So, as you probably all know by now, I no longer live in Scotland, I live in Austria. Although I love it here (seriously, Vienna is probably the most beautiful city I have ever visited), I miss Scotland all the time. Obviously that may have something to do with the fact that all my friends are there, but there are definitely just some "Scottish things" I miss. Haggis. Irn Bru. Scottish accents. Oh, and cider. Not strictly Scottish, but definitely not Austrian!
Originally I was going to write a whole post about what I miss from Scotland, but then I figured that something music-related would make more sense. Now, you all know how much I love albums and album reviews. So here are 3 Awesome Scottish Albums, for your reading and listening pleasure.
My first choice is probably the one none of you will have heard of. This is Scottish saxophonist Paul Towndrow's third album, Six By Six, released in 2007. I was lucky enough to play drums at the same gig as him and his quartet (my first real live jazz experience), and it was a night I won't soon forget.
This album isn't for everyone, and if you aren't already familiar with jazz, it's maybe not a great introduction. But that doesn't stop it from being phenomenal- featuring (amongst others) the incredibly talented Konrad Wiszniewski on tenor sax, and one of my favourite drummers Alyn Cosker (incidentally, already mentioned here), this album ranks amongst my favourite jazz records of all time. The tunes (all originals) are big, funky and exciting, and Towndrow's solos are crazed and virtuosic. As I said, not for everyone, but all jazz fans (at least!) should definitely listen.- Key tracks: "Crook Sludge," (possibly one of the coolest basslines I have heard for a while) "Rostov," "Big Hitter."
- Best moment: The aforementioned bassline to "Crook Sludge," Steve Hamilton's gorgeous piano solo on "Rostov," Cosker's drum solo on opener "Big Hitter."
Next up is a band that I am only just getting into, but loving so far. It's the obligatory (yet still great) weirdcoustic-indie-pop of Belle & Sebastian, with cult classic
If You're Feeling Sinister. I bought this album when I was on my second favourite family holiday ever, in Florida, so this album has wonderfully strange connotations for me, making me love it even more.
And, as if that wasn't enough, the bassist in this album (Stuart David) is the uncle of one of my very good schoolfriends, making it even more special.
Now I would love to give you lots of history and background information here, but the fact is I don't know any (yet)!! Interestingly, though, I can tell you that the band were never satisfied with the recording quality of this album, and released a live version in 2005 to try and improve it. I love it when artists do things like this- Classical composers never had one "final product" - their music gets played, rerecorded and refined (or the opposite of refined...) all the time, so why should pop acts rest on their laurels when it comes to studio recording? Plus, I just love hearing different versions of songs- it almost takes more creativity to completely reinvent a song you've already written than it does to write a new one. But anyway, that's for another post.
If You're Feeling Sinister. I bought this album when I was on my second favourite family holiday ever, in Florida, so this album has wonderfully strange connotations for me, making me love it even more.And, as if that wasn't enough, the bassist in this album (Stuart David) is the uncle of one of my very good schoolfriends, making it even more special.
Now I would love to give you lots of history and background information here, but the fact is I don't know any (yet)!! Interestingly, though, I can tell you that the band were never satisfied with the recording quality of this album, and released a live version in 2005 to try and improve it. I love it when artists do things like this- Classical composers never had one "final product" - their music gets played, rerecorded and refined (or the opposite of refined...) all the time, so why should pop acts rest on their laurels when it comes to studio recording? Plus, I just love hearing different versions of songs- it almost takes more creativity to completely reinvent a song you've already written than it does to write a new one. But anyway, that's for another post.
- Key tracks: Pretty much all of them, but my personal favourites are "Like Dylan In The Movies," "Fox In The Snow," and "Mayfly"
- Best moment: First verse of "Like Dylan In The Movies," drums cutting out at the word "stop," then the very slightly delayed bass pickup. Some say predictable, I say textbook :) alternatively, the harmonica part to "Me And The Major." Raucous and funky- Love it!
For number 3, I was truly torn between two great albums, but I've
gone with this. Debut self-titled album from Glasgow alt-indie-rock-music (more than two hyphens in one word- the sign of a true critic...) band Franz Ferdinand is well-regarded as a classic, and rightly so. From dissonant rocker "Cheating On You" to quasi-dance number "Auf Achse" via the dark sensuality of "Dark Of The Matinee," this album is full of great tunes, cheeky riffs and intriguing lyrics, all brought together with understated production, solid rhythm from from Paul Thomson and Robert Hardy and references to Russian avant-garde. What's not to like?
gone with this. Debut self-titled album from Glasgow alt-indie-rock-music (more than two hyphens in one word- the sign of a true critic...) band Franz Ferdinand is well-regarded as a classic, and rightly so. From dissonant rocker "Cheating On You" to quasi-dance number "Auf Achse" via the dark sensuality of "Dark Of The Matinee," this album is full of great tunes, cheeky riffs and intriguing lyrics, all brought together with understated production, solid rhythm from from Paul Thomson and Robert Hardy and references to Russian avant-garde. What's not to like?- Key tracks: "Matinee," "This Fire," "Michael."
- Best moment: As usual, it's tough, but the riff to "Michael," combined with it's relentless four-to-the-floor bassline is hard to beat.
So I hope you've all enjoyed this, but please let me know if you think I've got it wrong, or add your own to the list- let's have some chat! And Happy St. Andrew's Day! :)
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