So, to close out the Unpopular celebrations of St Andrew’s day, here are thirty songs by Scottish bands. One for every day of November. With so many slots to play with his was the easiest and yet also the hardest mix I’ve ever had the pleasure of putting together. I think all the songs, and all the groups are ace, yet I’m acutely aware of what’s been left out. No Donovan, Skids, Simple Minds (early), Friends Again, Bluebells, Bis, Nectarine No. 9, Paul Quinn, APB, Wake, Sunset Gun, Aggi Doom, Just Joans. So many possibilities and I’ve barely scratched the surface. Still and all, here you are: thirty Scottish songs that have meant more (and will always mean more) to me than any amount of patriotic claptrap.
At the risk of attracting the ire of record label bosses and over-protective artists, you can steal all the songs (side one here and side two here) for the duration of St Andrew’s day. Gaun yersel big man.
Baby Don't You Do It - The Poets
Chance Meeting - Josef K
Candyskin - Fire Engines
All About You (Single Version) - SCARS
Felicity (Richard Skinner - January 1981) - Orange Juice
Top Of The Pops - The Rezillos
Dead Pop Stars - Altered Images
Cold Heart - The Jasmine Minks
Trees And Flowers - Strawberry Switchblade
Abandon Ship - April Showers
Oblivious - Aztec Camera
Deceive Yourself (In Ignorant Heaven) - Del Amitri
You Supply The Roses - Memphis
Lost Weekend - Lloyd Cole & The Commotions
Who's He - The Trash Can Sinatras
Tinseltown in the Rain - The Blue Nile
I'm Going To Heaven - The Close Lobsters
Hang-Ten! - The Soup Dragons
Gentle Tuesday - Primal Scream
Never Understand - The Jesus & Mary Chain
Safety Net - The Shop Assistants
Baby Honey - The Pastels
I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead - Mogwai
Prole Birthday - The Yummy Fur
Kylie's Got A Crush On Us - BMX Bandits
The Concept - Teenage Fanclub
Striving for the Lazy Perfection - The Orchids
The First Big Weekend - Arab Strap
The State I Am In - Belle & Sebastian
I Hate Scotland - Ballboy