Hauf Jaiket

Fat Alamos Adventures

2005-04-29T08:14:00.000+01:00

Life after Aztec Camera for lead man Roddy Frame saw him continue to write exquisitely crafted melodies to produce some great solo stuff. This is a corker. I don't know much about Eska other than they are Glasgow based indie rock/math rock exponents. So there you are. Slide rules at the ready for this track from their 'Invent the Fortune' album. My Latest Novel have also been doing some fine work. This track has an epic sweeping feel to it. This is a good thing. They have a smart web site too. In other news, I've just received the 6CD box set of the complete Fall John Peel sessions and I think I may faint with excitement. From what I've heard so far it is truly a thing of magnificence. I'm going to see them on Saturday and canny wait. I know this is a Scottish music blog, but I'm sure I could sneak in some obscure Caledonian connection for Manchester's finest. Edinburgh Man, perhaps?

Roddy Frame - Surf
Eska - ESP does Work
My Latest Novel - Sister Sneaker Sister Soul

Hauf Jaiket has moved

2005-04-26T09:18:00.000+01:00

I've moved the blog to the Daily Reckless here: Hauf Jaiket

If that link don't work, post this in your address bar: http://www.dailyreckless.co.uk/blog

Please update your bookmarks etc.

Hobo Mercury Naz

2005-04-21T14:18:00.000+01:00

It's all gone a bit hit and miss around here, so I don't know if this will go up today, but onywise, here's a lovely wee tune from Hobotalk which will really grow on you. They're a four piece from Edinburgh, playing the words and music of singer/songwriter Marc Pilley. From Dundee, Mercury Tilt Switch are another fine new band and this is a smashing tune too. Then, after the mystery surrounding the previous Nazareth song I posted before (see below), this is definetely the real thing - a stomping blues number I remember from way back when I was a mere nipper (and that's going back some). Hopefully, normal service shall be resumed soon.

Hobotalk - Little Light
Mercury Tilt Switch - Shell
Nazareth - Bad Bad Boy

Prats Clyde G

2005-04-18T14:07:00.000+01:00

When the Prats from Inverness formed in 1977, lead singer Paul McLaughlin was just 13. I remember them on a Fast Records compilation doing 'Inverness, what a mess!' and 'Jesus Had a Pee'. Legendary stuff. The same record had The Thursdays covering 'Dock of the Bay' and The Flowers doing a song with the lyrics 'I'm dancing at the disco with my handbag at my feet/Met a boy called Gerry whose dancing was a treat'. Oh, the memories. If anybody out there's got this, I'd love to hear from youse. Onywise, The Prats have recently been resurrected on the soundtrack of the remake of The Manchurian Candidate. These are strange times. Another legendary band, this time from Glasgow, were The Clydesmen. Gerry Love of Teenage Fanclub wrote this song for them before using it with the BMX Bandits. The G, meanwhile (now named to reflect his website), has been gigging around for years, producing some great stuff. Here's one from his 'First Takes' album.

The Prats - Disco Pope
The Clydesmen - Kylie's Got a Crush On Us
The G.co.uk - Out Like a Hero

Oh woe woe and thrice woe

2005-04-18T09:04:00.000+01:00

For some reason I haven't been able to post links and stuff for the past few days. I have informed the relevant authorities and hopefully normal service shall be resumed soon. Stay chuned.

King Middle Magnificent

2005-04-13T09:38:00.000+01:00

We've no had anything from Fife's Fence Collective yet. So here's King Creosote (aka Kenny Anderson) with a haunting little ditty where you can almost smell the Anstruther sea air. As mentioned the other day, Malcolm Middleton's new album will be out soon (June 13th, fact fans) and here's a great track from it. Then, some electronic rock noise from the modestly monikered Magnificents.

King Creosote - For the Last Time: Hello
Malcolm Middleton - A Happy Medium
The Magnificents - Magnicide

Big Franz Pilot

2005-04-12T09:28:00.000+01:00

Chunes to mesmerise. Big Jim pens some marvellously tuneful acoustic songs. This is a definite grower with an insistent, catchy melody, that'll stick in your head for yonks. Then a Franz live track where they do a no bad job of covering a Fire Engines' classic, though not quite catching the original's essential Edinburgh accent. Finally, the superbly eclectic Future Pilot AKA with a hypnotic reggae/electronic chant that'll also stick in yer napper if you're no careful.

Big Jim - I Always Make You Sad
Franz Ferdinand - Get Up and Use Me
Future Pilot AKA - Mein Nehi Jana

Delgados Middle Garbage

2005-04-11T09:16:00.000+01:00

Aw, that's a shame - The Delgados have split up. Superb Scottish pop songwriters. They shall be missed. Everybody come down indeed. At least they are keeping their Chemikal Underground label going. Upcoming releases from them includes an album by Malcolm Middleton, half of Arab Strap. Here he is in typical sombre mood. Then, to lighten the mood somewhat, Garbage have a new album out called Bleed Like Me. Here's a happy, clappy singalong track from it.

The Delgados - Everybody Come Down
Malcolm Middleton - Best in Me
Garbage - Sex is not the Enemy

Cruiser Dot Tribe

2005-04-08T09:31:00.000+01:00

The seven-piece Cruiser play fuzzy pop with electronic beats. This is taken from their 2001 album 'Northern Electric' and is typical of their blurry wall of sound. After One Dove (see below) split in 1996, singer Dot Allison decided to go it alone. This is a lovely example of her solo stuff. Dot lives in 'a world of love and loss, hope, happiness and dreams' according to her website. And why not? Then, back to the days of raves and eccys with the full-on dance of Finitribe and the Massey mix of '101’. Glow stick optional.

Cruiser - Blown
Dot Allison - Wishing Stone
Finitribe - 101

Norman Nazereth Club

2005-04-07T09:23:00.000+01:00

A live version of the legendary Norman Lamont's Bob Dylan kicks off today's choices. Norman's most requested song this, I think and it's a beauty. Great delivery, great song. I stumbled across the next track on the interweb. It's not the original Dunfermline rockers' cover of the Tomorrow's White Bicycle, but an acoustic version. I'm not even sure if it is Nazereth at all. Sounds funky though. If someone could put me right, I'd be obliged. Finally, groovy Glasgow combo, Odeon Beat Club with a smashing little number.

Norman Lamont - Bob Dylan
Nazereth - My White Bicycle
Odeon Beat Club - 1000 Arguments

Impossible Ludovico Botany

2005-04-06T10:25:00.000+01:00

Nice contrasting numbers today. Impossible Songs are a duo from the sultry shores of South Queensferry and here they pluck and croon their way through a gorgeous wee song. Heavier than the glut of Franz art rockers, Glasgow's Ludovico stomp out a simple and effective riff with this little beauty. Then, a largely overlooked Edinburgh band from the 90s, Botany 5, with a lovely atmospheric moody piece.

Impossible Songs - Dancing
Ludovico - Panic Attack
Botany 5 - Rise Angel

Teenage Fly Bathers

2005-04-05T08:59:00.000+01:00

Can't resist posting another from the splendid new Fannies album. It really is a stoater. I love the twiddly guitar squeaks on this one. Then gruff new bluesy boys on the block, Dead Fly Buchowski, with a typically raunchy assault. And something altogether more soothing from Kelvingrove - The Bathers. Originally formed in the early 80s by Chris Thomson and James Grant, they recorded a since deleted album 'Sunpowder' (with Liz Fraser) in 2001 from which this beautiful track has been rescued by my faithful supplier and a man of infinite taste, Scott Kennedy, for your listening pleasure.

Teenage Fan Club - Save
Dead Fly Buchowski- Been Down Before
The Bathers - Night is Young

Teenage Renton Wheel

2005-04-04T09:25:00.000+01:00

I'm back after a wee break and with a big treat to start with - a track from the brand new Teenage Fan Club album, Man-Made. And a belting return to form I'm sure you'll agree. Then, the man they call Scott Renton, a living leg end on the Edinburgh acoustic scene, with the fantastic 'Pidgin Scots'. To fully appreciate this ingenious chune, you non-natives need to know that a 'doo' is a pigeon. Fred Flinstone fans will get the rest. Scott himself can be related to every single musician who ever lived in the Five Degrees of Scott Renton game. Finally, a 70s classic now best associated with ear slicing.

Teenage Fan Club - Slow Fade
Scott Renton - Pidgin Scots
Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle With You

Douglas Jupiter Sluts

2005-03-24T08:55:00.000Z

William Douglas is a rising star in the Edinburgh acoustic scene with a great range of thoughtful and witty songs. This one's a bit scary, but mesmerising. He always tells a good tale. The other two acts have both been blowing minds at the recent SxSW fest in Texas and couldn't be more unlike. Jupiter come across all moody and melodic like, while the Sluts lay it on thick with joyous slices of guitar noise.
I'll be off for a week, but will be back thereafter to continue the bucketloads of brilliant Scottish music.

William Douglas - Electricity Man
Jupiter and Teardrop - Bring Me Down
Sluts of Trust - Piece O You

Roberts Replicants Desc

2005-03-23T09:16:00.000Z

As promised, a track from the marvellous Alasdair Roberts' new album. And very sweet it is too. Buy it NOW. Apparently, Dawn of the Replicants went down a storm at SxSW - the huge Texan music promo fest last week. And nae wonder. This is a storming track. Then the very individual Desc. You'll no hear many cellos in rock music you know, nor lyrics such as "Your inhospitable cunt of a mind is playing tricks on you". Great stuff.

Alasdair Roberts - Sweet William
Dawn of the Replicants - Rice Cake Rabbit Soul
Desc - Modern Touches

Grant Hepburn Appendix

2005-03-22T08:55:00.000Z

Former Love and Money frontman, James Grant plays Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh this Thursday. Here's one of his velvety voiced solo outings. Jill Hepburn's first single is an absolute gem. Jill has a lovely voice and writes subtle wee tunes that make you feel warm inside. Alasdair Roberts has a new album out this week. I'll put a track from it up tomorrow. Meanwhile, here's a belter from his previous outfit, Appendix Out.

James Grant - Belle of my Burlesque
Jill Hepburn - Groovy Enough For Two
Appendix Out - Lassie Lie Near Me

One Filthy Aphrodisiac

2005-03-21T10:47:00.000Z

Dot Allison is the exotic genius crooning through this marvellous One Dove track which just sweeps you along in its wake. Meanwhile, the drummer from Goodbye Mr Mackenzie has a brand new outfit called Isa and the Filthy Tongues. This instrumental is the first thing I've heard from them and jolly good it is too. Always good to see the native tongue being employed in song titles, I say. Meanwhile, the electronic catchiness of the Aphrodisiacs continues the hypnotic chunes theme. Marks off for the texty title though. I blame Prince myself.

One Dove - Fallen
Isa and the Filthy Tongues - Nae Tongues
The Aphrodisiacs - If U Want Me

Hungry Hazy Valves

2005-03-18T08:53:00.000Z

In the 90s, the legendary Norman Lamont used to head a group called Hungry Ghosts. This is a gorgeous, haunting piece from that period. Then, a new outfit from Dundee, Hazey Janes, with a ridiculously catchy song. Nae messing, straight ahead simplistic melodies there. To finish with, a band I'd almost forgotten about, who I remember seeing in Kinghorn on Christmas Eve going into Christmas in the late 70s. Whatever happened to them I wonder?

Hungry Ghosts - Only The Sea
Hazey Janes - After All
The Valves - Don't Mean Nothin At All

Exploited Jock Bis

2005-03-17T08:20:00.000Z

They just wouldn't let it lie - The Exploited. Refusing to compromise their pure punk thrash to the then prevalent art rock music scene, they just kept on keeping on. Good on them. The Jock Scot song is just brilliant. Written by Davey Henderson of the Fire Engines, everything about it is just sheer class, including my favourite line, "I bought it from St James's underground car boot." And then probably the best Bis track in the world... ever. Isn't Scottish music brilliant?

Exploited - Punk's Not Dead
Jock Scot - Tape Your Head On
Bis - Theme from Tokyo

Strawberry Cosmic Scars

2005-03-15T09:04:00.000Z

Uber pop duo Strawberry Switchblade - bright, colourful and boppy - here covering the Velvet Underground classic in their own inimitable style. The Cosmics have that west coast American sun drenched sound thang down pat. And why no? The Scars track is a real treat. Over at the Scottish Patient blog, Kevin's posted a picture from when the fabulous Scars supported Penetration and the Buzzcocks at Clouds in Edinburgh in 1977. Paul Research of the Scars took the picture and unbelievably has captured me in the audience in startled dear expression, complete with long hair and green boiler suit. Aw.

Strawberry Switchblade - Sunday Morning
Cosmic Rough Riders - Justify the Rain
Scars - All About You

Donovan Danny Garbage

2005-03-14T09:24:00.000Z

An incredibly mainstream bunch today, but, in the spirit of fairness, they are here to be counted under the wide umbrella of Scottish Music. I didn't even know Donovan was Scottish until I started this blogging malarkey, so I thought I'd pop him in somewhere. Danny Wilson, I know is incredibly bland, but I seem to remember them ripping off some Ramones melody for something or other. Oh, I don't know, my mind's too fuzzy these days. The Garbage track sees Shirley Manson's second appearance in this blog (firstly with Goodbye Mr Mackenzie) and reflects a grand tradition of Scots being miserable in the wet stuff. Och, it's no bad, I suppose.

Donovan - Universal Soldier
Danny Wilson - Mary's Prayer
Garbage - I'm Only Happy When it Rains

Super Water Cole

2005-03-11T09:06:00.000Z

Probably spoiled by over exposure in ad land, Smile, is still, nevertheless, a jolly bouncing chune. It's the simplicity of Strange Boat that makes it probably my favourite Waterboys song. Anyone whose ever played an acoustic guitar can pick up this song in an instant. Which is a good thing. "I was looking for a rhyme for the New York Times..." begins Charlotte Street and so continues the marvellous lyrical inventiveness of Mr Cole in this classic. The simple refrain is also a joy.

Supernaturals - Smile
The Waterboys - Strange Boat
Lloyd Cole and the Commotions - Charlotte Street

Idle Momus Geneva

2005-03-10T09:03:00.000Z

I'm going to see Idlewild tomorrow at a special acoustic gig in Edinburgh. I got their new album this week and am still a little disappointed by it. This is the stand out track on it for me. If you're at the Waverley in Edinburgh tonight there'll be a chance to win the new album if you buy my new CD for £2. Now, there's an offer you can't abuse. Momus is a Paisley born singer-songwriter turned avant-gardist whose now big in Japan. Corkscrew King is a marvellous example of his Oriental sound. Geneva, from the Brit pop era, were nearly huge. This, though is their most known hit.

Idlewild - Disconnected
Momus - Corkscrew King
Geneva - No One Speaks

Sons Reindeer Camera

2005-03-09T09:12:00.000Z

Three absolute belters today. Scottish pop at its toppest. I could listen to just these songs all day. Completely infectious and why they aren't the biggest selling songs of all time I don't know. If you don't like these tunes, then you must be heart deid. Seriously, though, I do rate these songs as my current faves. There, I've said it. I'll stop now and just enjoy this melody fest.

Sons and Daughters - Broken Bones
Reindeer Section - Cartwheels
Camera Obscura - Teenager

Josef KLF Mackenzie

2005-03-08T08:48:00.000Z

I vaguely remember seeing Josef K in the late 70s/early 80s? They still sound fresh today and are enjoying somewhat of a revival thanks to the renewed interest in arty pop type stuff from that period due to the ubiquitous Franz and chums. Radical culture terrorists the KLF, who, in a previous incarnation as The Timelords, so revolted an aquaintance of mine that she almost turned off Top of the Pops in disgust after seeing them "Doctorin' the Tardis", should really have stuck around for Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Then they could have burned Chris Tarrant. Finally, thanks to Scott Kennedy for sending me this brilliant track from Goodbye Mr Mackenzie - Shirley Manson's previous group before she joined Garbage. Smashing.

Josef K - It's Kinda Funny
The KLF - What Time is Love?
Goodbye Mr Mackenzie - The Rattler

Jesus Mylo Aberfeldy

2005-03-07T08:58:00.000Z

Nice eclectic mix today. Especially for Dan, who missed this the first time I posted it, here's the JAMC again. Then, bang up to date with Mylo's unique list song. I love the way the guy says "Booie". Aberfeldy are a cracking wee act. They used to play at the open mic night I often frequent called Out of the Bedroom (see link to left). There'll be more from the folks who play there soon. Meanwhile, this track was their first single, I believe, and what a cracker. Great skiffy (that's sci-fi to youse) alien type singing with a nod to the Carpenters' Interplanetary Kraft (a cheesy song if ever I heard one. Arf!).

Jesus and Mary Chain - Some Candy Talking
Mylo - Destroy Rock 'n' Roll
Aberfeldy - Heliopolis By Night

Ivor Blue Nectarine

2005-03-04T09:16:00.000Z

The Bluebells made some damn good pop chunes in their day - Cath being one of my favourites. After the Fire Engines and Win, Davey Henderson went on to form The Nectarine No.9, a supremely underrated band with a wide range of styles and sounds - Rocket No.9 is a stoater. Then, the godlike genius of Ivor Cutler - a man so funny, he makes me cry. It was so hard to choose just one track from his enormous catalogue, but I've settled on this wee gem from Jammy Smears.

Bluebells - Cath
The Nectarine No. 9 - Rocket No.9
Ivor Cutler - Squeeze Bees

Lonnie Ball Bandits

2005-03-03T09:06:00.000Z

Criminally overlooked in the top 50 list below was one of the best selling Scottish artists ever - Lonnie Donegan. Here's a brilliant version of Rock Island Line, starting off all slow bluesy, then building up to the sheer skiffle fest it started life as. Class. Ballboy, I stumbled over by accident at the new artists tent at T in the Park years ago and they completely won me over. It was also a real thrill to share a stage with Gordon ballboy at the Peel tribute last year. Olympic Cyclist is a beautifully wrought tune which really grows on you. The BMX Bandit song is simply pop magic.

Lonnie Donegan - Rock Island Line
ballboy - Olympic Cyclist
BMX Bandits - Rosemary Legingham

Scottish Top 50 - The Top Three

2005-03-02T08:50:00.000Z

At last we reach the top of the chart,as voted for by the great 'List' reading Scottish public. Although I said at the start that lists were stupid, it has been a great way to show the breadth and depth of modern Scottish music. The top 3 are as worthy as many others I suppose. All good. And we do know all about Belle and Sebastian fans' loyal capacity to vote, vote, vote. Onywise, tomorrow we can get on with showcasing all the rest who missed out on the chart. So much quality to come. Stay chuned.

3. Idlewild - Mistake Pageant
2. Travis - Sing
1. Belle & Sebastian - Boy With the Arab Strap

Scottish Top 50 - Simply Sensational and Wet

2005-03-01T09:19:00.000Z

I preferred Simple Minds when they were Johnny and the Self Abusers. I saw them supporting Generation X at West Linton back in the day. Can't stomach their stadium rock nonsense. Here's a good Alex Harvey anecdote from the Apollo memories site (thanks Norman): "SAHB Christmas Show, Alex all low and moody singing 'Framed' 'It wisnae me, I never did nothin'. Glaswegian shouts from audience 'Aye ye did, ya bastard, ye shagged ma sister!'" As for the Wets, let's just pretend they're not there and maybe they'll go away. Nearly finished the countdown now folks. I bet you cannae wait for the top 3 tomorrow.

6. Simple Minds - I Travel
5. Sensational Alex Harvey Band - Delilah
4. Wet Wet Wet - Wishing I Was Lucky

Scottish Top 50 - Primal City Fanclub

2005-02-28T10:03:00.000Z

Xtreme noise from Xtrmntr by Bobby Gillespie's Primal Scream to start with, then a real treat for you with this unique melding of everyone's favourite tartan tat boys with Alice Cooper impersonator, Marliyn Manson. Robbie Lesiuk is the genius behind this mix. Teenage Fanclub never fail to satisfy, and this track is a near perfect 3 minute chunk of pop.

9. Primal Scream - Accelerator
8. Bay City Rollers meet Marilyn Manson - Shang A Lang
7. Teenage Fanclub - What You Do To Me

Scottish Top 50 - Proclaim Texas Historical

2005-02-25T09:01:00.000Z

Colin MacIntyre, or Mull Historical Society as he prefers to be called is another master pop craftsman. I stumbled across their album Loss for £3.99 at HMV once - the best bargain ever. I also recall seeing them at T in the Park where a devoted Oriental fan in front of me kept thrusting her blow up sheep high in the air. Crikey. Texas I've never been that much of a fan of. Still, it's all good clean wholesome fun. And then, tantaraaan,we're into the top ten with the magnificent Proclaimers who I last saw giving a free show at the Ocean Terminal in Leith. Top quality.
PS - In case you haven't heard, Edwyn Collins (ex Orange Juice - No.24 below) is in hospital after suffering a brain haemorrhage - Get Well Soon, Edwyn.

12. Mull Historical Society - Watching Xanadu
11. Texas - I Don't Want a Lover
10. The Proclaimers - Born Innocent

Scottish Top 50 - Big Snow Franz

2005-02-24T08:52:00.000Z

And at number 15, the darlings of the moment, Franz Ferdinand, with their snowballing award grabbing Gang of Four/Pere Ubu/XTC sound. Snow Patrol, of course, are famously Irish but also Scottish on account of them living here. Sheesh. It's like calling Jakey Rowling Scottish. Onyhoots, it's an excuse to play their version of Teenage Kicks which, of course, they nicked from me. I did a version not a hundred miles removed from this at a John Peel tribute gig last year. That was fun. I also did The Ramones' Everytime I Eat Vegeatables and Half Man Half Biscuit's Vatican Broadside. Just so's you know, like. And now my boring old fart Big Country reminisence - I remember Stuart Adamson when he was in the Skids telling me to cheer up at the Station Hotel in Kirkcaldy where there used to be a regular Sunday punk night. It almost makes me cry to remember that. That's it, fact fans.

15. Franz Ferdinand - Take Me Out
14. Snow Patrol - Teenage Kicks
13. Big Country - In a Big Country

Scottish Top 50 - Blue Bis Fish

2005-02-23T09:45:00.000Z

Fish equals pish in my language. But, in the interests of balance, here is a Marillion track anyway. Deacon Blue were harmless enough, I suppose, and that lassie does have lovely eyes. As for Bis, it is often stated they were the first unsigned band to appear on Top of the Pops. Apparently New Order and the Timelords have stronger claims to this. There's a fascinating piece of tat for you. Onywise, I am reliably informed that Theme from Tokyo was their finest moment. If only I had it. Not to worry - many thanks to Spoilt Victorian Child for sending this marvellous electronic version of the Joy Division classic.

18. Fish - Market Square Heroes (Marillion)
17. Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid
16. Bis - Love Will Tear Us Apart

Scottish Top 50 - Jesus Mog Run

2005-02-22T09:46:00.000Z

A liddle bidda traditional Scottish Rock for you with Runrig. A tad too bland for my liking, although I'm sure I saw them at some Edinburgh Hogmanay do thingie years back. Don't remember much of it. Mogwai really do stand apart and it's a crying shame they only got about 30 seconds on TV the other night on the Tsunami benefit highlights show. Initially considered by some to be unlistenable due to excess guitar feedback, the superb Jesus and Mary Chain still sound as good today as they did, oh, what is it, about fifty years ago now...

21. Runrig - Loch Lomond
20. Mogwai - Hunted by a Freak
19. Jesus and Mary Chain - Some Candy Talking

Scottish Top 50 - Trash Amitri Juice

2005-02-21T09:53:00.000Z

After the splendid showcase of Scottish talent at the Tsunami benefit gig at the weekend, here's 2 more acts who weren't there, and one who were (Trash Can Sinatras). Another sublime pop craftsman, Edwyn Collins, is here featured in good ol' jangly Orange Juice. Simply thrilling, indeed. Deadpan Del Amitri drolely pick through the emptiness of being, in Nothing Ever Happens - what a hoot! Then the Trash Cans come across all atmospheric like with this lush track from their latest album. Not a bad mix at all, I'm sure you'd agree.

24. Orange Juice - Simply Thrilled Honey
23. Del Amitri - Nothing Ever Happens
22. Trash Can Sinatras - Weightlifting

Scottish Top 50 - Biffy Beta Nazareth

2005-02-18T09:27:00.000Z

Biffy Clyro are one of the quiet bits/loud bits new breed. They do good shouting as I can vouch for, having seen them at T in the Park a few years ago. Beta Band are a law unto themselves - unclassifiable but a joy: "We might just break, can you hear us trying?" Meanwhile, back in early 70s Dunfermline, Nazareth were the biggest rock band in Scotland for a while there. They scored high in the charts with My White Bicycle and Love Hurts. I've only got a wee clip of them here. Anyone got any Naz mp3s?

27. Biffy Clyro - Darkened Sky
26. Beta Band - Human Being
25. Nazareth - Teenage Nervous Breakdown (clip)

Scottish Top 50 - Reader Camera Images

2005-02-17T08:50:00.000Z

Ex Fairground Attraction pop warbler turned worthy traditionalist, Eddi Reader, here not covering the Small Faces classic but, er, something else, with flutes and boudrans a go go. Roddy Frame of Aztec Camera sure knew how to sculpt a tune - so much of his stuff is dripping with melody and pop knowingness. Oblivious is a masterclass in how to structure a pop classic. And the fantastic Dead Pop Stars to finish. I used to love Altered Images's first LP - sort of Siouxsie and the Banshees-esque - haven't heard it for yonks.

30. Eddi Reader - All or Nothing
29. Aztec Camera - Oblivious
28. Altered Images - Dead Pop Stars

Scottish Top 50 - Goodbye Delgado Engines

2005-02-16T09:31:00.000Z

This is a sumptious number from the consistently fabtastic Delgados - a criminally neglected act, often championed by John Peel but not enough other folks. Then we have the Fire Engines, who I actually supported in one of my previous incarnations in a band called The Pedestrians at the Cullen Clubrooms in Glenrothes back in the death of the seventies/dawn of the eighties. Candy Skin still sounds great today. I saw the Fire Engines supporting the Magic Band in Edinburgh last year. Twas a quick and quirky 20 minute set. Criminally, lead Fire Engine, Davie Henderson's Nectarine No. 9 don't even get a mention in this top 50. Will remedy this once the countdown's finished. Still not found any Goodbye Mr Mackenzie mp3s. Anyone? The Rattler would be good.

33. Delgados - Come Undone
32. Fire Engines - Candy Skin
31. Goodbye Mr Mackenzie (no mp3)

Scottish Top 50 - Associate vaseline strap

2005-02-15T08:55:00.000Z

I first saw The Associates at the Rothes Arms in Glenrothes way back and Billy Mackenzie's voice remains the most impressive sound I've ever heard coming from a human mouth. Simply stunning. The Vaselines I never saw live, but this track, complete with squeaky toy, is a belter. And, of course, you can never go wrong with Falkirk's finest, Arab Strap. Sometimes, the sheer range of Scottish pop knocks me out. Three quality groups, completely different in style and all placed in the mid 30s in this particular listing.

36. Associates - Party Fears Two
35. Vaselines- Molly's Lips
34. Arab Strap- Pro (Your) Life

Scottish Top 50 - Heavy, light and middleweights.

2005-02-14T09:14:00.000Z

I know nothing of Aerogramme other than their new heavy metal stylee was somewhat popular on the fringes until eclipsed by all the new boys- Franz etc. This particular track sounds fairly pedestrian to me. The Eurythmics I can take or leave. Usually, leave. Probably, a tad cruel to Annie in the picture there. However, for some reason, this deliberately wistful tune has ended up my favourite of theirs. And to round off, a nicely shambolic live track from The Pastels in celebration of their favourite speedway team, the Glasgow Tigers.

39. Aerogramme - The Here, The Now, Whenever
38. Eurythmics- I Saved The World Today
37. The Pastels - Speedway Star

Scottish Top 50 - A stock market for your hi-fi.

2005-02-11T12:17:00.000Z

I think I'm going radge. This is uncool. Ah, the Rezillos. Top notch punk poppery and also newly reformed for all aging pogoists out there. As for the other two - Boards of Canada and Blue Nile, there's not a lot I can say about them as I've never really been a fan. Still, diversity -eh? Ye cannae whack it, as some old Caledonian comic used to say before he sold his soul to the lottery. (Are you following all this? I do hope so - there will be questions after).

42. Rezillos - Top of the Pops
41. Boards of Canada - Happy Cycling (DJ Kicks remix)
40. Blue Nile - Easter Parade

Scottish Top 50 - Incredible Cocteau Dogs

2005-02-10T13:16:00.000Z

The infectious ska and XTC influence of Dogs Die in Hot Cars is likeable enough and catchy. I bet they're dog sick of Dexy's references, mind you. The Cocteau Twins have recently reformed after a ten year absence, so here's your chance to hear again the unique breathy imaginary words of Liz Fraser set to some arty Grangemouthian atmospherics. The Incredible String Band track is an inspired folksy epic with some superb sounds swilling round in it. I have to admit this is the first time I 've heard them. Must investigate further.

45. Dogs Die in Hot Cars - I Love You Cause I Have To
44. Cocteau Twins - Lorelei
43. Incredible String Band - Koeeoaddi There

Scottish Top 50 - Average Spare Lulu

2005-02-09T13:31:00.000Z

Weh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh eh ell. Probably the best shouty intro from an ex Bee Gee bride ever. Ahem.
AWB were a really slick and accomplished outfit. Too smooth for my liking, though. I do like a bit of rough edges. I'm not a huge disco/white soul fan. Not even ironically.
Spare Snare I like and have to agree with the sentiment expressed in this track - "Cameras are used too often these days - the process is too easy and cheap"

48. Lulu - Shout
47. Average White Band - Let's Go Round Again
46. Spare Snare - Photograph Me Properly

Scottish Top 50, pop pickers

2005-02-08T08:32:00.000Z

I see Is This Music (a Scottish music mag, m'lud) is currently running a top 100 Scottish Albums of all time list. I know lists are ridiculous and all that, but they're guaranteed to get folk sniping and moaning, so, to add petrol to this particular fire, I have decided to run down the recent Top 50 Scottish bands of all time as voted for by readers of The List (a Scottish listings mag, m'lud). Fluff's Top 20 countdown music starts things off. I think The Shamen track sounds a tad dull now, whereas the mighty Skids still sound great to these ears. Of One Skin was always my favourite Skids track, despite Richard Jobson's pretentious lyrics.

Pick of the Pops theme
50. Shamen - Move Any Mountain
49. Skids - Of One Skin

Biscuits, Bikes and Giants

2005-02-07T10:54:00.000Z

Today, a couple of tracks from two of my favourite bands sandwiching a classic theme tune from yesteryear.

Half Man Half Biscuit - Joy Division Oven Gloves
Theme tune from Kick Start
They Might Be Giants - Words Are Like

How do you work this thing?

2005-02-04T14:25:00.000Z

And they're off. To start this whole thing off, here's something fairly new, a great old theme tune and a surprisingly listenable piece of old cheese. I know it's horribly unhip to admit to liking Status Quo, but I do love their early psychedelic stuff and also am not afraid to admit I also like this mainstream classic too.

White Stripes - Fell in Love With a Girl
Theme to Land of the Giants
Staus Quo - Caroline