Since I’ve moved to a different office I’ve been spending a lot more time tuned in to internet radio the past few weeks. And I’ve noticed that I’m actually enjoying listening to radio again. It helps to find a station that has songs you like in rotation!
Late last week while I was dog-sitting a few of the songs in that rotation would come to mind while we’d go walking. The one that stands out at the forefront? Mistress Mabel – the new on by The Fratellis. Can’t get it out of my head. And don’t want to for that matter!
Here’s a recent clip of the band playing the track live on the Jools Holland show. Take note of the flag on the drum kit – nice touch, guys!
There are always several considerations to be made when you’re compiling a list. Everyone knows you need some qualifiers.
On my way to work this morning I grabbed a couple Gun cds along with El Presidente. The latter became an immediate favorite of mine from the get-go. It has energy and attitude. But everything keeps pointing to that being their one and only album. Can I safely list them on my ‘Favorite Scottish Bands’ list?
If so, this is the order I’m feeling today:
(The Mighty, Mighty) Primal Scream
Simple Minds
Jesus and Mary Chain
El Presidente
Gun
Cocteau Twins
The Shamen
The Close Lobsters
Mogwai
Aztec Camera
Now here’s where I meander – I won’t consider De Rosa (whose debut I luv) until I hear their next album. Yet I don’t hesitate including El Prez. Another band I have a ‘wait and see’ attitude on is Franz Ferdinand. Saw them live & that really boosted what I thought of them, but just putting on their CDs doesn’t do as much for me.
In honor of this Scottish celebration…let us not forget to rock out. Here are a few videos that have special meaning to me and each band has roots in Scotland.
1. Gun – “Shame on You” First band up is Gun. A big stadium band in the 80s/90s. They broke through in the US with “Better Days” – this particular video gives you a feel of their stadium days. They wrote a lot of fantastic songs. Funny enough when I saw them they played a Metallica cover…and sounded just as heavy. It was a treat. One of the Gizzi’s is now the lead singer in El Presidente (another Scottish band that rocks).
2. Shamen – “Ebeneezer Goode” I fell head over heels with the Shamen during the European dance era of the early 90s. I will never forget just being entranced by MTV Europe when I visited while this was the trend…such fun music (even though it was a bit forgettable).
3. Simple Minds – “See The Lights” I have a ton of SMinds stories, but I’ll leave you with this. There is more than one reason that Jim Kerr has always done so well with the ladies. There are a lot of things I like about this band and this video displays many of them: it makes me think of the Scottish countryside, the sound of Charlie’s guitar, and watching Jim’s dramatics always puts a smile on my face.
4. Primal Scream – “Jailbird” (live) Primal Scream are at their best live; I hope I can experience that once before I die. No list would be complete without their inclusion.
