Summertime in Scotland is famously unpredictable. Sunshine, rain, high winds, no wind, basically almost anything within 24 hours. It’s not exactly known as a summer paradise (although me and my wife have enjoyed great summer weather there) but as climate change progresses, even in the British Isles, Scottish summers can come with some scorchers in them.
But whatever the weather in Scotland in the summer of 2025, these two albums will make sure that you won’t be left cold, tired, and hungry for good music!
The new releases by Tide Lines and Calum MacPhail are so energetic and full of life and hot, just listening to them can save your Scottish summer regardless of the weather.
*****
Calum MacPhail has made much of his career in the excellent Hò-Rò and released his second solo album, Highlands to Heartlands, in March. Compared to his debut solo two years ago, the new one really comes roaring out of the gates with Bonnie Wee Jennie and barely lets up over the course of the album.
His band is in fine form, he himself is in excellent form, and the tunes, both original and covers, kept me smiling and stomping my foot all the way. It’s absolutely perfect as feel good, pick me up music any day but by God, this stuff live would be absolutely fireworks!
Almost every tune has an insanely catchy chorus that you can sing along almost immediately, yet none of it feels simplistic or false – it’s just great music, be it modern Celtic folk, or Celtic rock in some places. If you like Hò-Rò or, say, Skipinnish, go run and get this because this one is definitely for you and it will make you a very happy camper indeed 😃
https://www.calummacphail.com/category/all-products
*****
If I’m counting this right, Glasgow Love Story is the fourth album by Tide Lines. The band are, of course, already long established as Scottish folk rock’s current premiere band (alongside Skerryvore who are more rock/pop than folk these days) and this new release will not change that a bit.
If you’re already familiar with the band’s music, pressing play on Glasgow Love Story will not result you any major surprises. This is instantly recognizable Tide Lines.
But, in my ears at least, they are so assured and so vibrant this time, I dare to rate the album as perhaps their best to date, or at least very close. Even if this time there’s no Instantly Great And Iconic Tune (e.g. The Far Side of The World, or Innocent and Beautiful) included.
Instead, what makes this album so good for me is the way the band’s frontman Robert Robertson not only sings but lives his lyrics. Which, I think, are the best he’s written so far.
As a matter of fact, there are some songs here that come with such good lyrics that I admit I was even a bit surprised. There are lines and sentiments written by a songwriter who has come admirably far in his craft.
Anoter thing I paid attention to when listening to Glasgow Love Story: it seems to be almost a concept album, or at least an album with a unifying theme running through it.
Even when so much of the music is danceable and party ready, many songs are actually about the passing of time, leaving your previous life behind, accepting the fact that things will change in your life.
They are not sad lyrics, but they are not necessarily what you might expect from the music and this band. I think the opening, Better Days, is actually one of the weaker tunes on the album, but already here is the wistful emotion evident in many songs:
Sometimes it feels as if the world’s already broken / but after all I think I’ve felt this way before
The sense of reflection and remembering in the lyrics gives the album its own personality, atmosphere and emotion. There are moments when it absolutely shines in that respect, in the title track especially. And it’s interesting how in some songs the lyrics are wistful while the music is as vibrant and driving as ever with this band.
It’s an interesting dynamic and it comes through even in what may be possibly meant as a fun summer single, Cherry Blossom Sunset, as it’s actually more about the reality of summer’s end rather than celebrating summer.
As the album closes with Ashton Lane, a beautiful reminiscence and goodbye to those younger days, I was left not with melancholy or loss, but with a sense that Tide Lines has matured just a little bit more – and become all the better for it.
I absolutely love this album; the music AND the lyrics make it a great summer listen and a perfect pair to Calum MacPhail’s explosively fun album.
https://www.tidelinesband.com/collections/glasgow-love-story
Ceud mìle taing, Alba!
FolkNotes 