Best Albums Of 2012 - 20 - 11

On the day of the impending Mayan apocalypse, let's all take a few moments to celebrate and reflect on just how bloody good a year it has been for Scottish music.  Last year when compiling this same 'Best Of...' list there was always a clear winner in my mind, Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat's 'Everything's Getting Older'.  That was vindicated by the same album taking the BAMS 2011 title, and more importantly the inagural SAY Award back in June.

This year however, I've chewed this list over and over.  I've mulled on my favourite, re-jigged the order, and cried at the albums I had to leave out.  It was a difficult list, but I've finally settled on this, the Scottish Fiction Best Of 2012.  So enjoy, listen, disagree, engage however you please.

Presented in this post is numbers 20 to 11 in our countdown.

20. French Wives - Dream Of The Inbetween

The Glasgow quintet released their much anticipated début album back on 7th May via Stow College label Electric Honey.  It's a romp of an indie-pop effort, which holds real emotion beneath the catchy melodies, and features a number of their singles released already such as 'Younger' and 'Numbers'.  The band were also rather kind to come and play the first Scottish Fiction Presents: Aye Tunes vs. Peenko gig back in October, which was lovely! 

(Buy the album here) 


19. Cancel The Astronauts - Animal Love Match

The first of four, yes count them four, albums released on 17th September to feature in our top 20.  The Edinburgh band put out this very accomplished album which is full of well written love songs that actually convey real emotions, landscape sounds at times rivalling those of more establish indie acts, and full of awkward dance moves as those oh-so-cool indie kids try not to dance.  Another charming band who came and playing for us in October.  Cheers!

(Buy the album here)


18. Lightships - Electric Cables

Teenage Fanclub are an institution that can do no wrong.  Luckily that also extents to their constituent parts, including bassist Gerard Love who, with the help of some other Glasgow musicians, released his début solo album under the guise of Lightships.  The influence of the Fannies is clear, as is another Glasgow institution The Pastels, under whose label the album was released, yet there's plenty of originality and a breezy summer day feel throughout.

(Buy the album here)

17. Olympic Swimmers - No Flags Will Fly

Back in 2011 I had the pleasure of seeing Olympic Swimmers support Admiral Fallow at The Arches, and shortly after 'Apples And Pears' became one of my favourite tracks.  I'd kind off forgotten about the band until... BAM 'No Flags Will Fly' dropped on 4th June and propelled the band to greater things.   The first four tracks contribute one of the strongest starts to an album all year, especially my favourite 'Knots'. 

(Buy the album here)


16. Gav Prentice - The Invisible Hand

Over The Wall frontman Gav Prentice chose this year to 'go solo', something which he'd been toying with for a while and was encouraged to go for during a lull in OTW activities.  And just as bloody well, because début 'The Invisible Hand' genuinely does stand alone from Prentice's previous band and serves as a vehicle for the him musician to say something he couldn't have got across as a collective.  Full of small town angst, frustration and threats of violence, it's a stonker of an album well worth checking out.  Peenko, Aye Tunes and I had the pleasure of 'launching' the album at our gig in November.  Jolly good so it was.

(Buy the album here)



15. The Unwinding Hours - Afterlives

After 2010's self titled album from former Aerogramme lad's Craig B and Ian Cooke, a follow up was always expected.  Thankfully it was delivered via Chemikal Underground in August, and it firmly delivered surpassing the standards the duo had set with their début.  Ian Cooke has been a busy bee this year as well, popping up as part of CHVRCHES, who may, arguably, surpass TUH popularity.  Time will tell.  In the meantime enjoy 'Afterlives'.

(Buy the album here)



14. Meursault - Something For The Weakened

Time for my favourite named album of the year, the wonderfully titled 'Something For The Weakened' from Meursault.  Led by Neil Pennycook, Meursault returned with their third offer, displaying progression in their songwriting and a more 'human' and acoustic sound.  Featuring tracks such as 'Flittin', 'Dull Spark' and personal favourite 'Lament For A Teenage Millionaire', this is a fine fine album worthy of your time.

(Buy the album here)



13. Jo Mango - Murmuration

The first of two appearances for DIY Glasgow label Olive Grove Records.  Jo Mango's second album 'Murmuration' was a labour of love, taking six years to write and record.  It's certainly worth the wait though as there's such beauty, craft, intricacy and emotion weaved throughout.  Each track is a real labour of love, and for true, original songwriting you can't look further than 'Murmuration'. 

(Buy the album here)


12. The State Broadcasters - Ghosts We Must Carry

And here's numero two for Olive Grove, which has nothing to do with our recent gig foray with Lloyd, and everything to do with the extraordinary collective feeling they have developed and used to entice The State Broadcasters to release their second album 'Ghosts We Must Carry' with them.  The second album on the list to have been released on the magical date, 17th September, The State Broadcasters have crafted an album full of folk/American/traditional musical influences which broads with real human emotion.

(Buy the album here)


11. Human Don't Be Angry - Human Don't Be Angry

Human Don't Be Angry, named after the literal translation of the German name for the board game Frustration, is of course Malcolm Middleton, who turns his hand to electronica and '80's influenced music on this album.  Released via Chemikal Underground on 23rd April, it's an album that has intriuged me and stuck with me all year round.  Sound truly landscaped sounds, tapping into the electro sound which is prevalent at the moment.  Wonderful live as well.  Chill out and have a listen.

(Buy the album here)

Doune The Rabbit Hole - Preview

Not too long ago we welcomed Jamie Murray, festival director of Doune The Rabbit Hole on to the Scottish Fiction radio show to convince us all why we should head on down to the Carron Valley Forest for the festivals third year.  And he did a fairly sterling job of it, so much so we'd recommend having a listen back to the show right here.

I'll be lucky enough to be at the festival next weekend (DTRH runs from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th) with my wife and kids; editors note DTRH has got plenty for sproglets so if you're looking for a wee family weekend away this would be perfect and under 12's are FREE!  The line up is packed full of talent, as well as plenty of artists I'm sure I'll discover and come away loving.  Check out the full line up right here.  In the meantime here's the Scottish Fiction pick of the bunch:



Friday 24th August

As Mrs Scottish Fiction is working until 3pm on Friday it'll be a swift pick up and dash to beat the motorway traffic to get to the DTRH site.  Hopefully we make it there in time to catch Behold, The Old Bear, who are of course lead by Mitchell Museum drummer Raindeer MacFarlane.  We are just waiting patiently for them to release some more material, although maybe the return of MM has delayed this slightly.  Whatever the reason, be sure to catch them performing on the Jabberwocky stage.  On the Baino stage Pumajaw will be plying their brand of electronica with songs from 2011's 'Demon Meow Meow' album at the front.  It's the main Jabberwocky stage however where my main attentions shall be and yours should to.  First up is SAY Award winning duo Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat.  Having seen the bearded gents three times now, I can vouch for the incredible live performance they, and their band, put on.  I'm extremely looking forward to seeing if they can recreate that intimate and cosy feeling on an open stage at a festival.  Following on from Wells & Moffat are Glasgow's finest and eclectic 6 piece,The Phantom Band.  Again I've seen them live recently at the Stag & Dagger festival and you can expect them to pull out some stonking tunes such as 'Mr Natural' and 'Halfhound'.  Last up is JD Twitch, one half of the famous Optimo, who will be taking the party on through to the late night. 

Saturday 25th August

Kicking things off nice and early on the Baino stage are Battery Face who no doubt will melt some faces with tracks from their album 'Addams Family Values'.  Later on the same stage is Neu! Reekie! w/Teen Canteen.  I'm not quite sure what the set up here will be, but hopefully it involves Teen Canteen playing some the wonderful dream-pop that is up on their SoundCloud page.  Blank Canvas are playing the Fruit Stand stage later in the day and are well worth visiting for some alternative indie rock.  The main Jabberwocky stage gets interesting when Withered Hand takes to it, equipped with a full band.  Expect to hear recent track 'Heart Heart' performed in all it's glory, plus inspired indie gems from his brilliant 'Good News' LP.  Fence supremo Kenny 'King Creosote' Anderson follows on from Withered Hand, in a bill of folk singer/songwriter indulgence.  With a fantastic back catalogue to pick from, plus Mercury nominated 'Diamond Mine', you can be sure that King Creosote will be a chilled out way to spend your Saturday night.  Elsewhere on Saturday Holy Mountain will be shredding it up on the Baino stage, and over on the Inspire stage you can find Sparrow & The Workshop followed by We Came From Wolves.  If you fancy some DJ action then pop yer noggin' into Vibes:  Below The Well where the Pin-Up DJ's will be spinning tracks.


Sunday 26th August

How's the hangover doing?  Need some melodic female led indie-folk to settle that bouncing headache?  Lucky for you Olympic Swimmers will be on the Jabberwocky stage fresh from the well deserved success of their debut album 'No Flags Will Fly'.  After them are The Second Hand Marching Band who, depending on how many of them turn up, number 22 musicians, all helping to create brilliant and reconstructed folk music.  Over on the Tenement TV stage are Edinburgh band Kid Canaveral.  As well as playing tracks from their cracking album 'Shouting At Wildlife', we can always hope that Kenny sticks around for a guest appearance, given the two artist penchant for working together.  Back to the Jabberwocky stage and you'll find Three Blind Wolves, who if my short glimpse of seeing them at Oran Mor recently is anything to go by, will rock the stage.  Sunday night for me though is owned by the next two acts, both who play the Baino stage.  Firstly Malcolm Middleton brings his Human Don't Be Angry alter-ego and album to the party.  Expect '80's influenced melodies and electronic beats. Then later is Miaoux Miaoux, a.k.a. Glasgow based Londoner Julian Corrie.  This man's music enthrals and encapsulates me, with his pulsating beats, rhythmic hooks and dreamy vocals.  Make a point of catching him if you can.  Elsewhere Pronto Mama are playing the Tenement TV stage, which is worth checking out if they don't clash with Miaoux Miaoux.


For full information about the Doune The Rabbit Hole festival, head on over to their website.  The festival takes place at Duncarron Fort, Carron Valley Forest, Kilsyth from Friday 24th August to Sunday 25th August.  Tickets are still available, priced £98 for weekend camping.  See you there!

Wickerman - Preview

Home of the burning 30ft wickerman, Wickerman Festival returns this Friday and Saturday (20th/21st July) for it's 11th year.  Over those 11 years it's became a firm favourite on the Scottish festival calendar, offering something that it's bigger rivals, RockNess and T In The Park, tend to overlook; the relaxed family experience.  It's all built upon an eclectic choice of music, spread over several stages located in the East Kirkcarswell Farm in Dundrennan.

The festival is easy to access for us central belt dwellers, only an hour off the M74, and it's wide choice of camping facilities mean even the slickest city dweller can camp out in style.  Choose from yurts, squrts, cloudhouses, tipis and the luxury camping field or brave it with the elements in the normal camp site.  Reports of rain should not be too concerning as organisers state the ground is in top notch condition at present.  And for those of you travelling with kidlets in tow, there is a fully fledged children's area to keep those hyperactive ankle biters entertained.

The festival culminates on Saturday night with the ritual and primal burning of the festival's namesake; the 30ft Wickerman.  But before that you can enjoy a plethora of music treats, including reggae, ska, punk, pop, indie, folk and everything in between.  Here's our pick of the weekend (you'll note there's a slight shift towards the brilliant Solus Tent!)


Friday 20th July

Bwani Junction - The Edinburgh quartet have been seizing 2012 as their own, making good on their SAY Award 2011 Longlisted album 'Fully Cocked'.  Their blend of indie/afro beats will coax a hip shake from even the most solemn crowd.  Catch them on the Summerisle Main Stage.

Dog Is Dead - This five piece indie band are popping up to Wickerman from Nottingham, and are now coming back stronger than ever after an initial wave of success in late 2010 - 2011 thanks to many festival performances and an airing on Skins.  Uplifting and joyful, think of a more jazzy Noah And The Whale.  Check them playing the Summerisle Main Stage.

Tragic O'Hara - Far from tragic, Tragic O'Hara is a one man wonder, bringing music, blues, folk and comedy all into the one set.  Expect some well spun yarns.  Tragic plays the Acoustic Village Main Stage.

Rachel Sermanni - One of Scotland's most glorious talents, a voice that captures your attention, and heartfelt lyrics beyond her years, Rachel Sermanni will be an absolute joy to behold playing the Acoustic Village Main Stage.  Recent tracks such as 'Eggshells' and 'Black Current' will be accompanied by tracks from the forthcoming debut album 'Under Mountains'.

Campfires In Winter - If stirring and layered post-rock melodies are your thing, then Campfires In Winter are a must.  Their recently posted '2012 Demos' are a sign of great things to come from these guys.  They'll be playing the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

Olympic Swimmers - Creators of one of 2012's finest albums' 'No Flags Will Fly', Olympic Swimmers boost the vocal prowess of Susan Smillie and orchestrated musical bliss to blow you away.  Head to the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent for their set.

Quickbeam - Had enough of guitars and keyboards?  Fancy some cello, double bass, viola and harmonium?  Quickbeam are your best bet then.  Together on stage, these musicians weave music as delicate as butterflies wings, and if you allow the soft waves of beauty to envelope you, you won't regret it.  Head over to the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

United Fruit - Loud?  Check.  Tight as fuck?  Check?  Blistering debut album?  Check.  United Fruit are an absolute MUST if you'll be at Wickerman.  Think of their music as a full on assault on all five senses, and a barrage of break-neck tunes with bark, bite and attitude.  They'll be rocking out the Solus Tent.

Holy Mountain - Three guys who make a hell of a lot of noise.  This is rock 'n' roll they way they made it back in the 70's.  They are well worth going to see in the Solus Tent.

Beerjacket - Alt/folk singer songwriter from Airdrie, Beerjacket is, IMO, Scotland's premium songwriting talent.  He's been riding an overdue wave of praise since the release of 'The White Feather Trail' last year, topped off by last night's headline show in King Tut's.  Do yourself a favour and make Beerjacket a must see set in the Solus Tent.


Saturday

Stanley Odd - One of Scotland's finest purveyor's of hip-hop, the Stanley Odd collective will bring fun, beats, hooks and killer rhymes all to your ears during their set on the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

Michael Cassidy - If Beerjackey is our favourite Scottish singer songwriter, then Michael Cassidy is close at his heels.  Having just been announced as the winner of the inagural Gerry Rafferty Songwriting Prize, Michael has shown just why he is head and shoulders above the competition.  Go see his live show for the unique banter and the crackin' tunes.  All happening at the goNORTH Festival Tour Tent.

Human Don't Be Angry - Malcolm Middleton under his real name, Human Don't Be Angry has yielded positive reviews and a whole raft of '80's inspired work.  Largely instrumental, the set will no doubt mirror a hugely rewarding debut album, full of electronic wonder and power pop riffs.  The full band performance will be in the Solus Tent.

The Machine Room - Making bewitching pop musings, The Machine Room are an Edinburgh five piece that you should go out your way to see this weekend.  Playing songs from their latest EP 'Love From A Distance', they'll be on stage in the Solus Tent.

Julia And The Doogans - Julia Doogan is a pop genius.  Backed by her band, rather egotistcally called The Doogans, of cello, piano and flue, Julia's voice and lyrics create some of the most introspective and heartbreaking music you'll have the good fortune to hear.  Catch the ladies playing in the Solus Tent.


Of course the above is just a handful of the bands playing this Friday and Saturday at The Wickerman Festival.  There are plenty more great bands and artists, and for the full line up, as well as all ticket and travel information, head over to the official website.

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 4th July 2012

Yes that is a picture of pot pourri  I don't know why, I can't explain it, we'll just have to swiftly move on.  Last Wednesday's show was 4th July.  Happy 'Jeff-Goldblum-saved-the-world-with-an-Apple-Mac' Day to all!  It also meant that we are now officially more than halfway into 2012, conveniently allowing me to use the occasion to recap on the best Scottish albums released this year so far.  Which is exactly what we did on this very show.  Enjoy!

Miaoux Miaoux - Autopilot
Olympic Swimmers - Father Said
Jesus H. Foxx - Twins
RM Hubbert feat. Alasdair Robert - The False Bride
Errors - Earthscore
Holy Mountain - Great Monkey
Battery Face - Gomez
Lightships - Two Lines
Django Django - Hail Bop
Two Wings - Feet
Ambulances - Shine On My Shoes
Esperi - Proverb
Plum - Smile
Admiral Fallow - Guest Of The Government
French Wives - Younger
The Leg - Twitching Stick
Hunt / Gather - Denver Shaking
The Twilight Sad - Don't Move
Profisee - Magikal
Human Don't Be Angry - After The Pleasuredome

Scottish Fiction - 4th July 2012 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Scottish Fiction Podcast - 4th June 2012

Good to be back after last week's missed show.  Did you miss me?  I'll pretend you say yes.  As I'm heading off to RockNess on Friday for my good friend's stag do, naturally I focus on homegrown artists playing Scotland's most scenic festival.  There's also plently of new music from the likes of Olympic Swimmers, Capitals and Woodenbox.  Our featured artist is Biffy Clyro and our Classic Scottish Album comes from post-punk legends Orange Juice.

Sex Pistols - God Save The Queen
Lost Ghosts - Summer Nothing
The Son(s) - Roaring Round The House
Admiral Fallow - Old Fools
The Machine Room - Cost Of Progress
Olympic Swimmers - Knots
Homework - Thoughts
Hunt / Gather - Harbouring
Kick To Kill - Mushroom Cloud
Saint Death - Sycle
Errors - Earthscore
Burnt Island - Nightwatchman
Betunizer - Cedric Ceballos

Classic Scottish Album - Orange Juice - Rip It Up - Rip It Up

The Seven Deadly Sins - Yesterday
So Many Animal Calls - Traps

Peenko Friday Freebie - Woodenbox - Kings Liar

Featured Artist
Biffy Clyro - Glitter And Trauma
Biffy Clyro - Semi-Mental

Nina Nesbitt - The Apple Tree
Guillemots - Trains To Brazil
Thank You So Nice - Let's Make Money
Capitals - All These Years

Scottish Fiction - 4th June 2012 by Scottish Fiction on Mixcloud

Scottish Fiction Submissions - 3rd June 2012

You've not done one of these for a while, I hear you say.  This is true, and whilst my inbox has been bulging with submissions I've been both busy and lazy.  So I owe an apology to you for not passing on these fine pieces of music, and also to the artists who've sent me stuff.  There's lots more still sitting in my inbox, but for the time being here's a short and sweet post about a few of my favourites. 

(Some are relatively old news now, but still deserve a mention 'cause they are that good!)

Satellite Dub - 'Velikovsky Said'

This bad boy came out on 17th April (yes that's how far behind I am) and is a behemoth of electronica and dance music.  With the spirit of Kraftwerk in his sails Craig, a.k.a. Satellite Dub, set off on an intergalactic stellar trip.  Mind that bit in the the song 'I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor' that says, "just banging tunes and DJ sets"?  This is that, but better.  Get it on a 'pay-what-you-want' basis or buy a CD with download for £4.


Lost Ghosts - 'Summer Nothing'

A new band from Glasgow, so new in fact that I can't find any information on them other than that Daniel Young of Where We Lay Our Heads is involved, and that there's four of them.  I'm actually a fool for sitting on this track for so long and doing nothing about it.  Consider myself well and truly scolded.  This is really good.  A little rough albeit, but good.  With the female vocals they sound a little bit like my favourite band ever (ok not EVER, but I still like them) The Spook School but heavier.  Terrible description I know.  Just listen eh.  And you can download this song plus another, 'Seven', for free on their Soundcloud.  Braw!



The Machine Room - 'Love From A Distance'

Crikey!  You though April was ages ago, try March when this brilliant EP came out.  Further proof that my head is up my arse in terms of keeping up to date with new music (not good advertising for the blog).  Anyhow now that I've devoted full attention to this, you should too.  It's a four track EP from the Edinburgh band.  They describe it as 'bewitching pop music' and that pretty much does it for me. (They also do a really good cover of Bronski Beat's 'Small Town Boy' which you can hear here.)


Wolves Of Winter - 'The Thaw'

Finally a track which I haven't completely neglected!  The lads from Wolves Of Winter featured on our February EP with their brilliant track 'The Art Of Temptation'.  The follow up isn't half bad either, with it's other-worldly feel and dark beauty.  I played the track on our radio show recently which shows that not everything passes me by idly.  'The Thaw' is available as a free download so you've no excuses.


Plastic Animals - 'Automaton'

Slightly more up to date now as this EP by Edinburgh's Plastic Animals was released yesterday.  'Automaton' is the band's first new material since their 'A Dark Spring' EP, and it's well and truly worth the wait.  It's probably deserving of a bigger spot on the blog, and it may well get that if I can squeeze in some time amidst all the cucumber sandwiches and sub-servitude during the jubilee.  For now though, I can tell you that this is good stuff.  Available as a 'pay-what-you-want' download, you should give them some cash because it's worth it.  'Yellowcraig' itself is an atmospheric post-rock inspired doozy.


Olympic Swimmers - 'No Flags Will Fly'

This is another submission which is definitely worthy of more attention, as it is the debut album from one of Scotland's most talented unsigned group Olympic Swimmers.  I first saw them supporting Admiral Fallow some time ago in The Arches, and they've taken their time to produce a stunning debut album, full of melody, landscaped guitars, and shimmering strings.  This one is released on Monday 4th June, but you can pre-order it now from the link above.  Here's the track 'Where It Snows' to convince you why you should buy the album.



The Seven Deadly Sins - 'Misery Lake'

Another Edinburgh band, this time it's the biblical named The Seven Deadly Sins.  Despite being sinful, they are actually rather good, even if what they do is nothing new (I always wonder why that's a criticism).  Unless of course they sold their souls to the devil, Robert Johnson style, in which case everything makes sense.  Rambling?  Me?  Musically, their EP is pretty strong, slightly darker indie rock.  Below is a video for the EP track 'Yesterday' and you can buy the full 'Misery Lake' EP from the link above.

North American War - 'Ivory And'/'Geraniums'

And to end this rather long (yet fully awesome) post of recent submissions, something that you can buy on 7" vinyl.  North American War are a Glasgwegian based four piece making some rather good alternative pop/rock music.  This double A-Side is a prelude to their forthcoming album, which I'm told is dropping in August this year, and showcases two different sides to their sound.  'Ivory And' goes down the loud '80's new-wave path that lots of people are treading currently, and 'Geraniums' is a softer approach.  The 7" is available on a limited 250 run and can be found on the above link for £5, as can a download only copy for £2.


Aaaaaaand that's your lot for today.  I promise the next Scottish Fiction Submissions post won't be too far off, mainly because there is plenty more excellent music lurking in the depth of my inbox.  Toodles.