Camera Obscura at Kelvingrove Bandstand

Wednesday 5th June saw me race from a work meeting in Edinburgh back home to Uddingston to ditch the car, get changed, grab some dinner and hop a train to the Exhibition Centre. No, I wasn't going to see Lionel Ritchie like most of the other people in my carriage, I was heading into the stunning Kelvingrove Bandstand for a triple mini-festival style indie bill - Camera Obscura with support from The Vaselines and The Cords.

The Cords were the reason for my dash. They were scheduled to go on at 7pm, but thankfully they came on at 7.20pm, just after I had got in and secured a nice pint of IPA. £7 a pint! Ouch!

It's been so pleasing and heartwarming to see how more experienced bands have taken The Cords (Eva and Grace) under their wing, recognising their talent, potential and unbridled enthusiasm. Support slots in Glasgow and on tour have ensured that the young teenagers are road ready and experienced, while their debut album is recorded, mixed, mastered and ready to be unleashed later this year. I can't wait to hear it.

The Cords from up the back

Kelvingrove Bandstand was already reasonably full for them coming on. Eva's naturally melodic voice over raw guitar and beats has a wonderful charm to it. The melodies seem to come naturally and they will have won even more fans from the Bandstand and from their dates in London, Leeds and Liverpool supporting Camera Obscura. 

Next up were a 6-piece Vaselines band with Stevie Jackson from Belle & Sebastian guesting on 3rd guitar. What a glorious racket they created! The Vaselines absolutely blitzed through their set and while I missed the usual banter between Eugene and Frances, I was enthralled by the rocky sound of Dying For It (The Blues), one of my favourites, like a garage nuggets pop punk tribute to Motown.

I'd like to give a special mention to two songs that I think get better with every year and every listen. Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam is a three chord gem. Seemingly so simple, but so deep and moving. Eugene and Frances singing together is such a beautiful sound and the three guitars crashed and collided beautifully.

The Vaselines

And then we have Son Of A Gun, fuzzed up to be more like the Nirvana cover version thanks to the three electric guitars. Is this the best chorus by a Scottish band ever? It felt like it last night. Teenage love and poetry. Beautifully pure.

The sun shines in my bedroom, when you play

And the rain it always starts, when you go away

The verse is also like a chorus, super catchy, Eugene singing over a primal beat, building and leading to Frances singing the chorus. I hope The Vaselines get some more dates in the diary soon. I think I'll venture through to Dunfermline to see them in August.

On to the headliners. I was beginning to regret only wearing a t-shirt and light cagoule by the time Camera Obscura took to the stage! The skies had turned from blue to grey and there was a chill in the air. 

Traceyanne Campbell's voice could warm the coldest of days. I spoke with Lou (Mum of The Cords) about how beautifully she harmonises with Donna Maciocia on keyboards, while at others I marvel that it is just Tracyanne singing alone. Somehow it sounds like she is harmonising. What a voice!

Camera Obscura wisely played a couple of their 'hits' early on to get people down the front. Let's Get Out Of This Country and The Sweetest Thing sounded glorious, despite the grey skies overhead beginning to empty on top of the crowd.

Campbell did make a little joke about the £50 ticket price; 'you must be our rich fans', and it was a fair point. The Bandstand should have been sold out for a triumphant homecoming with excellent support. I have no doubt that it would have been if the tickets had been around the £35 mark. 

A couple of miles west, Lionel Ritchie would have been belting out Dancing On The Ceiling, while at Kelvingrove some die hards down the front were dancing in the rain, determined to not let the mini downpour dampen their spirits.

Bass player Gavin Dunbar had dressed for the occasion in a super sharp suit and white shoes, his riffs and grooves held everything together and allowed all kinds of flourishes over the top.

As the set and night progressed the rain eased and more people came down the front to dance, or they rose from their seats to let themselves loose. And no wonder. Who could stay seated to French Navy when the flowing chorus kicks in? 

I wanted to control it

But love I couldn't hold it 

Then we have Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken, and was that still rain running down some peoples cheeks during Razzle Dazzle Rose? Or was it tears of emotion and joy? What a truly beautiful song that tugs on heartstrings in all the right ways. 

Camera Obscura formed in 1996, wouldn't it be nice if they returned to the Bandstand in glorious sunshine for their 30th anniversary next year?

Razzle Dazzle Rose

Trust me #75

Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura 

Glasgow's Camera Obscura played their first hometown show in 5-years in the famous Barrowland Ballroom on Saturday 11th May, following on from the release of new album Look to the East, Look to the West. The album is perfect for a lazy, hazy, sunny day.

Glasgow was still basking in glorious sunshine when I arrived just before 8pm to meet my friend Lorna. The area around the Barras was jumping with a mix of music fans and Celtic supporters. The green half of the city were out in force, many of them for the full day judging by those celebrating inside and outside some of the bars around the Barras. 

Lorna and I caught most of support act Liz Lawrence and we thoroughly enjoyed her energetic set as she blasted her guitar over beats and backing tracks. Liz recently released her 4th album Peanuts and it is well worth checking out. There was an energetic edge to Lawrence's performance and songs, some rock n roll guitar, some funky beats, honesty and soul. Well worth checking out.

Pat Nevin introduced Camera Obscura on to the stage and their ninety minute set was an absolute delight. Sensitive, melodic, soulful and at times soaring. The trumpet solos were spine tingling.

The band received an exceptionally warm welcome and many songs generated the famous Barrowland roar. While I'm a sucker for the pure pop of French Navy and Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken, my favourite (at least at present) Camera Obscura song is the heart melting beauty Razzle Dazzle Rose.

After self-producing previous releases, Camera Obscura brought in some external support for their 2006 album Let's Get Out Of This Country. The forever helpful Stephen Pastel recommended Jari Haapalainen from the band The Bear Quartet as a producer, so the band decamped to Sweden for recording, with Bjorn Yttling of Peter, Bjorn and John helping with arrangements.

So the band really did get out of the country! 

And the results were truly beautiful. The whole album has a beautiful warm feeling to it.

Razzle Dazzle Rose, the final song, shimmers into life as the band build a gentle groove with rhythm guitar, percussion, bass, lead guitar and trumpet all introduced over the space of a glorious first minute. 

Tracyanne Campbell's voice melts my heart;

Rose, I'm feeling older

I was as lucky as, a four-leaved clover

I tried to be happy it wasn't easy

When I choose my colour it will be Razzle Dazzle Rose 

The trumpet comes back in, the shuffling beat has a little pace injected into it and Camera Obscura give me all the feels with the way they gel together so effortlessly. The extended instrumentals between verses swoop and soar, slowing, speeding, but the mournful melancholic trumpet holds everything together.

The song feels like it is collapsing after 4-minutes, but there is still another 90-seconds of beauty before the band finally wrap it up. Glorious!

Razzle Dazzle Rose is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE 

Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton

1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells

2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond

3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell

4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot

5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon

6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras

7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans

8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland

9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave

10. Sometimes by James

11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time

12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre

13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields

14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals

15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser

16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes

17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth

18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter

19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground

20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub

21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From by Teenage Fanclub

23. Belfast by Orbital

24. Clouds by The Jayhawks

25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral

26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair

27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke

28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones

29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze

29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells

30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor

31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton

32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich

33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem

34. Mondo 77 by Looper

35. Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

Doune The Rabbit Hole - Saturday 2022

Sadly the girls and I couldn't make it up to the Saturday of Doune The Rabbit Hole. I was gutted to miss Belle & Sebastian and Camera Obscura among many others.

Thankfully my friend Julie agreed to write her first blog! Julie was up with her husband Kyle, two young kids - Phoebe & Keir, plus her in-laws Sandra and Andy. Their company on Friday & Sunday was extremely welcome and it was great to hear Andy & Sandra's many musical stories.

Thanks Julie.

Julie's blog

Saturday, Doune the Rabbit Hole 2022 - the day we had been looking forward to since 2019 and it did not disappoint.

We started the day with a trip to the fully stocked family area. Firstly we took in the traditional games and skittles, before trying our hand at the circus skills. Our son swiftly returned to the marble run which so solidly captured his attention the previous day. While at the family area we took in the chance to attend a unicorn dance party - turns out all we needed was some sparkle!

After this it was time to camp out in front of the main stage for the stellar Saturday afternoon line up. We found a spot with plenty of space and a great view where we could enjoy a lazy afternoon with some great performers. Doune is really well set up for families, with everybody being relaxed and ready to have a good time.

BC Camplight came first, setting the tone by opening his set with the lyrics This afternoon I thought about buckfast and space. After the confusion was cleared up about the location (we were in Lake of Monteith, not Stirling) he continued with his deeply personal lyrics, playing his song written following deportation with a video of Theresa May dancing in the background! He received a warm Scottish welcome, especially when sharing it was the best thing that had happened to him all week following being broken up with! Our only complaint was no Shortly After Take Off, the son our 5 year old son had been asking about all day.

Tide Lines were up next, a band that were new to us but we'd like to hear more of. There was no denying their Highland roots with the crowd dancing along to the Far Side of the World and The Young and the Restless. I can see how they managed to sell out the Barrowland and hope to see them continue to have success.

Next on the line up were Stockport's finest - 10cc. Not a band I was familiar with but one of those bands where you recognise more songs than you expect to - with the lyric I don't like cricket - I love it being sung on repeat in our home for the last few days. They delivered a set covering all their hits with many in the crowd joining in for every line.

The day was finished off by two of Glasgow's finest bands. Second last of the day and a big favourite of mine, Camera Obscura. Back on stage after a hiatus, Tracyann's distinctive voice was a welcomed sound, kicking off with Sweetest Thing and finishing with Razzle Dazzle Rose. And we loved everything in between.

An finally as the sun began to set, Belle & Sebastian arrived on stage to the first and very brief rain shower of the day. There's little that can beat a live B&S show (in my view) but even better watching with your two kids who are equally enjoying the show. They played a mix of new (Unnecessary Drama) and old (Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying), much to the crowds delight and were joined by the bands kids on stage for The Boy With The Arab Strap. Stuart Murdoch was enjoying the Scottish crowd after returning from an American tour, and the crowd were equally happy to be there.

After a short break, they returned for an encore with Another Sunny Day and luckily for us, it had been just that.

Never Ending Mixtape part 39

Summer is pretty much over, it feels like Autumn is in the air and it kind of has been for a while. But what a summer of music in Glasgow; Bandstand shows with Burt Bacharach, The Human League and Teenage Fanclub and the return of Camera Obscura with a wonderful show at St Luke's.

So it is no surprise that Bachrach and Camera Obscura each have 4 songs added to the playlist. You'll also find some real soulful disco gems, punk pop perfection from Dinosuar Jr, the incredible 8 Ball by Underworld, pure pop by Moloko, psychedelic groove by Death In Vegas, outrageous soul by Spanky Wilson, the sheer brilliance of Layla - what about that outro?! and loads more including a couple of tunes by new L.A. band The Regrettes who bring their teen punk pop to Glasgow in November.

A full list of additions can be found below. There are now well over 1,000 songs on Everything Flows Never Ending Mixtape, you'll need to scroll down to the bottom to find the latest tunes. Dig in and enjoy.

Walk On By - Burt Bacharach
This Guy's In Love With You - Burt Bacharach
Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head - Burt Bacharach
What The World Needs Now Is Love - Burt Bacharach
Can't Fake The Feeling - Geraldine Hunt
Feel The Need In Me - The Detroit Emeralds
I Specialize In Love (12-inch) - Sharon Brown
This Guy's In Love With You - Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass
Losing Your Mind - The Lemonheads
Slip and Do It - Betty Wright
Down Here On The Ground - Lou Rawls
Ain't No Mountain High Enough - Diana Ross

Freak Scene - Dinosaur Jr
8 Ball - Underworld
Sing It Back - Moloko
Dirge - Death In Vegas
Layla - Derek and the Dominoes
You - Spanky Wilson
Norman 3 - Teenage Fanclub
Since You've Been Gone - The Allergies
I Got You Babe - Etta James
Ce soir je m'en vais - Slove

Feelings Gone - Callum Easter
Tender - Blur
Sweet Thing - Van Morrison
California Friends - The Regrettes
I Dare You - The Regrettes
Collar of Fur - Fionn Regan
Promised Land - Joe Smooth
The Sweetest Thing - Camera Obscura
My Maudlin Career - Camera Obscura
If Looks Could Kill - Camera Obscura
Razzle Dazzle Rose - Camera Obscura

Camera Obscura at Saint Luke’s

Camera Obscura were heart achingly, heart breakingly beautiful in Glasgow last night. Traceyanne Campbell’s voice was yearnful, soulful and full of melancholic wonder and it was a real treat to see the band performing again.

I can only imagine how difficult the last 4-years have been for Camera Obscura following the tragic death of Carey Lander in 2015 following a battle against osteosarcoma. The love for the band was clearly evident last night, Traceyanne commented how she could feel it. People had travelled from across the globe, Sweden, America and Japan to be there on the second night of the bands comeback. Many had also been there the night before.

All of the proceeds from the night plus a bucket collection went to the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow and I hope everyone donated the suggested £10 to help a wonderful cause. Traceyanne's speech at one point in the night highlighted how much the hospice meant to the band, family and friends of Carey.

The evening began early with my sister Carla J Easton supporting with a stripped back set as a 3-piece and songs from her album Impossible Stuff were well received along with new song Coming Up Daisies, the sound was superb and although I am biased, my sister's voice was amazing. It was great to see the room almost full and to hear such a positive response to her songs.

Last night was all about Camera Obscura though and they played beautifully. At times it seemed so simple, the beat, the groove and Campbell’s melodies. Heart strings were tugged.

Motown beats with warm guitars, keys/strings, chiming guitars and trumpet with Campbell’s clever, funny and beautiful voice and lyrics sounded heavenly in the truly stunning Saint Luke’s, just round from the famous Barrowland Ballroom.

From the upbeat French Navy that was sung with care by the crowd to the spine tinglingly stunning Razzle Dazzle Rose finale. This was a 90-minute set sprinkled with songs from throughout the bands career that delighted, moved and inspired the crowd.

Next up for Camera Obscura is a trip on Belle and Sebastian's Boaty Weekender. I hope more shows are announced on their return.

Never Ending Mixtape part 10

Welcome to the latest additions to the Never Ending Mixtape.

We flow through hip hop, euphoric disco, a synth masterpiece from Drive, punk pop and some stunning guitar pop from Scotland.

The Never Ending Mixtape now has 157 songs - over 11 hours of music for you to explore and enjoy!

So delve in from the start, or skip to the end to play the songs listed below.



Know How - Young MC
The bassline was 'borrowed' by the Stone Roses for Fools Gold.

Le Freak - Chic
Sublime.

Testify - HiFi Sean
A current fave in our house.

Thinking Of You - Sister Sledge
Possibly my favourite Nile Rodgers song.

A Real Hero - College featuring Electric Youth
I still remember hearing this in the old Captains Rest and demanding to know what the hell it was - it still (and always will) sounds incredible!

I Want To Kiss You - The Spook School
Punk pop perfection - full of energy

Alison's Starting To Happen - The Lemonheads
Contains one of my favourite lyrics ever She's the puzzle piece behind the couch, makes the sky complete

Stutter - Elastica
A reminder of why Elastica were so well loved when they burst on to the scene

Baby Gets High - Blake Babies
A gorgeous song by Juliana Hatfield and co

Panic On - Madder Rose
I have this on 7-inch and it remains a fave

Say Something New - The Concretes
You Can't Hurry Love - The Concretes
2 moments of pop perfection from The Concretes

Let's Get Out Of This Country - Camera Obscura
Lloyd I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken - Camera Obscura
2 moments of exceptional music from Scotland's Camera Obscura

Nothing To Be Done - The Pastels
Thank You For Being You - The Pastels
And 2 moments of brilliance from the legendary Pastels

Vapour Trail - Ride
I blogged about their new album last month, but check this guitar gem

April Skies - The Jesus and Mary Chain
Another stunning piece of Scottish guitar pop

Discolite - Teenage Fanclub
Radio - Teenage Fanclub
And 2 Gerry Love beauties