Guest Blog - The Old Lawyer's Guide to Scottish Music

This month's guest blog is a little different from the normal top ten list. Anis Waiz is a lawyer in Manchester and we became friends through Twitter, thanks to a mutual love of Big Country and a shared sense of humour. Anis has an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of Scottish bands, so I decided to put him to the test. I have asked him to compile a list of Scottish anthems that he loves. I even restricted him to one Big Country tune. So here it is, the Old Lawyer's guide to Scottish music.

Is fhearr na ‘n t-or sgeul innse air choir

I will carry you home
with the gods in my eyes
I will carry you home
While the westerlies sigh

Introduction

First let me thank my great friend Sinclair for inviting me to be his guest blog. I am truly undeserving.

 It is with great honour and much trepidation I proffer glorious music from a great great nation so close to my heart. Alba. It has produced music so inspiring and uplifting. Music that has nurtured my very being.  Through days of hope running deep and clear as a mountain steam to the brooding sky and inner struggle.  From turbulent times of youth to grace and humanity of these days.   

So often I return to my beloved and adopted nation for the guiding hand of reason. It has held me aloft as the tide of despondency turned upon the reason of being. Above all it is music that reflects a pride that has grown with hardship. Such beautiful music from the Heart.

I chose these songs to call my own.

Orange Juice - Rip It Up

Formed in  Glasgow in the late 1970’s by the sheer force of Edwyn Collins will, this track released in 1983 heralded the new wave sound with stunning vocals and dynamic rhythm.  As a record collector at the time I was drawn to the Sound of Young Scotland and the rare Postcard Records label that released many tracks by this great Band. A stunning track.

The Cocteau Twins - Pink, Orange, Red

This track was a chance discovery to a band that both fascinated and intrigued in equal measure.  A band that  could never be defined and that had no boundaries. Brilliance beyond measure.

The Jesus and Mary Chain - Just Like Honey

Wearing black and playing guitar, so distracted from the law. The band’s first album was my release from closing walls and Latin phrases. This is sublime. 

Eddi Reader - Bell, Book and Candle

Without simple explanation, traditional Gaelic music has resonated within my very core.  It is the Land which bears harvest to the inner soul of strength and passion. Another chance discovery from a breathtaking album from 1998. This is music to reflect a journey of a proud nation.

The Blue Nile - Because Of Toledo

A band from my youth and held so precious to my inner thoughts.  From a glamorous rainy town high above the roof tops this band have produced music so rare and unassuming. There is little to compare the rich textures of their music. This track from a later album of stark beauty and longing.  Music to redefine a nation.

The Skids - A Woman In Winter

A band that was so so underrated delivering lyrics the likes of which had never been heard.  The brilliant late Mr Adamson on guitar, mesmerising and unique.  Hailing from my beloved Kingdom of Fife, they produced music that inspires and helped to define a generation.

Travis - Driftwood

Rivers turn to ocean
Oceans tide you home
Home is where the heart is
But your heart had to roam.

Stunning evocative lyrics and a beautiful, richly layered song. A track from the heart and soul of Scotland.

Deacon Blue - Real Gone Kid

And I'll show you all the photographs
That I ever got took
And I'll play you old 45's
That now mean nothing to me.

To hear a band from Alba and not be moved was simply unthinkable.  A rare occasion of hearing but not understanding greatness. I was never a fan of this band until much later. These lyrics intrigued me and drew me to this beautiful song. I realise now how wrong my first impression of this band was.

The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

 

Not an obvious choice for my selection but this song reflects perhaps the rays upon a part of Alba hitherto lost in time. It has a nod to the classic tradition of voice and guitar of simple times and stories to be told. 

Big Country - Harvest Home

This stunning song reflects the land so cherished and guarded. A  masterpiece without doubt.

For me this is a band without equal and who in so many ways defined my generation and started within me a pride and respect for my beloved Alba.

Your islands are conquered and
You are returned to the throne
Martyrs take penance and
Fill up the mattress with stones

Kind regards

Anis

Thanks Anis for this collection that makes me proud to be a Scot. You can follow the thoughts of Anis on Twitter @OldLawyer1.