Andrew Wasylyk and Gerard Love

On Tuesday 30th January I drove into Maryhill in the west of Glasgow to see Andrew Wasylyk and Gerard Love playing for Celtic Connections. The artists were performing in the beautiful Mackintosh Queens Cross on Gascube Road, the only church in the world designed by the great Charles Rennie Mackintosh. I first caught Andrew and his band playing in this wonderful venue back in 2018 when they supported The Pastels. 

Andrew is an immensely intelligent musician who takes inspiration from landscapes, people and stories to create his mesmerising, cinematic soundscapes. He is naturally curious about things, while his prolific nature that has led to him releasing 7 albums since his debut in 2015 -  1 per year since The Paralian in 2019. 

Watching Andrew playing the piano with his 7 piece band was a joy and this performance was enhanced by films playing on a large screen behind them. With strings, horns, additional keys, a solid bass underpinning everything and funky, playful and at times jazzy beats, Wasylyk and co conjured up something really special. 

As Andrew's music is almost completely instrumental, I have to confess that I'm not great at knowing the names of his songs! I do know that he closed with the sublime Last Sunbeams of Childhood, a favourite from his last album. I just enjoyed being immersed in the experience. Andrew also shouted Free Palestine before beginning his finale, generating a number of cheers in the audience.

There were definitely a number of songs from his Hearing the Water before Seeing the Falls album including a mesmerising The Life Of Time. Andrew explained that photographer Thomas Joshua Cooper was the inspiration behind the album. Thomas talks of life over a beautiful piece of music.

Wasylyk and co also played Truant In Gossamer which was possibly their most psychedelic song of the night, they really got into it and created something very special. I would highly recommend going to see Andrew and his band next time they play - especially if they have the visuals accompanying them. 

Towards the end of his show Andrew thanked his band, the production team, Tommy Perman for the visuals and support for the night - Gerard Love. The way Andrew spoke of discovering Teenage Fanclub around the same time as me really struck a chord. Andrew rightly called Gerry 'one of the greats' and I think everyone wholeheartedly agreed.

Gerry himself is exceptionally modest, but his body of work with Teenage Fanclub and Lightships really does inspire people. It's been a joy to watch Gerry playing various venues in and around Glasgow over the last couple of years; playing songs from his back catalogue and occasionally testing out new ones.

Backed by Noel O'Donnell on guitar/drums and the exceptionally talented Tom Crossley on keyboards/flute/xylophone, Gerry played a wonderful set. Don't Look Back had a beautiful church choir singing along gently.

The new songs sounded fantastic. One in particular has a warm flowing melody and I can't wait to hear what it sounds like when the album comes out.

Sometimes I have to close my eyes

When I look 

for you

Closing with Ain't That Enough, Love highlighted how blown away he was by the venue and turned around to his band to say 'we should play here again sometime'.

I hope they do.

My albums of 2020

Despite lockdowns, restrictions and all kinds of challenges, artists and labels across the world kept releasing music right throughout 2020. And oh how it helped to get lost in an album, to escape reality for a while. In the words of ABBA; thank you for the music.

Working from home and the fact that there were no gigs meant that I probably listened to more newly released music than normal, certainly way more than last year.

I think I've appreciated music more than ever through this strange year. I've bonded with people with similar taste on social media and appreciated that sense of (virtual) community and connections. I've enjoyed a number of Tim Burgess' listening parties. I've arrange zoom calls for fellow fans of Teenage Fanclub which has been brilliant for socialising and I've been able to get lost in music when I've needed to, or even when I haven't. 

#timstwitterlisteningparties

6 Music has been on most days while working from home and although I've massively missed gigs and all the socialising that goes with them, in some ways I feel closer to music. Strange, huh?!

I always like to point out that there are always albums I discover after writing my Albums of the Year blogs. For example there was a trio of albums released in 2019 that I only discovered this year; I really love the Erland Cooper, Callum Easter and Better Oblivion Community Centre albums. 

So no doubt I'll discover a gem from 2020 next year, indeed I'm only just getting into the SAULT albums. 

I'm not going to name an album of the year for 2020. It's been such a strange and shit year in so many ways, but in terms of new music, it has been excellent and there are a number of albums I keep returning to.

Andrew Wasylyk's is just beautifully crafted music to get lost in, I fell for the talent of Phoebe Bridgers in a big way, The Flaming Lips moved me to tears with their vision, ambition and psychedelic pop, my sister Carla J Easton moved forwards with a defiant, powerful, melodic and emotional heart on sleeve pop record, the Whyte Horses album just oozes great taste and has such a good feel to it, Andy Bell delivered an exceptional debut album of psychedelic pop and grooves, and Dua Lipa released an exceptional pop album that is loved by everyone in our house.

So read on for my 10 favourite albums of 2020 plus 2 incredible compilation albums released by Last Night From Glasgow and Olive Grove Records, also a little on the LNFG reissue of Sisters by The Bluebells and the fast moving novel The Young Team by Graeme Armstrong.

Fugitive Light And Themes Of Consolation by Andrew Wasylyk

Label - Athens Of The North

Andrew Wasylyk is an incredible talent who I've been following since his second album Themes for Buildings and Spaces was released back in 2017. Now on album number 4, Wasylyk creates beautiful grooves, dreamy landscapes and majestic layers to get lost in. David Axelrod is a name that sprung to mind when I first hear the album and it was interesting to hear Andrew mention him in an interview on BBC Radio Scotland. That is the kind of talent and ambition we are talking about.

Last Sunbeams of Childhood is utterly sublime and then Wasylyk actually has a song called Everywhere Something Sublime which totally is .... something sublime!  

Awoke in the Early Days of a Better World is a song I've played a lot. It has a kind of beautiful mellow stoned groove. It somehow has the ability to feel like there is a lot going on, but at the same time there isn't. 

Andrew Wasylyk creates and captures something really incredible with this album.

American Head by The Flaming Lips

Label - Bella Union

When they are on form you sure can get lost in an album by The Flaming Lips. American Head moved me to tears on first listen. Headphones on, glass of red and Wayne Coyne singing from the bottom of his heart and the far reaches of his mind. It's a melodic, soulful, psychedelic trip as song titles like You N Me Sellin' Weed and When We Die When We're High might suggest. 

The sonic vision and ambition of The Flaming Lips never fails to amaze and they go really widescreen with opener Will You Return/When You Come Down which is almost 6-minutes of wonderful psychedelic pop. Mother I've Taken LSD is all kinds of self realisation and empathy; now I see the sadness in the world, I'm sorry I didn't see it before. Hopefully we will see Wayne back riding around the Barrowland Ballroom on a unicorn again before too long!

The View From Halfway Down by Andy Bell

Label - Sonic Cathedral

Andy Bell is someone who feels refreshed and revitalised. Ride are a shining example of how a comeback can work out and Bell seems to have a tremendous sense of urgency and freedom to create outwith that.

His debut album, at the age of 50, sounds fresh, inventive, timeless and fun, full of grooves, twists and turns. The way Skywalker develops on a bass groove for a further 3-minutes just when you think it is about to end is surprising and glorious, while Cherry Cola is just super cool, melodic sunshine on record.

Andy very kindly gave an extensive interview back in August that you can READ HERE

Weirdo by Carla J Easton

Label - Olive Grove Records

My sisters second album under her own name is escapism, realisation, reflection, defiance and at times, a big F**K YOU, like on the absolute anger Over You. Get Lost is Carly Rae Jepsen fronting New Order escapism, Never Knew You is Taylor Swift style realisation and self therapy with the brilliant when I was up I was up, and when I was down you were never around hook, Thorns is a stunning synth ballad, Waves That Fall marries Chic style guitars with Scottish Hip Hop with a blitz by guest Solareye from Stanley Odd while the title track celebrates all that is good about being weird. 

I'm a rollercoaster rolling

The first edition of Weirdo sold out in pre-sales which was incredible for Carla and Lloyd from Olive Grove Records. I think at first that was going to be that, after all, it is quite cool to sell out your pressing. But there was a real demand for a repress and it was no ordinary repress as the artist Jim Lambie designed new artwork.

I look forward to hearing these songs being blasted out live and Carla is a rollercoaster rolling. 2021 will see TeenCanteen release their very first recordings and Carla has a number of new songs written for her next solo album and also for a new band she is forming with Simon Liddell. They are looking for a band name; check this tweet if you have any suggestions!

Future Nostalgia by Dua Lipa

Label - Warner Records

I can only imagine how massive Dua Lipa would have been in a non COVID world. She would have been everywhere with her catchy, clever and euphoric pop. 

The kids kept asking about Dua Lipa songs after discovering her via Tik Tok and they soon got me into Dua Lipa too, but not Tik Tok!

Hallucinate is my personal favourite, its so catchy, the chorus flows so easily. Don't Start Now was the first song I heard off the album and it is brilliant pop music, the whole album is. Physical is totally euphoric, Levitating is ridiculously catchy, while Break My Heart asks the brilliant question am I falling in love with the one that could break my heart?

A genius pop album by a brilliant pop star. We watched Dua Lipa's Studio 2054 online show at the end of November and I really hope to take the kids to see her in person at the Hydro when she eventually plays. 

My feel good album of the year. My kids album of the year. Stick it on and make room to dance.

Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers

Label - Dead Oceans

I fell for Phoebe Bridgers big time after hearing Kyoto on 6Music, reading various reviews and then buying her album and checking her back catalogue. 

Bridgers seems effortlessly talented and ridiculously prolific, full of creative energy that can come bursting out in melodic pop like Kyoto or in more mellow, subdued and reflective ways like the beautiful Garden Song.

I've enjoyed exploring her discography; her EP/mini-album with boygenius and her album with Conor Oberst as Better Oblivion Community Center are both excellent. I can't wait to hear what she does next.

The New Abnormal by The Strokes

Label - RCA Records

The New Abnormal somehow has a sense of urgency along with a sense of don't give a flying f**k and as a result The Strokes sound glorious. The twin guitars of Nick Valensi and Albert Hammond Jr entwine beautifully, even when it sounds like it shouldn't work ... it does. There are keyboards/synths, vocal effects and lazy punky flowing melodies, delivered in Julian Casablancas cool New York drawl. 

I thought The Strokes had disappeared and split a long time ago. This album really was a pleasant surprise. Sure some songs are a little long (and there are only 9 of them) but there are cracking guitar riffs (Why Are Sundays So Depressing), moments of  sheer brilliance like the dive into the flowing chorus of The Adults Are Talking and times, like Brooklyn Bridge To Chorus where everything somehow crashes together to sound magnificent just after it sounds like it could all far apart

I was reminded what a stunning band The Strokes can be, what a stunning band they are ... if they are in the mood.

2021 will be the 20th anniversary of their vital debut album Is This It? That was then, this is now.

Hard Times by The Whyte Horses

Label - CRC Records

This album was released away back in January, it feels like ages ago, so much has happened since then. This is kind of a compilation album but it is a covers album. Whyte Horses display impeccable taste in songs and in guests with La Roux, John Grant, Badly Drawn Boy and Traceyanne Campbell included.

Their faithful version of Red Lady by Phil Cordell opens proceedings, sunshine psych, all round good vibes, beautiful vocals. And you're into the world of Whyte Horses where they romp through Ca Plane Pour Moi and sound like they've gone back to their rehearsal room after being down the pub with Badly Drawn Boy to knock out a lovely rough n raw version of Lou Reed's Satellite Of Love.

I was really looking forward to Whyte Horses coming up to play the CCA in Glasgow, I hope they make it in 2021. 

Working Men's Club by Working Men's Club

Label - Heavenly Recordings

The first time I heard Working Men's Club was on the radio but I had missed the intro, so I was really wondering who this was. There were echoes of both Joy Division and New Order, with a hint of Ian Curtis or Alex Turner on vocals.

Yet another stunning addition to the Heavenly Recordings family. This album is full of glorious synths and beats, playful guitars, moments of euphoria and loads of grooves.

John Cooper Clarke, Valleys and Tomorrow are particular favourites. Another band I can't wait to see live when possible. I can imagine they'll be chomping at the bit to get out there and in some ways the absence of gigs might work in their favour as the buzz around the band and album might catapult them to larger venues.

Hether Blether by Erland Cooper

Label - Phases

I only discovered Erland's 2019 album Sule Skerry via the SAY Award. Thankfully that ensured I was immediately on to his swift follow up.

Hether Blether is Cooper's third and final album in a trilogy of releases shaped by the islands where he grew up. Hailing from the archipelago of Orkney in Scotland, Cooper is inspired by the sights and sounds of his home to create magic music.

Skreever is majestically beautiful, the sound of the Orkney wind over gentle strings. It's rather beautiful, a real favourite. Elsewhere Kathryn Joseph sings on 3 tracks, including Longhope, which starts with strings, a thumping beat and spoken word samples from islanders, building until Joseph's atmospheric vocal sounds like she is whispering a secret fairytale story directly to you. 

An extremely beautiful and moving album. 

Compilations

Isolation Sessions by Last Night From Glasgow

Always full of ideas and burning with creative energy and a sense of purpose, LNFG acted swiftly when lockdown was announced, inspiring to their artists covering each other from their own homes for a compilation album, Isolation Sessions, that was quickly put on sale with proceeds going to venues across the city to help them (hopefully) make it through lockdown. At the time of writing, proceeds from November onwards are going to my favourite music bar McChuills. I think this is a fascinating document of the times, married with LNFG photographer Brian Sweeney's documentation of artists and label members in their own homes. Find out more and order a copy HERE

LNFG's development has been staggering and I fully expect them to not only it the ground running, but full on sprinting when things open up again in 2021 (fingers crossed).

Get Into The Grove, 10-years of Olive Grove Records

Lloyd Meredith who runs Olive Grove Records had big plans for the tenth anniversary of the label in 2020. Hopefully live plans will happen next year, but in the meantime check out the wonderful Get Into The Grove compilation album. You can order the vinyl online now for a January delivery and you'll immediately be able to download and stream the album from Bandcamp.

Running a DIY label for 10-years isn't easy, but just listen to the variety and quality across this record. The purity of moonsoup who I want to hear and see a lot more of in 2021, Jo Mango with The Madrigirls is exquisite and beautiful, while Call To Mind conjure all kinds of emotion with Recovery. The Olive Grove artists have done the label proud. 

Reissue

Last Night From Glasgow have set up Past Night From Glasgow to focus on reissues and oh my, what a way to launch the label with the Sisters LP by The Bluebells, originally released in 1984 and long out of print.

Past Night From Glasgow has some incredible plans for 2021, with BMX Bandits Star Wars album appropriately set for a May 4th release and the past has a bright future going by the quality of artists, albums and physical product that is being reissued with love and care.

Sisters by The Bluebells

Label - Past Night From Glasgow

Look out for a feature blog on The Bluebells Sisters album over the festive season. 

Book of the Year - The Young Team by Graeme Armstrong

Get lost in the world of a Young Team in Airdrie; gangs, fights, drugs, alcohol, dance music, escapism, isolation, the older ones ... a debut novel that lets rip at a ferocious pace, introducing brilliant characters and storylines. Ripe for a film. The 2020's Trainspotting.

SAY Award 2019 shortlist - artists feelings and tastes

THE SCOTTISH ALBUM OF THE YEAR SHORTLIST HAVE THEIR SAY ON BEING INCLUDED ON THE 2019 LIST…

Speaking about being included on this year’s Shortlist of 10 outstanding albums, Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert: “We're very happy to find ourselves on this year's SAY Shortlist – in just a few years it's become an essential celebration of Scotland's huge and diverse musical output, and we're looking forward to discovering a few new names too.”  Andrew Wasylyk said: “To have snuck on to the Shortlist alongside such brilliant records is a deep privilege and an honour. I'm looking forward to saluting these wonderful Scottish artists and their work." Auntie Flo said: “Radio Highlife is a result of seven years of musical collaborations and sonic adventures with dozens of amazing people I've had the fortune to meet on my travels as a DJ. It is great that the album has been recognised for this year’s SAY Shortlist.”  C Duncan said: “I feel very honoured to be in the Shortlist for The SAY Award given the calibre of the other nominees. It is such an eclectic list that really shows how diverse the musical scene in Scotland is.” Carla J Easton said: “I feel like I'm dreaming. 'Impossible Stuff' is the album I have always wanted to make and simultaneously the album that almost never happened. The journey it continues to take me on surprises me each and every day.” Fergus McCreadie said: “It’s truly an honour to be included on such a prestigious list. The Scottish Jazz scene is coming to be a force to be reckoned with, and to be representing that scene (especially amongst some really incredible albums) is such a pleasure.” Free Love said: “We're both really honoured to be on this year's Shortlist with ‘Luxury Hits’. A lot of love, sweat and hard work went into the making of it.  For a country that punches so high above its belt in musical output, we're very proud to be considered for this award.” Karine Polwart (with Steven Polwart & Inge Thomson) said: “The SAY Award has brought so much new music to my ears over the past eight years. But for me, the key breakthrough has been Kathryn Joseph.  ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ is emotionally devastating, visceral stuff, as is ‘From When I Wake The Want Is’. She’s a legend. And her ascendance on the Scottish music scene - her rawness, her vulnerability, and her sheer human loveliness - is evidence enough of the value of the award.” Kathryn Joseph said: “I am very, very proud to be on the Shortlist this year and everyone else on it is amazing and beautiful. I cannot wait to wrestle so many great humans that I love and we are a very lucky land to have such a great and generous music award that everyone can be part of.”  Mastersystem said: “The most important thing about being nominated is the fact we are there as a result of a public vote. That recognition means more than anything. Thank you.”

THE SAY AWARD SHORTLIST CURATE A LIST OF THEIR TREASURED SCOTTISH ALBUMS

Andrew Wasylyk’s most influential Scottish albums included Michael Marra’s‘Posted Sober’, The Delgados’ ‘The Great Eastern’, Trashcan Sinatras‘Weightlifting’ and Boards of Canada’s ‘Geogaddi’. Andrew also chose The Beta Band’s ‘The Three EP’s’, saying: “In 1998 I was on the cusp of leaving school. These E.P.’s seemed to echo that period of change - brimming with possibility and excitement. They always had wonderful artwork too. I’ve still got my ‘Flower Press Issue 2’ fanzine.”   Carla J Easton picked from a huge range of Scottish albums, to create her top five including Lungleg’s ‘Maid To Minx’, V-Twin ‘The Blues Is A Minefield’ and is the second Shortlisted artist to choose The Beta Band’s ‘The   Three   EP’s’.   Carla   also   chose Teenage Fanclub’s ‘Songs From Northern Britain’ saying: “Teenage Fanclub remind me of my big brother. He played their albums constantly when I was growing up and the songs would bleed through my walls (our house is legit made from straw!). It showcases all three songwriters perfectly. I’m in the Fanclub ‘Fanclub’ on Facebook and someone posted about the three styles of writing in a way that – for me – sums it up perfectly. Norman – I love you let’s get out the city, Gerry – I love you let's go to outer space, Raymond – I love you please-don’t-ever-f*****g-leave-me.”   C Duncan spoke about his love for Cocteau Twins ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ saying “For me, this is one of the most melodically beautiful albums ever written.” C Duncan also picked Billy Mackenzie - 'Beyond The Sun’ commenting, “This album is sublimely enigmatic and unusual.”

Fergus McCreadie selected his favourite Scottish albums and included Konrad Wiszniewski ; Euan Stevenson’s 2013 SAY Longlisted album ‘New Focus’, saying: “I grew up with this album (the pianist Euan Stevenson was my teacher, so that’s maybe why!) It’s extremely eloquent and well arranged.”Fergus also chose Tom Gibbs’ ‘Fear of Flying’ and Tommy Smith’s ‘Beasts of Scotland’. Free Love chose a bunch of great records including Ivor Cutler ‘Jammy Smears’, Mogwai ‘EP + 6’ Arab Strap ‘Philophobia’, Errors ‘Have Some Faith In Magic’ plus Cocteau Twins ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’. Speaking about ‘Philophobia’ by Arab Strap, Lewis from Free Love said: “This album was my introduction to Arab Strap when I was about 14 and to me it was punk without all the hackneyed tropes. It was recognisable and real, bold and provocative, but also personal and emotional.” Of the Cocteau Twins’ record, Suzie said: “There's something otherworldly about the chorus riddled guitars and Liz Fraser's somersaulting, often unintelligible vocals that take us on a soft focus journey to a pop dream world.”

Karine Polwart with Steven Polwart & Inge Thomson also picked The Cocteau Twins ‘Heaven or Las Vegas’ saying: “I went to school in Denny and local heroes The Cocteau Twins were living proof that gorgeousness was possible. Heaven or Las Vegas is by far my favourite of their albums. Every member of that band was a creative genius, but Liz Fraser’s voice, her broken, bonkers lyrics and melodic idiosyncrasy are transcendent. To me that band sound like Grangemouth at night, all neon lights and steel and futuristic spires. And nothing will make me dance round my living room like Iceblink Luck.”  Additionally, Karine Polwart chose Dick Gaughan ‘Handful of Earth’ commenting: “The subsequent Scottish pop of the 90s pretty much passed me by, because I was obsessed with song archives and late night folk sessions at the time. The key to the door was Leith legend Dick Gaughan’s classic album Handful of Earth. It’s a soulful master class in how to make centuries old songs sound as fresh as the day they were born. And it reminds me of my grandfather.” And finally, Karine Polwart picked Martyn Bennet ‘Grit’ saying: “I was sound checking with a trad song project called Scottish Women when Margaret Bennett first let the mighty Traveller singer Sheila Stewart hear herself sampled on Move, the opening track of her son Martyn Bennett’s 2003 album Grit. It was an amazing collective moment. None of us had heard anything quite like it. That album, how it combines trad archive recordings, beats and classical orchestration skills, transformed what Scottish folk music could mean, and do. It was a total game changer.”

Kathryn Joseph chose A Mote of Dust’s self-titled album, crediting the album with helping her to create her own masterpiece, saying: “Hearing this record played live and how much it affected me is why ‘From When I Wake The Want Is’ exists because it broke my brain open. The way music can make you feel the truth of things is amazing.”  She also chose The Twilight Sad’s ‘It Won/t Be Like This All The Time’, commenting: “This record and these humans is/are perfect and I am broken hearted that it isn’t on the Shortlist this year because it deserves to be. They are the soundtrack to me getting to go and tour America for the first time and if I could spend my life listening to them play all of these songs every night for the rest of my life, I would die happy. The noise they make is beauty and the way they make it feels important to all of us humans trying to be ok. There is no one better live.” For her final record, Kathryn Joseph selected Mogwai’s ‘Les Revenants’ adding: “This is maybe my most listened to record – it is perfect beauty.”  Winners of this year’s public vote, Mastersystem selected two classic Scottish albums as their favourites, choosing Idlewild’s ‘100 Broken Windows’ with Grant Hutchison saying: “This album made me want to be in a band because of its raw, raucous sound and simplicity and unashamed rough edges.”Mastersystem also chose one of Scotland’s biggest bands, and their good friends, The Twilight Sad’s ‘Fourteen Autumns And Fifteen Winters’ as their second choice, with Grant saying the album “changed my life and is the best example ever of powerful ear splitting noise and beautiful emotional vulnerability.”

You can listen to the curated list of treasured Scottish albums via The SAY Award Playlist here.  The winner of Scotland’s national music prize, The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award 2019, will be revealed tomorrow (Friday 6 September) as the ceremony moves to Edinburgh for the very first time, at The Assembly Rooms. An audience of artists, esteemed industry figureheads and engaged music fans from all over the UK will gather at the final award ceremony in a stunning celebration of Scotland’s flourishing music scene, with emerging Scottish acts LYLO, Heir of the Cursed, Cucina Povera and Man of Moon showcasing at the event. Presented by co-hosts Vic Galloway and Nicola Meighan, the night will end in style by announcing the winner of the prestigious award, as well as the lucrative £20,000 prize.

The SAY Award Shortlist, in alphabetical order – Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert – Here Lies The Body Andrew Wasylyk – The Paralian Auntie Flo – Radio Highlife C Duncan – Health Carla J. Easton – Impossible Stuff Fergus McCreadie Trio – Turas Free Love – Luxury Hits Karine Polwart with Steven Polwart & Inge Thomson – Laws of Motion Kathryn Joseph – From When I Wake The Want Is Mastersystem – Dance Music Developed by the Scottish Music Industry Association, 2019’s campaign is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, YouTube Music, Harviestoun Brewery, Ticketmaster New Music, PPL, Sweetdram, The Queen’s Hall and charity partner Help Musicians Scotland.

Now in its eighth year, previous winners of The SAY Award include Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012). Follow The SAY Award’s 2019 journey on Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram @sayaward and Facebook @SAYaward

The SAY Award longlist to shortlist

The Scottish Album Of The Year Award has been such a welcome addition to the Scottish music scene, celebrating, valuing and highlighting the incredible talent and love our nation has for music.

Over 300 eligible nominations were received for the 2019 SAY Award and 100 judges each had 5 votes to produce the longlist of 20 albums listed below. Read on for full info about the cut to the shortlist.

Prior to the longlist being announced I tweeted 5 albums that I would have voted for if I was a judge. 4 of them have made the longlist! Sadly L Space's Kipple Arcadia didn't.

So I'm personally rooting for the following;

Carla J Easton - Impossible Stuff;  This is a huge step forwards from my sister’s work with TeenCanteen and Ette (as much as I love both those albums), a real coming of age as a songwriter and performer. Packed with hooks, melodies, honest, clever and playful lyrics. This is the album Carla has always wanted to make. Don't just take my word -The Skinny review

Andrew Wasylyk - The Paralian; I had Andrew's last album down as a potential winner in 2018 and it didn't even make the longlist! His show at the Mackintosh Church in Glasgow last summer supporting The Pastels was sublime. A real talent with an incredible ear for music. Don't just take my word - The Skinny review

Free Love - Luxury Hits; progressing all the time on their own path, playing life affirming live shows, it was through the SAY Award that I first discovered Free Love when they were known as Happy Meals. Brilliant experimental pop. Don't just take my word - The Skinny review

Edwyn Collins - Badbea; full of energy, ideas and soul. I love Edwyn Collins, he is a national treasure, an incredible songwriter and performer. I look forward to his show at the QMU later this month. Don't just take my word on it - The Guardian review

Unlike the more celebrated Mercury Music Prize, there is no listing fee or cost to participate and the general public can 'Have their SAY' and cast a vote to influence which albums will proceed to the shortlist.

The SAY Award public vote is open from midnight on Monday 12th August until midnight on 14th August. The longlisted album with the most votes will automatically gain a place on the shortlist, as well as a guaranteed minimum prize of £1,000, It also means that this album will be in with a chance to be hailed as Scottish Album Of The Year 2019 with the winning artist receiving a £20,000 prize.

To vote - head to www.sayward.com from Monday 12th August. Anyone who votes is automatically entered into a ballot to win a pair of tickets to the exclusive invite-only SAY Award ceremony, which this year takes place at the Assembly Rooms in the heart of Edinburgh on Friday 6th September.

The winner of the public vote will join nine other shortlisted titles chosen by the SAY Award judging panel who will be selecting from;

The SAY Award Longlist for 2019 is: 1. Aidan Moffat and RM Hubbert – Here Lies The Body 2. Aidan O’Rourke – 365: Vol. 1 3. Andrew Wasylyk – The Paralian 4. Auntie Flo – Radio Highlife 5. Brìghde Chaimbeul – The Reeling 6. C Duncan – Health 7. Carla J. Easton – Impossible Stuff 8. CHVRCHES – Love Is Dead 9. Edwyn Collins – Badbea 10. Fatherson – Sum Of All Your Parts 11. Fergus McCreadie Trio – Turas 12. Free Love – Luxury Hits 13. Graham Costello’s Strata– Obelisk 14. Karine Polwart with Steven Polwart and Inge Thomson– Laws of Motion 15. Kathryn Joseph – From When I Wake The Want Is 16. Kinnaris Quintet – Free One 17. Mastersystem – Dance Music 18. Niteworks – Air Fàir an Là 19. Sean Shibe – softLOUD 20. The Twilight Sad – It Won/t Be Like This All The Time

The 72-hour public vote opens on 12 August, closing on 14 August before the Shortlist is announced on 15 August as part of a special BBC Radio Scotlandshow from 21:00. Developed by the Scottish Music Industry Association, 2019’s campaign is delivered in partnership with Creative Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, YouTube Music, Harviestoun Brewery, Ticketmaster New Music, PPL, Sweetdram, The Queen’s Hall and charity partner Help Musicians Scotland.

Previous winners of The SAY Award include Young Fathers ‘Cocoa Sugar’ (2018), Sacred Paws ‘Strike A Match’ (2017), Anna Meredith ‘Varmints’ (2016), Kathryn Joseph ‘Bones You Have Thrown Me And Blood I’ve Spilled’ (2015), Young Fathers ‘Tape Two’ (2014), RM Hubbert ‘Thirteen Lost & Found’ (2013) and the inaugural winner Bill Wells and Aidan Moffat ‘Everything’s Getting Older’ (2012). Follow The SAY Award’s 2019 journey on Twitter @SAYaward, Instagram@sayaward and Facebook @SAYaward

The Pastels at the Mackintosh Church

Last night I got to catch The Pastels playing under a full moon ..... indoors!

The show was part of a series set in the stunning Mackintosh Church at Queens Cross in Glasgow where there is currently giant inflatable moon, measuring 7-metres in diameter, suspended above where people go to worship. The moon, featuring 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface and it is the work of the artist Luke Jerram. It is pretty spectacular!

Emm ... better go downstairs to see the stage

Synergy Concerts have booked a string of shows while the moon is on and they have really caught the attention of the Glasgow gig going public.

Last night featured 3 artists and I made sure I was in the venue for shortly after opening, firstly to have a look at the moon before it got too busy, secondly to ensure I caught the set of opening act Andrew Wasylyk.

I discovered Andrew after browsing albums that have been nominated for the Scottish Album of the Year Award. His Themes For Buildings And Spaces album is a widescreen, dreamy, cinematic wonder and I hope it advances to the longlist. I think it could win.

Andrew came on stage with 7 friends and announced he was going to play the full 9-song album - result! The subsequent performance made me appreciate the album even further. The way the band gelled, the way the bass grooved, the way the horns enhanced the beautiful melodies being played on piano and glockenspiel .... it was a brilliant performance. Kind of David Axelrod at times.

I would encourage you all to check the album out. Andrew's ability to create beautiful soundscapes is very special.

Modern Studies were the second act on an excellent triple bill. With 2 backing singers they set out to create an expansive noise. While they managed that, it was only the second half of their set that I really got into. They have recently released their second album Welcome Strangers via Fire Records.

On to The Pastels. As they were setting up I got talking to the girl (lady) in front of me. It was an interesting conversation as she told me how she chose to attend Glasgow University because of her love of The Pastels and how she used to go into John Smith's Bookshop on Byres Road because Stephen worked there! As she was a couple of years older than me, The Pastels debut Up For A Bit with The Pastels arrived at the perfect time for her.

She wasn't the only one to come to church to worship The Pastels. The audience ranged from teenagers to (I imagine) people in their 60's. Their influence has been felt across the world and they are still mentioned in wonder by young guitar bands breaking through like The Orielles and the band offer so much support to these acts.

So much care goes into the creation of a Pastels song. They have impeccable taste and high standards. Songs from Slow Summits, their most recent album, made up most of the set The 6 piece line-up played superbly, the sound for all acts was impeccable, the natural acoustics of the church worked wonders.

It was an interesting experience to sit down and watch The Pastels. I found myself checking and appreciating the simplicity of some of the chord changes and how the band jammed and grooved on two/three chord riffs at times. The two members who alternated between keys/synths/flute and brass created wonderful melodies over the grooves.

Kicking Leaves was introduced as 'a West End song', Summer Rain is quintessential Pastels - both songs offer so much in terms of visualisation and feeling. 

Night Time Made Us was possibly my favourite song of the night. Everything came together and the way the band jammed at the end was all kinds of dreamy gorgeousness.

Check My Heart was a summer pop delight, Katrina's beats and rolls throughout the set were faultless and again, sitting down to watch The Pastels allowed me time to appreciate all members skills even more. 

Baby Honey caused two people to waltz down the aisle to dance at the front, the energy from the song is remarkable, the one chord riff/drone with lead guitar over the top creates a great groove.

It has been 5-years since the Slow Summits album and I hope The Pastels introduce us to some new music in the near future. And part of me wonders if the band would be tempted (like so many are these days) to play shows taking in classic albums/periods. I'm positive that would be extremely well received.

But that said - every period with The Pastels is classic. 

SAY Award 2018 launch

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award launched this week as labels, bands, bloggers, journalists, fans, record shops and venues were encouraged to nominate Scottish albums released between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018. Full criteria for nominees can be found HERE

The list of nominees is building steadily and submissions are open until 31st May. The (always) lengthy list is then whittled down to a longlist of 20 and then that subsequently becomes  shortlist of 10, one of which comes from a public vote.

I love the SAY Award which really shines a light on the diversity and quality of music our small country regularly produces. I love browsing the nominees and trying to predict who might make the longlist, who will go on to the shortlist and who is in with a shout of winning.

Nominations have only just opened and there are some big hitters - Franz Ferdinand are the largest band on there buoyed by a new line-up including blog fave Miaoux Miaoux; Mogwai's remarkably consistent output of albums ensures they are in the running (have they been in the nominees every year?); then we have Roddy Woomble, previous winners Young Fathers,  Karine Polwart is another artist that is prolific and on the rise, as is Blue Rose Code and we have veterans Hue and Cry.

Conflats by Out Lines, the collaboration between Kathryn Joseph and James Graham from Twilight Sad won many friends upon release, although I have to be honest and say that I just couldn't get into it. I do expect it to fair well though.

It's good to see Ryan Joseph Burns (formerly of blog faves Seventeenth Century) on with his album Absence that I really need to check out. The SAY Award is a good reminder - I still need to check out Any Joy by Pronto Mama and Body Prt Fly Invisible Hero - great title and I'm listening to the opening track as I type.

I recently blogged about the Broken Records album and really hope that progresses to the longlist.
And then I've been digging in and have been enjoying The Great Albatross album Asleep in the Kaatskills which has a great feel to it and brilliant playing. It's kind of country, rock n roll and euphoric indie in the vein of Arcade Fire at times.

Themes for Buildings and Spaces by Andrew Wasylyk is really beautiful and I'd mark that as an early contender for the shortlist and a potential winner. It's very different and it stands out. The vivid song titles like Under High Blue Skies and Come the Autumn are matched by cinematic, dreamy, melancholic instrumentals. I really enjoyed listening to it and will definitely revisit.

Solan Goose by Erland Cooper is an album I checked out after hearing a track on Radio Scotland. A real headphone album, it is another beautifully dreamy album that you can get lost in. Definitely in with a shout of progressing to the next stage and beyond.

Kiss and Tell by Babe is another album I've enjoyed on first listen. A Jimmy Somerville-esque falsetto soars over electronic bleeps, beats and grooves. While No Lusicous Life by Golden Teacher is far out super cool grooves and electronica. It sounds extremely different from anything else I've checked out so far and stands out.

Starin' At The Freaks by December 91 is a title that grabbed me. They sound like they are in their own little world which is something I always like in a band.

 Friends with good taste have encouraged me to keep listening to Post Era by Lylo as the rewards grow with every one.

Speaking of titles, my sister emailed me to say she had nominated an album she discovered via Bandcamp called You Could Not Have Given The Slightest Of F**ks by Jonny Shitbag and the Smokes! It had been released on a tiny Paris based cassette label. It is brilliantly raw punk pop.

I blogged about Siobhan Wilson's album There Are No Saints and it is a real gem, her voice is stunning. I really expect it to progress.

Many indie artists have had a very productive year or so; Spinning Coin with Permo and Martha Ffion with Sunday Best to name but two.

And Last Night From Glasgow has a strong chance of matching (and hopefully beating) last years progression to the longlist with a range of brilliant albums that highlight the superbly eclectic range of music being released - the homemade psychedelic pop from Stephen Solo; the stunning voice, playing, songwriting and feel from Sister John; a mix of electronica, grooves and swagger from Medicine Men, electronic goodness from Sun Rose and young Annie Booth delivering an album that highlights her talent at present and potential for the future on a joint release with Scottish Fiction.

The list of nominations is still growing and I have loads of albums to check out. I hope you enjoy discovering the brilliant music that Scotland produced from April 2017 to the end of March 2018.

Keep up to date with the nominees and listen to them via www.sayaward.com