Drum roll please... Scottish Fiction is BACK. Repackaged and reorganised as a condensed one hour podcast but still bringing you the best new Scottish music about. As we've been away for nearly two months, this week's returning episode is all about catching up with what we've missed. That includes tracks from Machines In Heaven, Secret Motorbikes, Call To Mind, Deathcats and a whole lot more. Tuck in my friends, and dine at the banquet of indulgence.
Starting 2014 by celebrating the best live tracks from our guests of 2013 seems like a good way to go about the first live show of the year doesn't it? After hearing back just how good these session tracks were, I think the only conclusion is yes it bloody was! Tracks including some exclusive new tracks played ONLY to the Scottish Fiction audience. There's also the announcement of our first live guest of 2014 plus an exclusive first radio play of a track from their new album. Back of the net!
Rick Redbeard – Any Way I Can (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Dave Hughes – She Dreams Of Toronto (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Panda Su – Bee Song (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Siobhan Wilson – All Dressed Up (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Lenzie Moss – Kelvin British Summertime (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
King Post Kitsch – Fante’s Last Stand (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Wounded Knee – Muckle Sang (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Reverieme – Sorry Or Something (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Lidh – Peace Now (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Adam Stafford – Please (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Fake Major – We’re The Same (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Algernon Doll – Venus (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Behold The Old Bear – Blessings Or Bruises / Home Space (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Beerjacket – Antlers
Kevin Harper – Kingdom Of Wires (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Esperi – Little Shirts (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
RM Hubbert – Bolt (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Lovers Turn To Monsters – LA Gear (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Julia Doogan – Whirlpool (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Blue Rose Code – Acquainted With The Night / Silent Drums (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Blood Relatives – Bone Idle (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Gone Wishing – The Confidant (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
TeenCanteen - Friends (Live in Pulse 98.4 studio)
Mogwai - Batcat
There have been so many bearded singer songwriters on the show this year, that it will become enshrined that all our live guests must have facial hair. But when there's so many folk out there making great music, it's difficult to ignore. The latest guest live on Scottish Fiction, was Owen McLaughlin, who goes by the name Gone Wishing. He chatted about his music, influences, differences between band and solo work, and also picked the music for the first part of the show. There's the chance to hear three live songs too, all from his forthcoming new EP 'The Fires Of Future Strangers'. On the show as well, there's new music from Withered Hand, There Will Be Fireworks, Casual Sex, Turtle and much much more!
Talk about a broad spectrum! In this week's show there's hip-hop from Kobi Onyame and Young Fathers, punk from Medals and Sink Alaska, indie-folk from Michael Cassidy and a dose of post rock from Wolves of Winter. Not to mention some remixing action from De Rosa, a ballboy cover of Bruce Springstein and a whole heaps more of the best new Scottish music about.
Over the course of 2013 so far we've had some fantastically talented guests on the Scottish Fiction show. To celebrate that before I swan off for a months holiday, this latest show includes some of the best session tracks from 2013 so far. As well as a sneaky track which is one of my favourites of 2013 so far. Listen in for this hour special, with live tracks from Lidh, Algernon Doll, Siobhan Wilson and more.
Rick Redbeard - Any Way I Can (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Lenzie Moss - I Don't Believe In Anything (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Lovers Turn To Monsters - Skeletor
Algernon Doll - I'm So Tired (Fugazi Cover) (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
King Post Kitsch - Fante's Last Stand (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Wounded Knee - The Muckle Sang (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Lidh - Peace Now (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Panda Su - Alphabet Song (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Reverieme - Build A Home (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Friends In America - Gaffe
Siobhan Wilson - All Dressed Up (Live in Pulse 98.4 Studio)
Kicking off another packed show this week was the charming Charlie and Charlotte of King Post Kitsch, who very kindly joined me in the studio. And with the three tracks they chose to play during the session, they are welcome back any time! There's nothing quite like an intimate acousitc session, and the three tracks the pair performed live in the studio were simply magnificent. In between discovering them during the show, there's chat about an upcoming new album too.
I also continued down The SAY Award rabbit hole, with another five tracks taken from long listed albums. The Aye Tune Friday Freebie track this week comes from Cuddly Shark, while it's a Fence Records extravaganza with the Re-Mixing It Up track. All that and plenty of chat and tunes about this Saturday's Stag & Dagger festival in Glasgow. Ta-ra.
It's shaping up to be a great year for the Scottish Fiction radio show/podcast in terms of live guests. It's our aim in 2013, to bring you live radio sessions from some of the best Scottish artists and we'll keep you up to date throughout on our Facebook and Twitter pages with announcements. You can of course check out our full back catalogue of session guests right here. Here's who we've bribed with the promise of wine to come on so far:
That's what I call a line up! You can be sure we'll be adding more great sessions through the year.
Make sure you are tuned in to Scottish Fiction every Wednesday at 9pm on Pulse 98.4 FM (online at www.pulseonair.co.uk) or if you miss the show check out our podcast on iTunes.
King Post Kitsch a.k.a. Charlie Ward isn't the type of musician to be all over the internet with bells and whistles spouting about this that and the next thing. Often one finds that bands/artists who promote themselves to the nth degree fail to have the substance behind that. King Post Kitsch on the other hand, has talent and substance in bags! So let's shout about it just a little bit! Ahead of our gig with blogging buddies Aye Tunes and Peenko on Saturday 26th January we caught up for a chat with King Post Kitsch who is on the bill.
Hello, how are you?
I'm very well, thanks.
It's the question everyone hates, but could you tell us a little bit about your music and your influences?
I'm not sure about influences, but there are certain artists and bands who I tend to go back to every year. Like Richard Hell, Bert Jansch, Can, Captain Beefheart, Brian Eno, Neil Young etc. Maybe these folks find their way into my music. I'm not so sure though.
What's your song writing process like?
Melody first, or music first, or just build from a lyric or sound I find interesting. They all work for me, I don't really have a preferred way. Though which way I do it definitely has an influence on what type of song it will be. And if one method dominates, it will shape that particular project/album/EP.
What could we expect to see from a live show?
Good clean fun.
If it were all to end tomorrow, what would you say has been your greatest achievement?
My grandchildren.
What have you got planned for 2013?
Gigs. Albums. Gigs.
What other artists (Scottish or not) would you recommend to the Scottish Fiction readers?
I haven't really been listening to much new music recently, I'm still on the last RM Hubbert and Randolphs Leap releases.
Thanks for speaking with us, would you care to share a joke with us?
There are 10 types of people in this world; those that understand binary, and those that don't.
Right now that all the merriment and festivities are over with, and the impending dread and doom of going back to work is hanging over you, let me lighten the mood a little by reminding you all about this little doozy of a gig.
New year, new venue.
Same bloggers, same mission. To bring the finest Scottish live music to
the stage on the last Saturday of each month.
This time round we've moved to The 13th Note and are bringing along three fantastic acts on Saturday 26th January.
First up are Plastic Animals who are a Edinburgh five piece who are
responsible for a wonderful EP called 'Automaton' released earlier this
year.
Also heading along the M8 from Edinburgh is King Post Kitsch, for what I
believe will be his maiden Glasgow gig. Equipped with his band expect a
glorious array of fast paced garage rock and songs from new EP
'Repulsive Sunsets'.
Fancy some new tunes from Queen Jane, King Post Kitsch and A Band Called Quinn? Then get your lugs wrapped around the latest Scottish Fiction podcast for this and plently of other alternative music. There's the Aye Tunes Friday Freebie track from Great Cop, our usual Re-Mixing It Up features, a track from Belle & Sebastian's 'If You're Feeling Sinister' which is our Classic Scottish Album, and there's three tracks from our Featured Artist, RM Hubbert.
The more observant amongst you may have noticed that I've been rather late in revealing part two of my favourite albums of 2011. Part one (which was my top 30 albums by International artists) was nearly two weeks ago! (read it here)
However I've been busy inbetween putting out the Scottish Fiction Shelter Christmas EP, two Scottish Fiction shows on Pulse 98.4 FM, recording a end of year special which you can here on Pulse 98.4 FM on Boxing Day at 9pm AND rocking out to We Were Promised Jetpacks at ABC and Mogwai at the Barrowlands.
So without further ado here is Scottish Fiction's Best Of 2011 Scottish Albums numbers 20 to 11:
Third album from the experimental Glaswegians who do not know the meaning of the word quiet. Released on 4th July (a fitting nod to the American metal influences) on It's A Stiff! Records, this album will not be to everyone's taste, but that's part of what makes it so good, it fully commits to the alt metal vibe that thrashes from the word go.
I first discovered Black International's music earlier this year when the band agreed to do a Q&A session for the blog and subsequently contribute a track to one of our free EP's. Their album 'In Debt' was released on 11th March on their own label Return Of Order. Its an album choka block with influences, different sounds and bursting with energy.
Released on Gargleblast Records on 10th October, ex De Rosa man Martin John Henry has produced an album that is a open and beautiful as it's coverart. It's an intriguing and compelling listen, which is full of so much detail that multiple listens, because you'll want to listen again, pick up on little gems obscured from first glance. Personal highlight is the below 'Ribbon On A Bough'.
Contained on this album of 16 tracks, part new material, part reworking of older tracks, are some of the finest songs released by a Scottish artist this year. The album staggers from minimal acoustic hummings, to ambient drones, and all the while takes the listener for a most enjoyable journey through the brain of creator Derek Bates. 'Returned In Time' is a gem of a song. Have a listen below.
Hailing from the granite city (Aberdeen for those not in the know), IndianRedLopez released on of the finest debuts this year. Released on 6th June on A Badge Of Friendship, 'Empty Your Lungs And Breathe' is an album with the legs to propel IndianRedLopez to bigger things that their sound craves. Never straying too far of the mainstream rock path on songs such as 'Ropes' and 'My Eyes' which would be snug at home on any commerical radio stadio, there is also plenty of dabbles into electro and alternative rock to keep everyone interested.
I think it's pretty safe to say that The John Knox Sex Club are unlike any other band on this list. Their second album, self released on 29th August is an absolutely fucking (note this is the only profanity in this post) triumph of an album. It shouldn't really be this good, it's heavily folk influenced, it's opener is 13 minutes long, and it's pretty depressing to listen to, but my oh my does it hit home. The band are mighty fine live, and on this record they've captured that as best as they could.
I think a lot of people have either missed this off their list completely or had it a lot higher. And I think that's because Build A Harbour Immediately, released on Wise Blood Industries on 22nd August is either loved or not. So strangely I'm in the middle. Well not really the middle, because I think it's an excellent record, but not quite top ten material. But let me rescue myself by saying that this is one of the most creative records of the year. Stafford quite often pulls the rug from beneath your ears halfway through a track, which generally results in a broad smile across the face.
Released on Song, By Toad Records on 13th June, I've been listening to Don't You Touch My Fucking Honeytone for a good portion of the last few weeks, and it really reinforced in my just how good the whole King Post Kitsch album really was. Whilst '...Honeytone' is a standout brawling highlight, the rest of the album is of equal quality. The slight roughness of the sound helps add a certain underdog feel, and makes you want to spread the word about this album even more.
Peter Kelly, a.k.a. Beerjacket is Glasgow's premier singer/songwriter. Up until the release of The White Feather Trail on 3rd October this year, Beerjacket's releases were self recorded and produced, which it should be said doesn't take away from the quality of the music at all. TWFT is that little bit cleaner, and the album soars for it. Heart firmly on sleeve, TWFT is full of positive uplifting honest stories that make your day that little bit better.
Born from the ashes of Union Of Knives. Add in Louis Abbot and self released 'Limits' (6th June) is the result. And what a result. At times you can feel the angst in some of the songs (UoK where unceremoniously dropped prior to their album being released). Song Of Return create big songs. Atmospheric, slightly dark at times, and climxing in almost anthemic sing along moments. 'Trajectory', below, was the sound track to the TITP 2011 website. Nice.
Unlike The Pop Cop, I think 2011 has been a pretty good year for albums so far. My theme on Monday night's 'Scottish Fiction' show on Pulse 98.4 FM is 'The Best Of 2011, So Far...'
Here's my half year review of my favourite 11 albums of the year so far. 11? Yeah I thought I'd be different. And even though the blog is focused on new Scottish music, I've tried to present a well rounded picture, as you'll see with the inclusion of several big names, several Americans, and even some music from Englandshire. In no particular order... Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat - 'Everything's Getting Older'
Lyrically it's a raw open wound which has festered into middle age and has no qualms about letting it out. Musically it's an album of such atmospheric presence, and beautifully structured songs. If I had to pick a favourite, this would be it. Read a full review here.
The long awaited second album finally dropped in June, despite a mistaken early release on iTunes in May. Each song on the album represents a place, as you'd probably guess by the song titles. Have a listen to lead single 'Calgary'.
Arising from one of the unlikeliest of pairings, Horror's frontman Faris Badwan joins forces with Italian-Canadian soprano Rachel Zeffira. Influenced by '60's girl groups and Phil Spector's sound, 'Cat's Eyes' has been critically well recieved. Hopefully a Mercury Music Prize Nomination will be in the post.
I absolutely loved Noah And The Whale's last two efforts, and when I heard the single L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. back in January. It's an album that celebrates life, and all that's good with it. Which is no bad thing.
7th studio album from Glasgow's post-rockers, features a belter of a title as well as rare vocals, and surprisingly less heavy guitars than previous offerings. Certainly a gear shift down, it's more melodic and musically grown up.
London lo-fi outfit Yuck have been making a name for themselves with this album. One of the best releases of 2011 so far, the band were tipped for big things early on, featuring on the BBC's Sound Of 2011 list.
Another artist to featuring on the BBC's Sound Of 2011 list was Anna Calvi. Release in January of the year, Anna Calvi has been making a splash on the festival scene already this summer. A wide range of influences have gone into her music, creating a unique and multi layered sound.
There's something special about Fleet Foxes. They seem to effortless weave creative lyrics in with suburbian folk and vocal harmonies, and 'Helplessness Blues' represents a maturing sound which stays true to their roots. Highlight of the album for me is track of the same name, 'Helplessness Blues'.
Single 'Anti-Climb Paint' may have been released on a edible chocolate 7", but there's nothing gimmicky about this album. factorycraft is a more stripped back affair, with lead singer Ziggy Campbell's story telling coming to the fore. Read my earlier review here.
After a what can only be kindly called a cock-up, and the album being distributed freely by Song, By Toad via e-mail, I almost feel obligied to include it. However, I'm glad I did get it, because it's a wonderful album from a fantastic Scottish band who deserve all the recognition they get.
Anyone who has visited the T In The Park website over the past few weeks will have heard the thumping 'Trajectory'. They may not have known that it was a song by Glasgow's own Song Of Return who were born out of the ashes of Union Of Knives. And what a return it is, like a phoenix from the flames.
