Would all passengers please note that this podcast is now ready for departure and to keep arms, legs and heads inside the at all times. Your stops today include the outrageous alt-pop of United Fruit, the face melting garage rock of Poor Things, and the intriguing outdoor sounds of Dan Lyth and The Euphrates. Keep an eye out the window as we go for all the best new sounds in Scottish music right now. It's Scottish Fiction, your one stop shop for the best new Scottish music.
Having had the pleasure of hearing an advance copy of 'Imaginary Walls Collapse', I was thrilled to be able to welcome it's creator Adam Stafford into the Pulse 98.4 studios. We chatted about the forthcoming LP, which is being released via Song By Toad Records on 15th July, as well as discussing Adam's distinctive and encapsulating sound and stage presence. On top of that, as you would expect from our session guest, there's three live songs from Adam.
Elsewhere, there's a return of regular features 'Re-Mixing It Up' and 'Cover Lover', with a track from Song Of Return and Cairn String Quartet respectively. And keeping us in tune with the freshest Scottish music there's tracks from Profisee, Lovers Turn To Monsters, The Amazing Snakeheads and more.
After kicking off the show with the sweet summer vibes of Giant Fang, I welcomed Drew Wright, a.k.a. Wounded Knee into the studio as my session guest for the evening. With a wonderfully obscure selection of tracks under his arm, we chatted, mused about protest songs, and discussed the Whatever Gets You Through The Night project. And there was plenty rummaging in the infamous bawbag to choose the three live songs you'll hear during the show.
There's the usual serving of new Scottish music too, including tracks from the forthcoming Camera Obscura, Boards Of Canada, Quickbeam and Algernon Doll albums, plus a Cover Lover and Re-Mixing It Up track. Huzzah!
So I played it safe and it never quite made it onto the playlist for the show, however this is as much political commentary as you're getting. I'll leave the rest for you to fill in. To the music my good man, post haste!
And what marvellous music indeed, with oodles of new stuff woven through the fabric of our little show. Expect new tracks from Michael Cassidy, Song Of Return, Quickbeam, Algernon Doll, Casual Sex and more! Also in the mix is our 'Cover Lover' track, a Travis cover of a famous Matt The Hoople song, this week's 'Tweet-a-track' suggestion and a 'Re-Mixing It Up' number which is a Bis remix of Arab Strap. Top drawer! All this and much more in the land of Scottish Fiction.
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.
Fancy some free music? Of course you do you racy devils!
To celebrate the forthcoming Summer Nights which runs from 14th July to 28th July, King Tut's are offering a free download of an album featuring tracks from artists performing during Summer Nights.
