Glasvegas - Glasvegas

They were described by the NME as the "best new band in Britain" and with their debut self-titled long player Glasvegas prove that they're not just over-hyped wannabes. The opening song Flowers And Football Tops is simply magnificent and has a tremendously uplifting chorus. "Baby, they don't need to show. It's over I know" sings James Allan. Right at at the end he starts singing "You Are My Sunshine, my only sunshine" which my wife is always singing. It turns out that this song is nearly sixty years old and is one of two official songs for the State Of Louisiana. You learn something new everyday, don't ...  Read the complete review

I am always wary about the latest over hyped NME band. Anyone remember Gaydad or Menswear? Exactly! However they can get it right sometimes and I have to admit I am in love with the latest band of the moment: Glasvegas. I first heard them late night on XFM and immediately fell in love with their guitar laden wall of sound and the swooping but unashamedly thick Glaswegian vocals that may be unintelligible to some not used to the accent. (A friend of mine when seeing Glasvegas asked for subtitles or simultaneous translation to be supplied at their gigs). Glasvegas are a quartet hailing from Dalmarnock in the heart of Glasgow's east end. Fronted by black leather ...  Read the complete review

It took me a while to warm to black-clad Glaswegian indie four-piece Glasvegas, but after a couple of listens on the radio and some very high rankings in most newspapers' 'Best of 2008' polls, I decided to give it a go when I saw it in the HMV sale. And I'm glad I did - on their self-titled debut, the band produce a beautiful soundscape that is as touching as it is ambitious, and is both dark and brooding, yet similtaneously uplifting. The most obvious reference point is shoegazing bands such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, but it also owes a sizable debt to Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound" production of the 1960s. Standout tracks include the ...  Read the complete review

I bought this album without listening to a single song - it was a recommendation from a friend. And I am so glad that I did buy it - this has to be one of the best albums I have heard in a very long time. The music itself is reminiscent of the Phil Spector "Wall of Sound" production. Each song has a strong drum beat, resonating guitar melody and both accompany the singer's unmistakable voice. Being Scottish, I found it easy to understand his accent at first listen. I know people who have enjoyed the tune, music and overall sound of the songs but have taken a few listens to actually hear what he is saying. Even if you don't understand him, the tune itself ...  Read the complete review

A truely fantastic album, that will become a cult classic. Without the hype of the 'Arctic Monkeys' or 'Stone Roses' this band have released one of the best written albums of the decade. Sang with the harsh Glaswegian dialect, the regional accent may not appeal to all, but their is a raw sound to the vocals and the music that should be listened too. The lyrics are written from individual experiences and talk about all the local issues living and growing up n Glasgow. Topics such as football and sectarianism, knife crime and the general bleak environment are all covered without the attempt to be political. Everything is done on an observational level and in ...  Read the complete review