Jonny and BMX Bandits at FRETS

Friday 20th February saw me head through to the beautiful town of Strathaven to see Norman Blake and Euros Childs play a rare show as their side project Jonny. With Stu Kidd on drums, the trio released a self-titled album back in 2011, full of improvised stoned humour, gorgeous harmonies and melodies, and some genius songwriting.

6-years previously, I'd caught Norman and Euros play the Strathaven Hotel (blog here) under their own names, one of the last shows I caught pre-lockdown.  

FRETS has grown from strength to strength since then and Norman has a particularly strong affiliation and association with them, after all, FRETS founder Douglas McIntyre was responsible for forming Butler, Blake and Grant - who now have a second album coming out and they have toured all over.

Before Jonny, we had the joy of a stripped back BMX Bandits set. Duglas T Stewart on vocals and kazoo and Rory on guitar and harmonies. Joined by long term friend and collaborator Stu Kidd on drums and backing vocals for a couple of tracks.

Duglas was in fine form, mixing humour with emotional stories about wellbeing and the importance of friends. The set was largely similar to the Mono show they played earlier in the month, although the addition of Little Hands was one to warm hearts throughout the room. What a song! I appreciated it all the more after Duglas' warm reflection on the inspiration for the song. 

The Bandits were playing a show in Japan and Duglas was very taken by a girl dancing down the front. He turned to Francis on drums and said 'I'm going to marry that girl'. And he did! Duglas spoke very fondly about writing the song and how his wife Midori made such a positive impression on everyone she met upon moving to Scotland.  Sadly Midori passed away and Duglas highlighted how important it is have to places, items or songs to remind us of people.  

I hope Duglas and the current incarnation of BMX Bandits can play some full band shows this year. He has a fine catalogue of songs to dig into. The Sailor's Song was a stunning opener, the closing refrain of I could watch you dancing all night gets me every time.

Jonny were also full of humour with Euros cracking everyone up when saying that a mis-print on the dressing room sign (Jonny spelt with an 'h' - "Jonny don't do drugs, Jonny don't do H") nearly caused them to cancel the show. He then talked of steel drums going missing on the motorway.  

Elsewhere, their cover of Bert Jansch's Baby Blue was absolutely gorgeous, even if the complex chord changes required a restart - with Euros, Norman and Stu all buckled over laughing!

The trio played virtually the whole of their 2011 album, sadly missing Norman's exquisite Never Alone.

Highlights? Circling The Sun was beautiful, the joy of Euros and Norman singing and harmonising effortlessly is something I could listen to for hours on end. Stu also joined in on a lot of the songs, so we had 3 part harmonies - glorious!

Bread was gooey and warm, with Euros really going for it. Blake's Dark Clouds from the Fanclub's Shadows album was lovely, while my out and out favourite was Cave Dance. A fun rock n roll number that morphs into a psychedelic synth jam. I don't think FRETS had heard anything like that before!

Norman highlighted that they still intend to bring out their Joe Meek covers album and played Summer Without Sun, recorded by The Charles Kinglsey Creation, featuring one of the owners of the fabled Rockfield Studio where the Fanclub have recorded. 

Dep from Monorail was in the audience. I hope his ears pricked up as Norman highlighted that this mixed album is sitting unreleased and that they would love to bring it out...

Fools Creation launch at Mono

Fool Creations sell-out launch - photo by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Fool Creations is a new events and promotions company set up in Glasgow, with a focus championing music and art, merging legends with rising stars. Fool Creations is run and led by young Adam Graham, who I mentioned in a January blog where I introduced his band Supersun. 

Graham has an infectious energy and a desire to make things happen. Good qualities for an event organiser and every band needs someone with that kind of drive. His Cabbage nights at The Doublet are selling out in 10-minutes and I was delighted for Adam that his launch night for Fool Creations at Mono was a sell out. Thank you to the photographers for their wonderful photos.

The step up from The Doublet to Mono is significant. From 45 to 300! Adam put together an excellent 3 band bill - The Cords, BMX Bandits (acoustic) and Supersun, also choosing super cool DJ Holly Calder to spin records before, in between and after the bands.

Supersun by Div Barrett (@div_barrett)

Supersun's debut gig at The Doublet left a very positive impression, so much that I've been checking in on their Instagram page to see what they have been up to. The band were recently down in London recording demos (in Jack's studio), which, Adam highlighted to me in a chat, have turned out to be better than demos. I look forward to hearing them. 

While their Doublet show was a stripped back affair to suit the venue, last night saw the addition of a drummer and their sound flourished with that back beat and the larger PA that Mono offers. Their sound? Two chiming and jangling 12-string guitars, effortless and gorgeous family harmonies from Adam, brother Jack and sister Julia (also playing some great keys and string effects), cool bass lines from cousin Chris (definitely some McCartney-esque stuff in there) and cool beats by Harvey Haldane to back them up.

Supersun by Div Barrett (@div_barrett)

I mentioned a couple of Liverpool bands in my January blog on Supersun, and the pop and psychedelic qualities of Shack, The Coral and Cast came to mind again at Mono. Interestingly, while speaking to friends at the show, they felt the same. I look forward to seeing them again.

 Citrus Sun sounds like a natural single, while I'm a pure sucker for a song called Shine On. All of their songs are full of melodies and harmonies. The two 12-string guitars sound heavenly together.

Supersun setlist - Forever, Cream Tangerine, Citrus Sun, Go Up, Shine On, Boy and a Girl, Coco's Song.

Keep an eye on their Instagram as they might be releasing their London recordings in the next month or so.

Photo by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Duglas T Stewart is looking well. Accompanied by a guitarist (Rory), this was a super stripped back BMX Bandits set, although Duglas was quick to assure us that they would be playing full band sets later this year. 

Whether with a full band, or stripped to the bones, Stewart's charm and his ear for melody shine. Whether thanking someone for a funky and cosy pair of knitted slippers, or introducing each song with a little story, Duglas' love for music and people brings a warm glow wherever he goes.

Duglas T Stewart by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Bandits classics like The Sailor's Songs and Serious Drugs were welcomed by the crowd, however their song Foggy was possibly my favourite in their set on the night. Hopefully this stays in their set for full band shows. I'll be catching Duglas again very soon at their FRETS show with Jonny (Norman & Euros).

Could it really be

There'll never be a we

And I'm just kidding, myself on?

The Cords have had an incredible couple of years that led to the release of their eponymous debut album in September 2025. After a run of February shows with Fatale, they then head out on tour with The Charlatans in April. A great support slot and a huge opportunity to win new fans.

The Cords by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Eva and Grace have a natural feel for music; Eva's voice is super melodic and pure, her guitar playing is pop punk - three, four or maybe five chords, finding rhythm and riffs almost by instinct. Grace's drums can be primal at times, while there are plenty of colourful rolls at others to fill out the sound. Last night was the best I have heard Grace on drums.

With loads of songs under 3-minutes long (many hovering around the 2-minute mark), The Cords can fairly zip through a set. October is actually under 2-minutes in length, and the sisters might have raced through it in record time. The thrashy 3 chord punk guitar has a lovely innocent freshness to it. 

I'm Not Sad has a beautiful vocal melody through the verses, the chorus (at first) is simple and catchy ba, ba, ba, ba's and finally the title is sung a few times towards the end. Glorious.

I think I tried

But the time went by

And I, won't remember a thing

Well done to Adam for launching Fool Creations with such a busy, buzzy and brilliant night.

The next Fool Creations night is a Vinyl Party at The Rum Shack on Friday 27th March. Spinning records are Chris Geddes (Belle & Sebastian), Holly Calder, The Cords and Adam will also be DJ-ing. TICKETS

And hot off the press, their next night at Mono has Lung Leg, with support from Homework and Angel Face. TICKETS

The Cords at Fool Creation, Mono, by Mours (@visualsbymours)

Introducing Other People's Leisure

Other People's Lesiure came to my attention towards the end of 2025 via Instagram. A video of two people with a bank of electronic equipment, rainbow coloured lights and a silhouetted singer was captivating. The synth sounds were sublime and I found myself playing it a few times in a row.

The song was 1.30 AM Again, their debut single, the first in a trilogy that the band released in quick succession in October and November. Check them out on all the usual streaming/download sites.

A quick review of their singles to date;

1.30 AM Again is dreamy and hypnotic electro for the opening 60-seconds, with a banging beat, vocals and new synth sounds introduced at the 1-minute mark. It's a gem.

Na Lap feels beautifully chemical and clubby. At times there is a lot going on, at other times elements are dropped to leave the song floating, before synths, vocals and beats kick back in. Rather gorgeous. I'd have loved this in my clubbing days!  

Brevis Lux reminds me of Underworld - psychedelic and even a bit of a shoegaze element coming across in the effects on the vocals. I love the feel and production on this song. Trippy!

Other People's Leisure take their name from the legendary Trainspotting scene where Spud is encouraged by Renton to take a dab of speed before attending a job interview. The friends debate the dilemma of (a) not trying enough and getting his Giro taken off him, or (b) trying too hard and actually getting the job. The dab of speed does the trick!

Watch the incredible scene HERE

Enough about Trainspotting. I was keen to learn more about Other People's Leisure so fired them off a few questions. Check their answers below.

Other People's Leisure play Leith Depot on 5th March and The Hug & Pint on 13th March.

1. Who are you? Where are you from? And how and when did you form Other People’s Leisure?

Other People’s Leisure is Craig A. and Craig P. We’re based in Rosyth. We’ve known each other for about 15 years. Craig P. was in an indie band, The Draymin, with one of my (Craig A.’s) good mates. 

We started OPL properly in March 2024 after years of sharing music we love, gigging, and bouncing ideas off one another through various solo projects.

2. How do you create your songs and sounds? Do you jam or bounce ideas off each other? Or come with near finished songs?

It’s a mixture of approaches. We both use Ableton and are always coming up with new ideas. Craig P.’s ideas tend to arrive more polished than mine. We’ve got similar musical taste and tend to follow the feeling of something rather than forcing structure early on, then strip it back once we know what it wants to be. A lot gets removed rather than added. Craig P. is our lyricist, so he normally takes the lead on words. Since developing the live show, we’re planning to write the next batch of tunes on hardware rather than in Ableton.

3. Was there a moment when you both thought ‘yeah, we’ve got something here’?

From the moment we started working together it felt like it could be something special. The music, visuals and sound all seem to be landing emotionally with people, which has been really encouraging.

4. What kind of music are you listening to at present? Have any bands/artists in particular influenced you?

It changes constantly. I’ve been loving 1-800 Girls and a lot of lo-fi-leaning stuff recently. We both listen pretty broadly, but we’re drawn to music with melody that strikes an emotional chord. Anything that balances mood, rhythm and space tends to stick. Influences include Junior Boys, Bicep, Four Tet, Young Fathers, Ross From Friends and Maribou State.

5. When you think of Glasgow/Scotland and music, what comes to mind?

A strong tradition of people doing things their own way. Life was historically tough, and that’s shaped a certain resilience and honesty. We value that mindset and a strong work ethic, and we carry it into how we approach the band. I lived in the old Gorbals as a teenager, so Glasgow helped shape who I am, and that’s fully intertwined with music for me. Scotland’s music scene has always punched well above its weight internationally, and I’m proud of that.

6. You released a trilogy of singles in quick succession. What was your thinking behind that and do you have plans to keep releasing singles? Or are you working towards an album?

The trilogy changed a few times, and we had quite a bit of input from Red Jerry at Hooj Choons. He suggested adding vocals, which definitely elevated the tracks. We plan to experiment with different vocalists, and using Craig P. on Na Lap felt like a good way of showcasing another side to us. We’ve got around ten tracks at an almost-finished stage. They took a back seat while we prepped the live show, but we’ll start releasing those early next year.

7. You’re playing two shows in March. What can we expect from them?

A live set that’s very much its own thing rather than a direct playback of the records. Hardware, live vocals, visuals, and room for things to move. We love to jam, so if the room responds well, people might even get a 30-minute version of 1:30am Again. We’re playing on the bill with Glasgow’s PRZDNT. Two of his tracks made my Spotify Wrapped this year, so I’m really looking forward to his set as well.

8. Any other plans at present?

More releases, more live shows, and continuing to build things steadily. Hopefully some festivals lined up which we’ll be announcing in the new year.

Imagining BBC Radio Scotland Music

The 2025 end of year shake up of BBC Radio Scotland that led to the axing of shows by Billy Sloan, Natasha Raskin, Iain Sharp and Roddy Hart (who now has a new show) stirred an incredible response within the Scottish music community. 

Much of it seemed to centre around these shows seemingly playing a lot of new Scottish music. Something I found puzzling. Whenever I listened to those shows, I didn't hear a lot of Scottish music at all. There certainly wasn't a focus on new and emerging artists.

However, Stephen McCall (AKA Constant Follower), who has been one of the most vocal artists about the changes on Radio Scotland, has conducted a comparative analysis of playlists between early 2025 and 2026, revealing the following, staggering, impact:

• New Music Plays: Down 69% (a massive blow to the discovery pipeline).

• Independent Scottish Music: Down 67% (representing a near-total collapse in national airplay for artists without major label backing).

• Overall Scottish Music: Down 26% (showing that even established local acts are being displaced).

• The Shift: A move away from curated, specialist programming toward a playlist-led "easy listening" format that favors older catalogue music from the 1970s onward.

You can read the full report and an interview at the SMIA website. But finish my blog first! :-)

When it comes to radio, I mainly listen to 6Music in the car (now we have one with a digital radio!) or at home. However, I do sometimes tune in to BBC Radio Scotland if there is a particular news story of interest, or certain guests on in the afternoon. 

Whenever I have tuned in to Radio Scotland in the morning, I have found the content to be largely either (a) drawn out, or (b) repetitive.

Does BBC Radio Scotland accurately reflect the people of Scotland? 

A SNACK Magazine podcast We Need To Talk About BBC Radio Scotland that featured my sister Carla prompted me to write this blog. It's well worth a listen and I'm sure it could have gone on longer!

I think a shake up of BBC Radio Scotland is long overdue. It happens at big companies all the time. People come and people go. There are redundancies - it's happened to me before. It can hurt, there will be a lot of debate ... but change is part of life and it is good to freshen things up.

Regardless of your opinions on the shake up, I think everyone can agree on the fact that BBC Radio Scotland did not play enough music (Scottish or otherwise), or focus/report on the incredible concerts, gigs and club nights taking place in the country on a daily basis. 

Scotland is ripe for musical and creative content! That is not displayed by BBC Radio Scotland, or indeed, their TV/online coverage.  

• Why are there not more interviews with musicians playing in Scotland? There are amazing gigs every week. Incredible bands and artists are in our city every day! Glasgow is a small place! It's pretty easy for presenters to get out to venues, or for artists to visit the studios. Or phone in!
• Why does Ireland have a Late Show focusing on music, culture and art, attracting guests like Noel Gallagher and Roy Keane ... and Scotland doesn't? 
• Why does BBC Radio Manchester have more time devoted to their Introducing show than us?

My solution ... BBC Radio Scotland Music ... or ... BBC Scotland Music (on digital radio, BBC Sounds ... maybe even our own version of The Late Show on TV!). I'll save the TV idea for another blog though!

IMAGINING BBC SCOTLAND MUSIC

We have some of the best labels, clubs, venues and musicians in the world, yet our national radio station, more often than not, feels a world away from what is happening out there. 

Jesus, I have found myself cringing when after listening to Sportsound on a Saturday afternoon, the radio cuts to old school Scottish accordion music! Taking the Floor! Does this represent a nation getting ready for a Saturday night out?!

So ... what if we had a dedicated BBC Scotland Music channel? A station that didn’t just play the hits, but acted as a living, breathing archive and a forward-looking curator of Scottish culture. A station where there was plenty of scope (every day) for Scottish artists and labels to get their songs on the radio

Imagine a station running 8am to midnight, where the presenters are people who live and breathe music. People who are in or around the scene. People who made the scene. Lived and living experience.

Imagine some of the biggest music fans around digging into their collections ... imagine our artists hosting shows ... imagine some of our amazing DJ's mixing live on air ... imagine visiting artists coming on to chat about playing in Scotland ... imagine community radio stations taking over this one for a few hours ...

Surely BBC Scotland could allocate some money to this - even for a 6-12 month pilot?

Here (in my mind) is what BBC Radio Scotland Music could look like.

NOTE(s)

• In my younger days, I'd write down my dream festival line-up. This is my dream BBC Scotland Music line-up! If such a station ever came to fruition, I imagine that it would need some shows dedicated to certain genres. So just take my own line-up as a draft and idea. 
• Why not draft your own?! You might enjoy it as much as I have.
• This station would be playing all kinds of music from all over, but could adopt the Canadian rule where their popular music programming must have a minimum of 35% Canadian content.
• Disclaimer - I'm 50. So this really reflects my taste and knowledge! A BBC Radio Scotland Music should be inclusive and diverse. I totally get that mine is very middle-age and white but then, so is 6Music. If this station actually had the chance of becoming a reality, then it would require a lot debate and discussion. Consider this the start of the debate. 

The Weekday Flow

08:00 – 11:30: Breakfast with Nicola Meighan 

Forget traffic reports, or recycled and drawn out news stories every 15-minutes. We start with Nicola Meighan, the undisputed (certainly in my eyes) gold standard of Scottish music journalism. Expect a mix of Postcard Records classics, new Scottish indie-pop, and thoughtful interviews with the artists actually making waves in the 2020's. Not just Scottish music (but plenty of it). But features on, and interviews with, the bands and artists playing in our country every single week.

11:30 – 14:30: The Monthly Residents 

A rotating midday slot where a different artist takes the reigns for a day, (ideally) a week (or more) to showcase their influences and taste. Imagine a week of Barry Can't Swim (Joshua Mainnie), Rebecca Vasmant, KT Tunstall or Alex Kapranos talking about their love of music and playing some of their favourite songs - new, breaking and underground, old favourites from their youth and inviting peers on for a chat.

14:30 – 18:00: Afternoon Drive with Manda Rin (Bis) 

The afternoon anchor. The high-energy bridge to the evening. Manda brings her infectious enthusiasm and spirit to the airwaves. It’s bubbly, chaotic, and packed with all kinds of music, guests and chat. The perfect antidote to the afternoon slump. 

Manda's lived (and living) experience of DIY culture, independent labels, festivals, tours, Top of the Pops and big support slots would ensure she can effortlessly talk to anyone on any level.

18:00 – 20:30: The Evening Session with guest presenters

A different presenter each week, to bring encyclopedic knowledge of music and passion for supporting new Scottish music to the airwaves. The perfect sunset soundtrack, or winter warmers.

You could have known and established artists like Stuart Murdoch / Lewis Capaldi / Natasha Raskin / Paolo Nutini / The Hen Hoose Collective / Clare Grogan / Stephen Pastel / Lauren Mayberry 

And it could be a platform for new and breaking acts like The Cords and Kerr Mercer to talk about what they are doing and what they are listening to.

Perhaps some of these presenters could be locked in to host for a week, while others could guest for a night. We could even have guests from outwith Scotland doing a guest night/mix with their favourite Scottish music.

20:30 – 22:00: Tenement Trail 

Imagine a daily show where the team behind Tenement Trail can highlight what is going on across the scene, as well as casting an eye (and ear) towards up and coming bands venturing to Scotland at the start of their career. Giving them a warm welcome on air, as well as the one they experience in person in our small venues like Tuts, the Old Hairdressers and Sneaky Pete's. 

This could include guest presenters, like Jim Gellatly who has decades of experience of playing new bands from Scotland and beyond. His passion for music (and radio) shines.

22:00 - 00:00: Late Night Record Shopping

A regular rotation of Record Shop hosts from Monorail, Mixed Up Records, Love Music (and other record shops from across our nation)... playing and talking about what is coming out, re-issues, records they love to play in the shop. 

Imagine those amazing discussions between record shop staff that you might have been fortunate to hear while browsing, actually coming to the radio! Sometimes weird, almost always wonderful. 

Through the night?

If the station was 24-hours (I don't think there is a need for that), then playlists could be curated to keep the music going non-stop.

The Weekend

The station is handed over to DJ's and taste makers from across Scotland. Some of Scotland's biggest record collectors, music lovers who have a record of getting people dancing ... take over the airwaves!

Imagine giving these DJ's free reign to play music and chat for 3-4 hours at a time! Think Community Radio on a national level with the BBC behind it.

Saturday 

08:00 - 11:00: Eyes Wide Open with Holly Calder and friends
Holly's club name (one of them!) lends itself perfectly to a morning slot. Deep-dive garage rock and psych sets that would make your speakers rattle, as well as blissed out gems to chill and sip your coffee to. Holly might need to pre-record this show if she is out on the Friday night!

11:00 - 14:00: Divine!

Andrew Divine is one of the most respected DJ's and record collectors in Scotland. Allowing him to showcase his knowledge, collection and taste on air would be incredible. Other collectors and DJ's could join him for chats.

14:00 - 17:00 - Saturday Social

Former ABC resident Gerry Lyons plays anything and everything ... from Scotland, or with a Scottish connection. Deep dives into labels, album tracks and b-sides, as well as anthems from the 60's to present day. Also chat and guests. And maybe a little update on football scores! 

17:00 - 20:00: Melting Pot DJ's

Bringing the Queen’s Park disco heat to the whole country. High-end soul, disco rarities, and the sound of the Southside. I'm sure they could also invite some of the incredible DJ's who come up to play their nights and festivals to come on for a blether and record a mix.

20:00 - 23:00: Harri and Domenic (Sub Club) 

The longest-running residency in house music history moves to the radio. It’s the sound of the Subby, deep, soulful and impeccably mixed. They could have guests coming on to talk about records and clubs from all over the world.

23:00 - 00:00: The 60-minute guest mix

DJ's from Scotland, and maybe those coming up to play our clubs are invited to create a 60-minute mix to close the night.

Sunday

08:00 - 11:00: Sunday Morning with Duglas T. Stewart

Imagine waking up to the lead Bandit playing 60s French pop, The Beach Boys, Jonathan Richman, and sunshine soul. Think Guy Garvey's show on 6Music.

11:00 - 14:00: Sunday Community Choir

An opportunity for presenters from community radio stations like Clyde Built, Camglen Radio to come on to BBC Scotland Music to highlight music from different regions across Scotland. As well as music they love from across the world.

14:00 - 16:00: Sunday Soul Sessions

Stephen Watt and Paul Molloy from McChuill's High Street Funk n Soul and regular guests from soul nights across Scotland.

16:00 - 18:00: FFS (for folk's sake)

The Scottish folk scene show, with guest presenters.

18:00 - 20:00 - Anything Goes & Everything Flows

Yeah I am giving myself a show! This is my imaginary radio station after all! And I have loads of content pre-prepared from my blog! Expect regular guests from the Scottish scene - fans, singers, guitarists, drummers, record store owners, DIY labels, bookers, promoters, venue owners ... Friendly chat and music.

20:00 - 23:00 -Sunday Evening with Optimo (Espacio)

Jonnie Wilkes and friends take us into the night with the most eclectically brilliant selection on the planet. Optimo is recognised and celebrated across the world. It's about time they had a radio show. Live / pre-recorded, mixes and discussion.

23:00 - 00:00: The 60-minute guest mix

DJ's and musicians from Scotland, and maybe those coming up to play our clubs are invited to create a 60-minute mix to close the night.

Since I Left You

 

Trust me #112
Since I Left You by The Avalanches

This wonderful song was released on 5th February 2001. While this makes it 25-years old, Since I Left You still sounds as supremely fresh, sunshine-y and vital as it did the first time I heard it. 

Although I can't remember where or when that was. Maybe it was on MTV, or maybe I tracked it down after reading a review, or hearing the song on the radio. I can't recall. All I remember is being transfixed by everything I heard and saw by The Avalanches - the singles, their sensational album, a live performance at The Arches, the GIMIX mixtape (blog coming soon on this) I bought that night and then a trip to Manchester to see them DJ. 

They were cool, their musical taste was exceptional, their ear for melodies was off the charts and the way they created their own songs from samples was like nothing I had ever heard before.

Samples .... you can't really talk about The Avalanches without discussing samples. Armed with Yamaha Promix 01 and Akai S2000 samplers and stacks of "dollar-bin" vinyl that nobody else wanted, Robbie Chater and Darren Seltmann stitched together an estimated 3,500 samples into a seamless album.

Check this incredible YouTube documentary that attempts to track all of the samples. The fact is, even The Avalanches don't have a record of all the sample they used!

Since I Left You, the opening song and title track of their debut album, is not just a breath of fresh air. It's like inhaling pure oxygen and riding the rush. Nothing else matters for a glorious few minutes. 

Despite being built entirely from other people's voices, the song feels personal. The central hook is a pitched up slice of The Main Attraction's Everyday, capturing, creating something pure and euphoric.

Twenty five years since release, Since I Left You still hits me like warm rays of sunshine. This is pure escapism, merging from the sounds of a party the vocals are a burst of unadulterated joy and escapism.

Since I left you

I found the world so new

Timeless pop perfection. The Avalanches created a true work of art with this song and album. They took 16 years to release a follow up!

Since I Left You 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

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

80. Sweet and Tender Romance by The McKinleys

81. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

82. 69 Police by David Holmes

83. Hey Lisa by David Holmes

84. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

85. Kung Fu by Ash

86. Kids by MGMT

87. Slight Return by The Bluetones

88. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

89. Cut Your Hair by Pavement

90. Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips

91. Waitin' for a Superman by The Flaming Lips

92. Acquiesce by Oasis

93. This Is Music by The Verve

94. Lone Swordsman by Daniel Avery

95. Sparky's Dream by Teenage Fanclub

96. Common People by Pulp

97. Let Our Love Grow Higher by Eula Cooper

98. Regret by New Order

99. Keep On Keepin' On by Nolan Porter

100. Sit Down by James (Live at G-Mex) by James

101. Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder by Yeti

102. Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over by The Charlatans

103. Life Is Sweet by The Chemical Brothers 

104. How Can I Tell You (To Love Me More) by Brooke Coombe

105-107. Wigan Casino - Three Before Eight - Time Will Pass You By by Tobi Legend, Long After Tonight Is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe, I'm On My Way by Dean Parrish

108. Cobra by Geese

109. All I Have To Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers

110. Vapour Trail by Ride

111. Teardrop by Massive Attack

Hen Hoose at Celtic Connections

Photo - Hannah Brodie

Last year, 12 members of the Hen Hoose collective travelled to the Isle of Lewis to write and record an album ... in 6-days ... from scratch. Staying at Black Bay residential studio, the members were directed by Hen Hoose leader, Tamara Schlesinger who split them into songwriting teams and within 3-days they had the 9-songs that make up The Twelve, their new album released on 23rd January. 

HEN HOOSE BANDCAMP - order the record here

The Twelve is a wonderful album. I love compilation albums that display a wide variety of talent and taste. This feels like that ... but with an added sense of friendship and community. The album feels fresh, full of vibrancy and energy. Artists collaborating, pushing each other, being lifted by each other ... you can feel it and sense it.

And on Friday night, it was on display. To celebrate the release, Hen Hoose Collective played a sold out show in the beautiful Tramway Theatre in the Southside of Glasgow. And this really did feel like a celebration - it was euphoric and emotional, bristling with energy and intent. Artists who have been brought together through music, artists who have become friends. Artists performing their new work live for the first time. 

The energy and freshness of the album was transferred to a live show. The stage floor was set up almost like a large living room or rehearsal studio. Two sofa's flanked the microphones and the impeccable 'hoose' band. Singers and musicians chilled and watched on when they didn't need to get up to perform. Everyone was in it together, supporting each other, cheering for each other, laughing and smiling. A simple but beautiful set up.

SHEARS, AMUNDA, Malka & Emma Pollock on the sofa

the supremely talented Cariss Crosbie on keyboards

Photo by Hannah Brodie

The Hen Hoose band definitely deserve a mention! Cariss Crosbie (synths/keys and vocals), Inge Thomson (flutes, synths and percussion), Sarah Hayes (synths/keys and flute), Suse Bear (bass and synths), Lauren MacDonald (drums) and Jill Lorean (guitar and vocals).

The Hen's that went up to Lewis were Tamara Schlesinger (AKA Malka), Suse Bear, Ray Aggs, Inge Thomson, Frances McKee, Carla J Easton, AMUNDA, SHEARS, Cariss Crosbie, Emma Pollock Djana Gabrielle and Jill Lorean.

Where to start?! I think I'll combine an album and live review!

Malka started things off, flanked by a beaming Ray Aggs (who has the most delightful smile) with opening song Wipe Out. The song veers off into a sublime melodic breakdown. Gorgeous. 

Photo by Hannah Brodie

Next up, my sister Carla with her song Rich (Katy's In Space) about the crazy news story that broke around the time of recording in Lewis - Katy Perry hanging with Elon Musk and taking a trip to space! Loads of fun on record, the hooks were even more infectious when performed live - rammed home an extra few times for good measure.

Photo by Hannah Brodie

I was at the show with my daughter Rosie and she was particularly taken by songs involving AMUNDA and SHEARS. They have an ear for pop! Just like Rosie! Out My Mind is full of fast paced melodies and like the opening song it has a gorgeous break that builds back up. Euphoric! SHEARS had a lot of fun as the beat kicked in and she stretched her vocals. Like Ariana Grande according to Rosie.

Sirens Call My Name has been receiving a lot of love on 6 Music. A synth-y bass is broken by Emma Pollock urging us to hold on, hold on. The burst and lift into the chorus is glorious.

And I just love the way that I feel when I hear the song

Djana Gabrielle and Ray Aggs sing the deeply moody disco number Promise, an early favourite of mine.

I promised myself, I'll never fall for you

Here we are again

Photo by Hannah Brodie

Game of 2 had loads of hens on stage, exchanging vocals for different sections, AMUNDA and Carla with some pop moments, Djana Gabrielle with the breathy and sexy French(?) vocal section.

Frances McKee was typically self effacing when introducing Ego Trip, highlighting the talent on stage and that she had experienced in Lewis, wondering why she was with them.

Well, Frances quickly showed why, with her autobiographical lyrics, about the 90's and then to present day.

No drugs since 1995

I'm alright now, made it out alive

I love the lines that Cariss sings;

I forgot who I was 

And I don't know who I am

Then Emma Pollock comes in with an outstanding chorus. It's so uplifting!

Standing on an island with no lifeboat

And I don't need pills to teach me how to swim

In Control with lead vocals by SHEARS and Jill Lorean was outstanding! My daughter Rosie's favourite! This is powerful pop, with a samba-esque breakdown. Live at Celtic Connections, SHEARS and Jill Lorean came out in front of the stage floor and danced around looking super cool.

I'm in control

You're not at all

So back it off

I'm showing up

Stop showing off

Cause I'm the boss

The Twelve ends with the beautiful Blessings On The Day, it's like a psychedelic nursery rhyme full of observations.

Everybody does what they do

Nobody is judging you

Follow the herd

Don't be heard

Should any promoters be reading this - an all-ages Hen Hoose event at the Kelvingrove Bandstand this summer would be an absolute winner... or the Barrowland, I'm not too fussy!

Well done to all the artists involved in the album and the live show - wonderful!

Photo by Hannah Brodie

Teardrop

Trust me #111
Teardrop by Massive Attack with Elizabeth Fraser

Released in 1998 as part of their Mezzanine album, Teardrop is one of many masterpieces in the Massive Attack catalogue. Quietly and confidently powerful, utterly sublime from start to finish. 

Ah... the start, a heartbeat kick-drum, a hypnotic harpsichord loop, liquid bass, piano chord and then, just after 1-minute, Elizabeth Fraser’s crystal clear voice. Ethereal. Haunting. Perfect.

Love, love is a verb

Love is a doing word

Fearless on my breath

Every time I listen to Teardrop, I find myself waiting for the song to explode. The power that Massive Attack build through restraint is incredible. Just when it finally threatens to blow, as Fraser sings you're stumbling down, everything cuts to the harpsichord, then it is only the beats before the loop returns. Wow! 

One of the things I enjoy about writing blogs like this is spending some time listening to a song a few times in a row and researching it. As I'm doing so, I very often discover something I didn't know about the band, songwriter or the song. That is definitely the case here!

Teardrop was written by Mushroom from Massive Attack and he sent a demo to Madonna, who was keen. But his band mates, 3D and Daddy G, voted against him as they favoured Fraser. It's quite a story! While it would have fitted in perfectly with Madonna's 1998 change of direction and image with the superb Ray of Light album (think Frozen), no-one on earth can sing like Liz Fraser. 

Teardrop on the fire

Fearless on my breath

You hang on every note as Fraser has a voice like no other. Angelic, yet haunting. Sheer melancholic beauty. She sings not just words, but emotions. Fraser recorded her vocals just after learning of her partner Jeff Buckley’s passing, meaning it all hits even harder. 

Check this previous blog on Buckley and Fraser's outstanding All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun.

The video (see below) for Teardrop, directed by Walter Stern is a pioneering, surreal, weirdly comforting vision of a foetus in the womb, lip-syncing to Fraser’s voice. Although after watching it back a couple of times, I found the end to be slightly unsettling. Light appears, as if the baby is moving to birth, then as the music slows, things get darker and the baby slows in time with the music. Does the baby make it?

Dreamy, mesmerising ... unique. Massive Attack pushed and broke boundaries with their music and art. 

Teardrop 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

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

80. Sweet and Tender Romance by The McKinleys

81. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

82. 69 Police by David Holmes

83. Hey Lisa by David Holmes

84. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

85. Kung Fu by Ash

86. Kids by MGMT

87. Slight Return by The Bluetones

88. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

89. Cut Your Hair by Pavement

90. Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips

91. Waitin' for a Superman by The Flaming Lips

92. Acquiesce by Oasis

93. This Is Music by The Verve

94. Lone Swordsman by Daniel Avery

95. Sparky's Dream by Teenage Fanclub

96. Common People by Pulp

97. Let Our Love Grow Higher by Eula Cooper

98. Regret by New Order

99. Keep On Keepin' On by Nolan Porter

100. Sit Down by James (Live at G-Mex) by James

101. Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder by Yeti

102. Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over by The Charlatans

103. Life Is Sweet by The Chemical Brothers 

104. How Can I Tell You (To Love Me More) by Brooke Coombe

105-107. Wigan Casino - Three Before Eight - Time Will Pass You By by Tobi Legend, Long After Tonight Is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe, I'm On My Way by Dean Parrish

108. Cobra by Geese

109. All I Have To Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers

110. Vapour Trail by Ride