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Catch a Falling Star at the Barrowland Ballroom – Part 3
For those who enjoyed reminiscing about the Barrowland Ballroom in Parts One & Two, this is a more personal look at Alec’s favourite Barrowland gigs. It was going to be a top ten before he got lost in memories of laughs, tears, hugs and flying cups of pish and it became a magical top 50. Enjoy.
September 30, 2009
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Frankie Miller – In My Own Crazy Way Pt 2
Alec Downie continues the story of the enigmatic Frankie Miller: During the next few years Miller produced a number of quality albums including, Easy Money (1980), Standing On The Edge (1982), Dancing In The Rain (1986), and BBC Radio1 in Concert (1994). He also had a major hit with the single Caledonia written by Dougie McLean […]
September 23, 2009
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Frankie Miller – In My Own Crazy Way Pt 1
Rod Stewart said of Frankie Miller, “He is the only white guy that ever brought a tear to my eye!” The widow of the late great Otis Redding reckoned: “that little ole white boy Frankie has the the blackest voice since Otis”. Alec Downie tells the story of a true Glasgow legend.
September 16, 2009
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Catch a Falling Star at the Barrowland Ballroom – Part 2
Dark stories of Bible John, memories of jitterbugging yanks, and tales of the only appearance in Scotland of Bill Haley & his Comets and The Rolling Stones being paid £5 to perform in 1964, steep the venue in Glasgow lore….. Alec Downie continues his love letter to the Barrowland Ballroom.
September 2, 2009
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Catch a Falling Star at the Barrowland Ballroom – Part 1
There can’t be a music fan in Scotland who has not had a few swallies in town before rambling up Argyle Street and nodding a cap to Glasgow Cross, entering the Gallowgate and then experienced that magical rush when turning that wee bend in the street that allows you to see the neon Barrowland sign […]
August 26, 2009
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Take Me Out – Alec Downie’s Top 20 Scottish Cover Versions (10-1)
Last week Alec teased us with the first half of his top 20 Scottish cover versions. This week he finally runs down his top ten which includes classics from Belle and Sebastian, Travis and Biffy Clyro.
August 19, 2009
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Take Me Out – Alec Downie’s Top 20 Scottish Cover Versions (20-11)
I was watching a clip of Bowie & Annie Lennox, doing a rehearsal of Under Pressure for the Freddie Mercury Tribute and in the background George Michael, oblivious to the fact he is being filmed, is singing every word with them. Rockstars are just like us, they are fans first and musicians second and the […]
August 12, 2009
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Distracted by Amazing Grace & Plastic Jocks
A few weeks ago I wrote an article for Dear Scotland on homesickness and used Glen Campbell’s (a Texan with a fine Scottish name) sublime version of Travis’s Sing as the catalyst to my thoughts. I then spent a week rediscovering The Incredible String Band for my last pieces; however I was continually distracted by […]
August 5, 2009
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The Incredible String Band – Part 2
As the 40th anniversary of Woodstock approaches, Alec Downie continues his look back at Scotland’s only representative at the legendary festival, The Incredible String Band. Following their disastrous appearance at Woodstock, ISB never had the same success, but their influence continues to grow.
July 22, 2009