Josef K – It's Kinda Funny

Josef K (and Scars) were big indie bands in the late 70s and early 80s when I first arrived in Edinburgh as a student. And they still sound pretty good.

The Waterboys – The Whole of the Moon

The Waterboys' founder Mike Scott is an Edinburgh boy, and I always imagine a big moon over Edinburgh Castle (plus fireworks) when I hear this song.

Bay City Rollers – Bye Bye Baby

BCR – got to have them; Edinburgh's only international hit-makers.

Dick Gaughan – Both sides the Tweed

Dick Gaughan is an Edinburgh folk legend. This is a song asking for understanding between neighbours, Scotland and England.

Fire Engines – Candyskin

Jangly, angular 80s pop from Edinburgh's literary art-punk scene.

The Rezillos – I Can't Stand My Baby

A great first single, which includes the local word "radge" (crazy).

The Proclaimers – Sunshine on Leith

Absolutely necessary to have this Edinburgh anthem on the playlist.

Iggy Pop – Lust for Life

Because when you hear it now you think of the opening scene from the film Trainspotting.

Eddi Reader – Ae Fond Kiss

This is from her album Sings the Songs of Robert Burns. Burns got his big breaks in Edinburgh, and this is just beautiful.

 

Boards of Canada – Chromakey Dreamcoat

Lo-fi electronica from the hills south of Edinburgh. This is the music I write my books to.