Albums of the Year 2023

Before I list my favourite “Albums of the Year 2023”, an apology.

I have been inundated this year with new music, new albums, requests for reviews and features. First, I’m happy that there is so much great music out there and that I’m party to being able to hear and share that new music, but secondly, a huge apology to many bands and artists whose music I’ve loved and planned to review/feature but it hasn’t happened. I’d love nothing more than to spend my life listening to and writing about music (and the book I keep meaning to finish), but that doesn’t pay the bills.… Read the rest

Slime City Live

SLIME CITY – Death Club album launch with bis & Casual Worker

Slime City Death Squad

A night that I had been looking forward to for some time, all three bands having impressed at gigs in premier Southside venue, The Rum Shack earlier this year. Tonight was set to be a special night celebrating the launch of the long awaited debut album from the peerless SLIME CITY, a band like no other, their album Slime City Death Club already going down as a classic in my book. There was a party atmosphere in St Lukes, even Lewis Capaldi made an appearance despite launching his own album today (Michael M -“I’m not saying don’t buy his album, just buy two of ours”).… Read the rest

Slime City Death Club

SLIME CITY – SLIME CITY DEATH CLUB – album review

Do you want some existentialist fun? Then come on and join the Death Club! The membership benefits are second to none. Don’t worry death isn’t a pre-requisite, although Slime City are here to remind you of the fact that you and everybody that you love will one day die…

On that note it should be pointed out that gallows humour is a matter of course, but just forms a small part of what you get with your membership of this singularly unorthodox exclusive, naw make that inclusive, club. Slime City has something for everyone in their repertoire. Rising from the ashes of the legendary We Are The Physics, Glasgow’s Slime City has been on the go for what seems like aeons now, after a series of audaciously sublime singles, we are finally being treated to the debut album from this sardonically anarchic band.… Read the rest

bis, Slime City & V.C.O. live in The Rum Shack

The day of this hotly anticipated sold out gig felt like a celebration of all things music related to Glasgow’s southside. An afternoon interviewing the (southside based) band Brenda, who have just announced the pre-orders for their debut album, in southside hostelry The Bell Jar, before moving on to southside venue The Rum Shack for what felt more like a party than a gig, celebrating the music of (southside) Glasgow legends bis.

This was the final date of their 2 date “tour” with Slime City and V.C.O., having played Edinburgh on the Friday night, so the gig was like a homecoming for the local heroes, the venue packed to the rafters with a passionately fervent sold out crowd eagerly awaiting the triumphant trio.… Read the rest

Slime City – Single review

Remember when Malcolm Middleton reminded us “We’re All Going to Die”? Well for the pragmatists amongst you, you’ll not be surprised by the fact that reality hasn’t changed. This time it is the turn of Glasgow’s Slime City to remind us of the fact we are all mortal with the wonderful “You and Everybody That You Love Will One Day Die”

Challenging Win for song title length (It May Be  Beautiful Sky Tonight But It’s Only a Shelter for a World at Risk) this three minutes of blissful hook laden trashy rock makes you feel cool about the fact we’re going to go the way of all flesh one day as the song charms and enchants.… Read the rest

Last Night From Glasgow logo

Spotlight on Last Night From Glasgow

Independent labels in Scotland

Independent record labels & Scotland. There is a phenomenal history that could take several articles before you would begin to do them justice. Between them they have spawned some era-defining artists and albums. Obviously not an exhaustive list, but with a very brief flicking of the mental rolodex, you can’t avoid thinking of Postcard, then over the years, labels like Fast Product, Chemikal Underground, Creeping Bent and Rock Action all unleashing a variety of notable albums.

There are too many to mention without completely changing the focus of this blog, but there currently numerous Scottish based independent labels flying the flag for the music scene and giving many bands a platform to release their music.… Read the rest