2014 review by Duglas T Stewart

Duglas T Stewart has been writing, singing, recording and releasing music with the BMX Bandits since 1986. Duglas' musical taste and knowledge is absolutely incredible and he has turned me on to many fantastic songs and artists via Facebook and Twitter - not only from older artists but also new and emerging artists whom he supports wholeheartedly - Randolph's Leap and TeenCanteen are just a couple of examples of young Scottish bands that Duglas has helped and supported.

On a personal level, I have been enjoying Duglas' music since I was in my mid-teens and it has been tremendous to watch him develop as a writer and artist. The last three BMX Bandits have been exceptional and deserve a wider audience. This years single My Girl Midge is heartbreakingly beautiful.

I caught up Duglas for his review of 2014.

1. Album of 2014

How Many Glasgow by Tenniscoats, Jad Fair and Norman Blake

The group I have listened to most this year are Tenniscoats.

2. Track of 2014

Love Thy Will Be Done by The Icypoles

It's actually a cover version but it's a great song and I think this is the best version. Their album is beautiful.

3. Man of 2014

Stuart Kidd - Stuart was a BMX Bandit for a number of years. He joined us when he was still just a kid and I have felt a sense of pride watching him grow as a musician and an artist. He has been so prolific; contributing (sometimes as a writer, singer, sometimes a musician and a player, or all at the same time) to many great records over the last few years by acts including Dr Cosmos Tape Lab, Poundstore Riot, The Pearlfishers, Jad Fair, Norman Blake, The Wellgreen, Euros Childs and others.

Stuart has also played a couple of shows with me and we've worked on some recordings together. He's a great and prolific talent. He does everything with a sense of joy and positivity and with great taste and instincts.

Stuart on the left - his album with Dr Cosmos Tape Lab was a personal fave of mine in 2014

4. Looking to 2015

2014 has been the hardest year of my life and I approach 2015 with fear but still praying for a miracle.

There are things I look forward to; the debut album by TeenCanteen, new albums by Teenage Fanclub, Tenniscoats have made an album of Bill Wells cover versions that I'd love to hear. I think Euros Childs is sure to make a new album. I had hoped to make a new album with Chloe but don't know if we will but it's still a dream.

I'm also looking forward to the debut album by Glasgow duo Elara Caluna and a Joe Meek tribute album by JONNY (Norman Blake and Euros Childs) called Jonny Remembers Him.

Euros and Norman - JONNY

5. Favourite live shows of 2014

TeenCanteen at Broadcast, Burt Bacharach in Edinburgh, The Rutles at King Tuts, No More Tiger at Broadcast, The Pearlfishers at the Tolbooth in Stirling and Tennis at Broadcast.

TeenCanteen at Broadcast

My Girl Midge by BMX Bandits

BMX Bandits return with their first release since the brilliant In Space album, released in 2012 and reviewed in a previous blog HERE. 

My Girl Midge is released today as a FREE DOWNLOAD via Elefant Records. 

Duglas T Stewart, singer, songwriter and leader of the BMX Bandits explains; 'My Girl Midge was recorded by David Scott and me on August 27th on David's home studio. It is a song about loss and heartbreak but I wanted it to be more than just another sad song. I wanted the song to be filled with the light of love and for it not to be maudlin. There are too many maudlin, self pitying songs out there and often I can't hear very much love in them. There is sadness in this song but I hope people can have a little dance to it or at least a smile.'

Duglas continued; 'I really hope people will like it. If it doesn't grab you the first time please put it on again and give it another chance and I'm sure you will be firm friends in no time. This is an important track for me.'

Duglas added; 'I'd like to thank David for all his t.l.c. for the song (and for me), for his generosity in sharing his amazing talents and for helping find the last missing piece of the jigsaw. I'd also thank all the other Bandits past and present for helping make my musical dreams come true. …and to everyone who has supported and connected with BMX Bandits music thank you.'

The addition of David Scott to the band has been welcomed by fans of the band. Scott is a supremely talented producer, musician and songwriter (The Pearlfishers) in his own right and is someone who  understands the sounds that Duglas wants to achieve with his own songs.

It is clear why Duglas is so keen to get My Girl Midge out into the world. The lyrics and vocal performance are evidence that this is an important (and personal) song. You can hear and feel the love and hurt in it. 

Melancholic keys contrast with the upbeat percussion and handclaps; Stewart's vocals are straight from the heart, stretched (in the right way), yet considered, soulful and melodic. 

The home recording allows David Scott to display his skills while Stewart's songwriting is clever and heartfelt; within 3-minutes we learn of a couple meeting and falling in love while both were broken or hurting from previous relationships. Sadly, things didn't work out.

Just a reminder - this song is FREE! If you know of the work of Duglas and the BMX Bandits then you'll marvel at this latest addition to his work. If you're new then this is a fine opportunity to dive in at the deep end.

My girl Midge, we met when I was broken

Didn't think it would work, but still i was hoping

She would make me feel alive again

I would see love in her eyes

And then I could grow into a whole person

But I grew to slow, oh no

Now she'll never know, what she'll never know

Oh Midge it's killing me

Our future together will never be

Oh Midge it's killing me

My girl Midge we met when she was hurting

Thought I saw something but I wasn't certain

Something buried deep inside

Thought if I found it we'd be alright

But then it didn't work out like I was hoping

My girl Midge, I lost her now I'm broken