what happens when you cannot get to the record shop first thing on a Monday cos you're teaching. Anyway, Weekend Without Make-up is now possibly my single of the year, and these two other singles show why they have been talked up so much.

Weekend Without Makeup - The Long Blondes


The Long Blondes, Separated by Motorways


The Long Blondes - Once and Never Again


Buy The Long Blondes on Amazon

The Long Blondes official website

The Long Blondes on Myspace

quietquietVERYBLOODYLOUD...

And suddenly November is upon us, I'm thirty next week (how'd that happen? I mean, I'm on Myspace and stuff...Oh.), and I've got a cold and the dark Scottish weather is starting to kick in.

So what could be more appropriate than Stuart Braithwaite and his merry men? Mogwai, for it is they, are the perfect soundtrack to these dark nights. Almost always instrumental, and the masters of the previously mentioned 'Scottish indie aesthetic', they include the mighty Cure amongst their influences, as well as Slayer, Sonic Youth and Slint. Sometimes DEATH DEFYINGLY LOUD, and sometimes so quiet you have to turn the record player up very loud, then dash across the room as you realise you are just about to wreck your speakers. But always beautiful. They have collaborated with Aidan Moffat from Arab Strap, and at one time included Teenage Fanclub/BMX Bandits member Brendan O'Hare amongst their number, as 'musician without portfolio.' (sic)

Five albums in, trying to pick a favourite album depends on what you have heard. So go and buy the lot! If you have never heard these stalwarts of the scottish music scene, try these for tasters, as well as visting their Myspace page and onetime label Chemikal Underground, where many tracks can be streamed, not to mention their own web page, where you can download tracks as Podcasts. See, generous with it too.

If you are strapped for cash, I would recommend you start with Young Team, their debut, it's a very good place to start. They need a home in your record collection. Some tracks are short, some last longer than a Civil Wedding Service (2001 single My Father, My King - a cover of a Jewish prayer is twenty minutes long). My favourite track, which also features Gruff Rhys from Super Furry Animals fame has to be Dial:Revenge. This being a collaboration between two of the Celtic fringe's finest, it's sung in welsh. Only a tennybopper could resist.

Try these for starters:

Mogwai -'Tracy.' mp3 from 1997's Young Team

Mogwai -'Dial: Revenge.' mp3 from 2001's Rock Action

Mogwai -'Hunted By A Freak.' mp3 from 2003's Happy Songs For Happy People

Mogwai -'Folk Death 95.' mp3 from 2006's Mr. Beast

As always, if you like what you hear, support the artists involved.

Buy Mogwai on Amazon

Have you heard...The Gossip?

First of all, these guys have been around for a while, so I cannot claim to be putting a new band your way. But if you haven't heard The Gossip before, and I was a Johnny-come-lately too, now you must!

From the US, based in Portland, Oregon, three-piece the Gossip remind me of The Bellrays, The Slits and The Rapture (especially circa Out Of The Races And Onto The Tracks). This track has just been re-released in the UK - go get it!

The Gossip -'Standin the way of control.' mp3

Gossip Standing In The Way Of Control


Like what you hear? Their myspace page has more tracks to stream, whilst more tracks can also be found at here at Insound and at the Kill Rockstars media page.

And, as always, if you like what you hear, support the music, go and buy it!

Buy The Gossip at Amazon

The Official Gossip website

The Official Gossip myspace

As Not seen on TV

OK, you're probably all aware that U2 and Green Day have teamed up to cover The Skids' 'The Saints Are Coming' to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina last year in New Orleans. The single is out next week and can be bought here. However, this is the video, which satirises CNN and Bush's attempt (ha!) to deal with the situation. I know it's easy to take shots at both bands, but I still like to feel that hearts are in the right place. Hope you're all having a good weekend.

U2 and Green Day

Gig review: Cooper Temple Clause/Battle

Gig review: The Cooper Temple Clause/Battle

Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh October 30, 2006

This is, perhaps surprisingly, only The Cooper Temple's Clause's second visit to Edinburgh. The last time they played here, January 2002, they had just that day released the Double A-side single 'Film-maker/Been Training Dogs' which would take them into the UK Top 40 for the first time. Their debut, See This Through And Leave was raring to go. And go they did, with festival appearances, Top Of the Pops etc.. and then after the release of their second album, Kick Up The Fire And Let The Flames Burn Loose in 2003, after a few months...seemingly silence. Then earlier this year, the Dirty Pretty Things emerged, having taken Didz Hammond from the Coopers, and a number of mp3s started to appear on the Coopers' website. So have they still got it it in 2006?

First, while I wait for the first TCTC gig since February 2004 (Glasgow Academy, co-headlining with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, since you ask), openers Battle blaze their way through a crows that they warm up very quickly. If they are not capable of selling out the Liquid rooms in less than a year, then frankly, somethings gone wrong somewhere. They look great - always a bonus - and sound so cool and together. By the second song, Isabel, it's clear this world could be theirs for the taking. How to describe their sound? Well, let's just say, you have an idea how U2's Boy might have sounded if they had made it having heard Bloc Party, The Futureheads and Franz Ferdinand. Moments of white noise, funkiness and epicness. By the time of the two final songs, Children and Easy To Listen to close the set, it is clear that Jason Bavanandan and the boys are destined for big things. Tell 'em 17 seconds told you about them.

And then the Coopers come on. Bearded three of the five may be in 2006, and there's been a hell of a lot happening in the UK's indie scene since, but oh. Before they even play a note, it's abundantly obvious that the energy and sheer joy they brought to a stagnant scene in 2001 is still there in spades. Kasabian must have been taking notes. As they tear into Promises, Promises it really is like they have never been away. When you haven't seen a band for a few years, it's easy to almost forget things - like their swapping of instruments effortlessly without appearing like musos- seem. The second song is Homo Sapiens, no.36 in this week's chart (already higher than Blind Pilots and Let's Kill Muisc got, then). As well as older songs that are greeted with sheer roars of joy, the Coopers also manage to play songs of the new album, due January, which go down extremely well with the crowd - always a risk playing stuff off an as yet unreleased album, even in the era of the internet, but Waiting Game and Connected sound like tracks strong enough to pre-order that album. Of the new songs, I am sounds like fantatsic, the essence of the Cooper Temple Clause, being a ballad on some levels and white noise on others - at the same time. The aforementioned Connected is reminiscent of Depeche Mode circa Speak and Spell. Film-maker and this year's download track Damage fasten their hold onto you, but perhaps the biggest surprise is the way Panzer Attack has evolved from a hard-as-nails rocker into a hard-as-nails techno stomper. 2006 suggests that beats will sake their claim on 'indie' territory in 2007, but remember who you should be paying respects to. They encore with Who needs enemies? and finally, their most sublime moment still, Blind Pilots.

Pity the fools who forgot. The Cooper Temple Clause have never sounded better or been more relevant.

Battle on Myspace

Battle's official website

The Cooper Temple Clause on Myspace

The Cooper Temple Clause's official site

Buy Battle on Amazon

Buy The Cooper Temple Clause on Amazon

Three for three friends

Hello again, it's been a busy time asusual, trying to balance work, social life and music, but here I am back again.

This post is for three friends, Rob and Emma who had my girlfriend and I to stay with them in Oban over the weekend, and my friend Gordon who came with me to see the Cooper Temple Clause and Battle on Monday (review coming very, very soon.

Rob said he hadn't heard Camera Obscura - so here, for Rob and Emma is Camera Obscura - still my favourite album of the year with 'Let's Get Out Of This Country.'

Camera Obscura -'I Need All The Friends I Can Get.' mp3

Meanwhile, on Monday, inbetween bands, Gordon and I were discussing how great British sea Power were and he admitted that he hadn't heard The Brakes album, the offshoot project also involving The Electric Soft Parade and others, including the Pipettes. So, Gordon, here is The Brakes:

The Brakes -'Heard About Your Band.' mp3

And of course, because the above track name-checks Sleater-Kinney...how could I resist?

Sleater-Kinney - 'Oh!' mp3

Buy Camera Obscura on Amazon

Buy The Brakes on Amazon

Buy Sleater-Kinney on Amazon

Gig review: Aberfeldy

(Picture taken by Sam Garnett.
Aberfeldy : the Bongo Club, Edinburgh, October 27, 2006)

These are truly strange times we all live in. Last week Aberfeldy were playing in Mexico to 7,000 people in a country where their record isn't even out. Meanwhile, back in the UK, at Edinburgh's Bongo Club (admittedly a place with a much smaller capacity) the crowd are much smaller, but they are doing a hastily arranged gig for Oxjam, and they are back on home turf... it's great to see them back here.

Just to put it in some kind of context, I have now seen Aberfeldy seven times. So, yes, I came to praise Aberfeldy, and dragging my friends along with me (my girlfriend, sam, who provided the photo at the top has seen them a mere three times. But I digress). And as I mentioned before, they have just grown so much. The band have become so tight on stage, and just look so goddamn cool. No Safari suits for Riley this evening, but from the minute 'A Friend Like You' starts, it's like being greeted by an old friend, someone you've grown up with, and who is starting to seem to happy in themselves. It opens their first album, Young Forever, and I think, virtually every gig I have ever seen them play.

Their new album, Do Whatever Turns You On, grows on playing. Back at home typing this up, and listening to the album, I realise just how these songs are starting to worm my way into my consciousness (maybe they just need time, rather than more singles off the album). 'If-Then' and '1970s' certainly rate with the best songs on their debut. Yet, it's also so good to hear 'Surly Girl' and debut single 'Vegetarian Restaurant' again. The backing vocals from Sarah and Ruth on 'Surly' could melt the hardest heart, no matter how many times I hear it. Vegetarian Restaurant is actually about Susie's Diner in Edinburgh. Maybe edinburgh will one day have it's own rock'n'roll tour and a plaque outside (then again, I remember thinking the Dublin one seemed to be clutching at straws, so perhaps not).

Four songs from the new album 'Poetry,' 'All True Trendies' 'Whatever turns you on' and 'Uptight' are played in succession, and you start to feel that it doesn't matter if they're not interspersed with songs off the debut, you want to hear these new ones too. The chemistry between the band still seems strong, with Murray looking like he's been the drummer here forever, and Ken looking pretty content with himself too.

The band finish the set with 'love is an arrow' and remind us that it was their big hit, reaching no.60 last year. If there is justice, this will be surpassed soon enough. They come on for an encore of Devo's 'Beautiful World' which goes seemlessly into 'Heliopolis by night.' And as ever, we all do the radio ga-ga hand-claps.

The feldys continue to grow and delight. Let's hope more records come, whether they're out in Scotland or Mexico. My friends go off into the night, promising to buy the Cds and saying they want to see them again. You will be held to this, guys.

The Setlist (with thanks to Ken)
A Friend Like You
1970s
If-Then
Surly Girl
Vegetarian Restaurant
Hypnotised
Summer's Gone
Tom Weir
Poetry
All True Trendies
Whatever Turns You On
Uptight
Love Is An Arrow

Beautiful World/Heliopolis By Night

What Damon did next

OK - I'm sure you probably knew this but next week sees the release of another Damon Albarn-related project The Good The Bad And The Queen. Of course, this time round, his collaborators are none other than bassist Paul Simonon from the Clash, guitarist Simon Tong from The Verve and Fela Kuti's drummer Tony Allen. Truly Damon is a renaissance man - he's forty next year, so watch out for a whole wealth of articles then that will be considering just how far he's come since 1990 (why do I get the feeling that this is not going to happen to Noel Gallagher?). It's hard to judge the project on the basis of just one track, but this is really very good, and let's face it, with that list of collaborators, there is going to be no shortage of media and indeed public interest.

Their myspace page only has the aforementioned tune to stream, but there is a new album to follow in 2007. (Don't bite my head off Damon, but do I take it that is going to mean no new studio album from Blur or Gorillaz next year then? Er, just wondering). The single is out now to download and will be released on Monday October 30 in the UK on CD and 7" and deleted that day, so act quickly.

Buy The Good The Bad And The Queen on Amazon

National Parks, anyone?

Oxford Collapse's track Please Visit Your National Parks is the mp3 of the week at the mighty Subpop. Rather taken with its quirky charms, I thought I would post a link to it here, and also include the video which appears below. Something happening in Brooklyn, though I'm guessing all the sheep sheering didn't take place there... Oh, and anybody think the title is rather reminiscent of Grandaddy (RIP)?

The Oxford Collapse -'Please Visit Your National Parks.' mp3

Please Visit Your National Parks - Oxford Collapse


If you like that there are more mp3s at the official site and also at their myspace page

Buy Remember The Night Parties album at Amazon

In the beginning there was Bobby

Flicking through YouTube I came across these two videos. I have to say I love the way Primal Scream have changed so much over the years, from fey indie pop to biker rockers to dance pioneers to stones influenced rockers...and so on. Country Girl is one of my favourite singles of the year, but as one of Scotland's greatest bands, here is a video apiece from their first two albums, Sonic Flower Groove and Primal Scream, released in 1987 and 1989 respectively. Not long before, Bobby Gillespie had been the drummer for the Jesus and Mary Chain. Enjoy these...

Gentle Tuesday


Buy Sonic Flower Groove

Ivy Ivy Ivy-Primal Scream


Buy The Primal Scream

Off my rocker

Okay, I realise that I have now mentioned Luke Haines in three consecutive posts, but it is such a great single. Available on 7" for those like me, who are ecstatic to see it flourishing (those of you mocking are seriously behind. 7" sales are up 89% in the last few months. I now feel that CD singles are crap, and have bought one in the past twelve months) or digital download. Let's see if we can get it into the charts...

Off My Rocker At The Art School Bop


The album is out next week. Pre-order it here

Gig review: Luke Haines/Vinny Peculiar

Gig review: Luke Haines / Vinny Peculiar

Luminaire, London, October 18, 2006

Ever had the feeling that the best nights of your life are the ones that weren't really planned? That's kind of how it was for this night. Luke Haines, he of Auteurs and Black Box Recorder fame, launching his new solo album Off My Rocker At The Art School Bop. I read about the gig on the train in to London, and convinced my brother he had to come. He needed no second telling.

Support came from the fabulous Vinny Peculiar. Managed by Bonehead (yes, he of Oasis fame, the man is a gent), they truly are fabulous. Having not heard their songs before, I was won over, as were the crowd. The singer, Vinny Peculiar himself, just clearly is one of the best singer-songwriters out there right now (if you are having to put your hand up like I was, check the link below. I'm making up for lost time). These are songs that make you laugh - yup, Mr. Zappa, there is room for humour in music, but also think. Check their myspace page,The Everlasting Teenage Bedroom and Jesus Stole My Girlfriend need to be heard. Now. Oh, and the band also include Mike Joyce and Craig Gannon from The Smiths. What are you waiting for?

In 1993, The Auteurs' debut album New Wave suggested that in Luke Haines, here was someone who should be up there as one of England's greatest lyricists. If Morrissey reminds me of Alan Bennett, then Luke Haines reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock's British films (think Dial M For Murder, Frenzy, and both versions of The Man Who Knew Too Much.) This evening, backed on bass and drums, Haines demonstrated that he is truly unique and necessary. Whilst some artists seem to hark back to a supposedly wonderful past, Haines reminds us that things weren't perfect either. His is a black sense of humour - I can't imagine the Arctic Monkeys writing a song like Unsolved Child Murder, or The Mitford Sisters. Yet new songs like Leeds United remind us that he can make singalong songs out of the most unlikely themes (even when they seem as bleak as Elvis Costello's I Want You). He knows his stagecraft too 'I felt like Freddie Mercury at Live Aid' he quips at one point. He understands just how dark popular culture can be behind the scenes - Bad Reputation points out how revelations about Gary Glitter's private life have destroyed not only his reputation but also overshadowed childhood memories. He finishes his first part of the set with the Rubettes, and it's still just as dark, but ever more poignant than it was in 1999. 'Weren't the nineties great?' When he returns for the encore and asks what songs we want to hear, no-one's yelling for the Richard x remix of the latest single, but there's so many songs we might want to hear -Showgirl, Junk Shop Clothes, Chinese Bakery, Lenny Valentino...but Baader Meinhof and Future Generation more than hit the spot.

In 2000, as part of Black Box Recorder, Haines was on Top of the Pops performing Facts of Life. That show has long since gone, but Haines is still with us, a 'cult act' if you like, but oh, how his songbook deserves to be in so many more homes. A true original. Like I say, some of the best nights out are the ones that weren't planned.

Do not change your browser

...a new post is coming very soon.

Went to an amazing gig on Wednesday night in London, Luke Haines (yes, he of Auteurs and Black Box Recorder fame) and Vinny Peculiar. A review is coming soon, but if you haven't heard either of these bands check these out:

Vinny Peculiar - Official website / Myspace page

Luke Haines - Official website/ Myspace page

Buy Luke Haines on Amazon

Buy The Auteurs on Amazon

Buy Black Box Recorder on Amazon

Buy Vinny Peculiar on Amazon

History Boys

Hello there. First of all, the blog is now three months old, so thank you everyone who has read it and chipped in their bit, and even those who have linked to it. I still am probably not the most savvy with technology - but compared to my first post three months ago, I can now post links to music, include videos and have an idea about how to monitor it all.

Anyway, just got back from the cinema where I went with friends to watch the History Boys. Great film, sad in places but a hell of a lot of laughs too. Mystified how people can do a film about life in the 80s without referring to the political situation, but hey...oh, and great soundtrack too. Here are videos to three songs which appear on the soundtrack, out on October 16 in the UK. Enjoy! I really shouldn't need to contextualise these, and for once, take it at face value. Then go and buy the albums, obviously, and go and see the film.

The Smiths - This Charming Man


Buy The Smiths on Amazon

Echo & the Bunnymen -- Never Stop


Buy Echo and the Bunnymen on Amazon

The Cure - A forest


Buy The Cure On Amazon

Buy the History Boys soundtrack

It's always better on holiday

...mm, still think it's a better name for the tune than Jacqueline, but anyway...

A short post today as life is as busy as ever. There is, however, always time for Scottish indie bands. For your listening pleasure check out a fantastic post on Franz Ferdinand at To die By Your Side where there are fantastic acoustic versions of six tracks from their two studio albums. If you thought the remixes added someting, wait til you hear the songs stripped down...

Buy Franz Ferdinand on Amazon

Meanwhile, if you go to Berkeley Place you'll find an excellent post on Snow Patrol, a band who are starting to go absolutely nuclear state-side. Having seen them play the Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh, it's quite something to see them with a Top 5 hit in the US. It also mentions Scottish indie supergroup the Reindeer Section, who are co-ordinated by the Patrol's Gary Lightbody, but also feature members of Belle and Sebastian, Idlewild, V-Twin, and arab strap, amongst others.

Buy Snow Patrol on Amazon

Buy the Reindeer Section on Amazon

Finally, another scottish band, up and coming the X-Vectors should be checked out at their myspace page. They make music that suggests an equal awareness of chicago house and scottish indie sounds. They say that they wish they had lived in Chicago in the 1980s or on a space station. I'd love to drop by that station, but for the meantime, go check them out and become friends with them.