bagpipes

I have to admit, I’m not into genealogy all that much. Being a “Burns,” though, I do know that I’m Scottish and that I have a family plaid. As such, I found Colin Irwin’s recent Scottish Folk & Rock Dozen pretty interesting reading.

It helps that Irwin picked out some crazy records. For instance, did you know that there was a group trying to meld Gaelic song and African rhythms? And apparently doing it well? That’s Mouth Music. Which isn’t to be confused with Martyn Bennett who takes techno and Scottish music and puts them together.

Irwin picks plenty of the favorites of the indie rock world, as well. Teenage Fanclub, Edwyn Collins, Arab Strap, the Delgados: all Scots and all proving that there is no sound that unites modern Scottish rock.

Perhaps my favorite, though, is the Proclaimers. Known, of course, for their mega-hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles),” I’d always written off the group until giving the Persevere album a chance earlier on in the week based on Irwin’s recommendation. If you think you know these guys, definitely take a listen. As Irwin writes:

Their first new recording in seven years…confidently maintains the catchy melodies and relentless joi de vivre of the two brothers in full flight, in addition to a subtle yet unmistakable political undercurrent previously overlooked among their booming choruses. In particular, “Scotland’s Story” is a telling take on Scottish nationalism, “Everybody’s a Victim” savages the blame culture and “A Land Fit for Zeros” is an inventive dissection of Tony Blair’s nanny-state mentality. Musically, they sound like genteel country rockers one minute and impassioned Scots roots rockers the next, effortlessly switching the mood from suave harmonies to blazing anthems with huge choruses. It’s fun, but provocative too.