44 Musical Reasons Why Scotland Is The Greatest

Glasgow is hosting the Commonwealth Games in Scotland in July 2014. If only they organised a music festival with the below artists to showcase the fine musical diversity the Scots have to offer. Well here it is! The best artists and their greatest songs, all interspersed with highly irrelevant commentary about my childhood which from experience is everything a Buzzfeed article should be.

1. CHVRCHES

CHVRCHES - The Mother We Share

[from The Bones of What You Believe]

Chvrches are the best and really made 2013 a stellar and well-soundtracked year in my life. Coming out at the tail end of 2012, 'The Mother We Share' was the one that kicked it all off. A year and half after first hearing it, it still sounds fresh as. That's some good craftsmanship there. Well done super friends. I might even start telling people I'm going to Chvrch on Sunday and make playing them on repeat a weekly thing.

2. CALVIN HARRIS

CALVIN HARRIS - I'm Not Alone

[from Ready for The Weekend]

Before he became superstar mega-DJ, Calvin Harris seemed to be just a humble Scotsman making some killer dance tunes and singing them himself. Take me back to 2009 where this song ruled supreme and I'll be a happy man. I'm not sold on the bejeweled sunglasses though.

3. EMELI SANDE

EMELI SANDE - Heaven

[from Our Version Of Events]

Most people will probably recognise her for 'Next To Me' or her guest spot on Rudimental's 'Free', but the song that she first exploded onto the scene with was a powerhouse performance, that signaled that Scotland is still pumping out some fine sounding lasses. The lady also pulls off a great mohawk and I'm not even jealous.

4. SHIRLEY MANSON (GARBAGE)

GARBAGE - When I Grow Up

[from Version 2.0]

Shirley Manson had that whole 'I don't give a hell what people think about me' look that was so in back in the late 90's. This was a point in my life where I strived to achieve said look. Unfortunately, while being the maddest little 13 year old going round and doing some killer dance moves to this song, I managed to botch my execution of a fly-kick and spill my entire container of Sea Monkeys all over my beloved CD collection, one of which was Version 2.0. So many dried brine shrimp.

5. BOARDS OF CANADA

BOARDS OF CANADA - Reach For The Dead

[from Tomorrow's Harvest]

I don't even want to make a joke about this except that my mate has the surname Board and his mum is Canadian, therefore I know some actual Boards of Canada. Anyway, this is pretty quality low-key electronic stuff. Me likey.

6. MYLO

MYLO - In My Arms

[from Destroy Rock N Roll]

This dude's album was my 2004. With 'Drop The Pressure' and 'Muscle Cars' and this little gem (which manages to seamlessly mix 'Bette Davis Eyes' and 'Waiting For A Star To Fall'), Mylo seemed invincible, but appears to have done diddly squat since. C'mon man, give us some new tunes already.....

7. PRIMAL SCREAM

PRIMAL SCREAM - Rocks

[from Give Out But Don't Give Up]

When this song was released in 1994, I had no idea what 'get your rocks off' even meant, but it worked its way into my head and has remained there ever since. I mean why would someone have so many rocks on them that they would need a song to tell them to get them off? Pffft stupid.

8. HUDSON MOHAWKE (TNGHT)

TNGHT (HUDSON MOHAWKE X LUNICE) - Higher Ground

[from Acrylics]

Dude has some killer beats. Must be why Kanye signed him to G.O.O.D. Music and produced 'Blood On The Leaves' which was probs my fave ditty of 2013. And any guy that take a mediocre Bruce Willis movie title and turn it into a rad stage name deserve many kudos. Wow.

9. ANNIE LENNOX

ANNIE LENNOX - No More I Love You's

[from Medusa]

So, Nicki Minaj sampled the whole 'Dooby-dooby-doop-doop-doop. Woah-oh' line. it sounds far better here with Annie's majestic as fuck vocals. For god's sake, she sang 'Sweet Dreams', so the lady's got a killer set of pipes and the androgynous look that's so in right now, it's totes beyond ridic.

10. AC/DC

AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long

[from Back in Black]

Even though they are quintessentially Australian, the fact of the matter is that band founders Malcolm and Angus Young, together with original lead singer Bon Scott hail from magical Scotland. With more than enough classics to poke a stick at, 'You Shook Me All Night Long' showcases everything great about Scottish-Australian musical pedigrees.

11. RUSTIE

RUSTIE - After Light (Feat. AlunaGeorge)

[from Glass Swords]

I don't know much about this guy, but this tune is sublime. Go Rustie, it's your birthday. Well it was on January 4. Plus he comes from Pollockshields, which sounds like a party unto itself.

12. GLASVEGAS

GLASVEGAS - Euphoria, Take My Hand

[from EUPHORIC /// HEARTBREAK \\\]

Glasvegas go alright. With 'Geraldine' they hit #1 in their home charts and laid the foundations for some hearty rock tunes. 'Euphoria...' is a nice cut that would probably mashup okay with Taylor Swift's 'Love Story'. Or be a horrible train-wreck like everything else she touches. Ooh snap. Just kidding. I love you Taylor. A little too much at times.

13. MARK & DAVID KNOPFLER (DIRE STRAITS)

DIRE STRAITS - Sultans of Swing

[from Dire Straits]

These bro's hail from Glasgow which is probably the main reason why they've had such a great career. The surname bothers me, but that's not what I'm here for. This is a classic tune that stands the test of time pretty well if you ask me.

Random Stranger: Do you think Sultans of Swing has stood the test of time?

ME: Why yes I would. Also what's a test of time? I haven't studied for it.

14. SIMPLE MINDS

SIMPLE MINDS - Don't You (Forget About Me)

[from The Breakfast Club (Soundtrack)]

Confession time: I've never actually seen The Breakfast Club. But I have seen a bazillion parodies of the movie to have gotten me through life so far and this song is definitely what I envisage when i hear the words '80's' and 'movies' together in the same sentence.

15. NIGHTCRAWLERS

NIGHTCRAWLERS - Push The Feeling On

[from Let's Push It]

The catchy pulsing synth is the inspiration (and let's face it - backbone) of Pitbull's hit "Hotel Room Service". It sounds far better here. Boom Glasgow represents again.

16. MOGWAI

MOGWAI - Rano Pano

[from Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will]

Mogwai is fairly highly regarded my most people who've actually listened to them. I can;t say I've done a great deal of that, but this tune goes okay. Ah, Scotland.

17. PILOT

PILOT - Magic

[from From the Album of the Same Name]

This song is simply 'magic', so what an appropriate title. The 'la la la' ladies in the chorus elevate this to number one fun time car sing-along jam. Speaking of magic, my mate Vince knows a few tricks. He's available for hire for birthday parties or work Christmas events.

18. TEXAS

TEXAS - Say What You Want

[from White On Blonde]

I thought this was the height of technology in 1998. So many clones of the same lady, walking around in circles. Time has not been so kind to the special effects, so thank god the songwriting team brought their A-game as this is still a great jam. And is that an apple crunch at the start? This will haunt me forever.

19. Billy Connolly

BILLY CONNOLLY - D.I.V.O.R.C.E.

[from D.I.V.O.R.C.E. (Single)]

The most recognisable Scottish person on the list, and the voice that arguably made the movie Brave, Billy Connolly smashed it out the ballpark back in 1975 when he parodied Tammy Wynette's hit of the same name, even claiming #1 in the UK in the process. I love everything about the guy. Not one word of a lie. (Note: I was saying that in a terrible attempt at a Scottish accent).

20. KT TUNSTALL

KT TUNSTALL - Suddenly I See

[from Eye to the Telescope]

I never watched Ugly Betty, but this song was inescapable in Australia. Has a nifty little film clip. She's likeable enough. Scotland wins again.

21. BIFFY CLYRO

BIFFY CLYRO - The Captain

[from Only Revolutions]

Despite a terrible name (from a purely subjective basis), these lads have carved out a pretty rad career. This song was used as an AFL promo in Australia and is probably the theme songs for the Captains of any team. 'Mountains' is likely a more popular pick, but who doesn't love a good Captain (especially Morgan).

22. BELLE AND SEBASTIAN

BELLE AND SEBASTIAN - The Blues Are Still Blue

[from The Life Pursuit]

At first I thought this was a duet between the book-reading nerd-alert protagonist of Beauty and the Beast and the loveable Jamaican-sounding crab that teaches Ariel that life is better 'Under the Sea' but alas, tis not. Still, musical goodness awaits.

23. EDWYN COLLINS

EDWYN COLLINS - A Girl Like You

[from Gorgeous George]

I bring this up about once a week, but Charlies Angels: Full Throttle stands as one of the best soundtracks ever assembled. In between the brilliance of Electric Six, Bon Jovi, Sir Mix-A-Lot, The Beach Boys, MC Hammer, Donna Summer, David Bowie and Journey, we also caught a glimpse of the finest tune to come from a Scot in the mid 90's. This still sets dance floors alight to this day. True story. If the dance floor is my bedroom.

24. CHRIS LAKE

CHRIS LAKE - Sundown

[from Sundown (Single)]

Born in Aberdeen, this dude has some mad beat-making, and anthem-carving skills. Sundown is a prime example of this.

25. MARNIE

MARNIE - The Hunter

[from Crystal World]

As the voice behind Ladytron, Helen Marnie has been an unsung hero of my electropop music folder for more than a decade. Stepping into a solo career has seemed effortless for her.

26. SHEENA EASTON

SHEENA EASTON - Morning Train

[from Take My Time]

The film Eurotrip did a great service to the world to reawaken interest in this gem. It just speaks to me. I actually take the morning train. I actually work from 9 to 5. And then I actually take another home again. Unfortunately, Eurotrip also gave me the term 'Me Scusey' which i can never stop saying in awkward situations.

27. FRIGHTENED RABBIT

FRIGHTENED RABBIT - The Woodpile

[from Pedestrian Verse]

Dude had an awesome Scottish-y singing voice. This is some decent rock. I have nothing hilarious to say, except the way he says 'down' and that's only because I'm sick of my mundane Australian accent. Scotland FTW.

28. DANANANANAKROYD

DANANANANAKROYD - Black Wax

[from Hey Everyone!]

Any band that loves Dan Akroyd enough to dedicate their career to ensuring he stays relevant is pretty tops in my book. 'Black Wax' has all the hallmarks of a great party jam, with some shouty sing alongs, thundering drums and some woo moments for your token 'woo girl' friends to chime in with.

29. ULTRAVOX

ULTRAVOX - Dancing With Tears In My Eyes

[from Lament]

Okay, so this video is a touch scary in that I don't find nuclear explosions particularly chortle-worthy. This is a great song though, and slots in well between Billy Idol's 'Dancing With Myself' and Robyn's 'Dancing On My Own' for miserably-titled dance floor burners.

30. DJANGO DJANGO

DJANGO DJANGO - Default

[from Django Django]

Banging tune. Nuff said. BTW Django is such a common word these days, what with Django Unchained and all. What is with that? It's like when Deep Impact and Armageddon came out at the same time and I was like 'Why is there all these asteroid movies?' Or maybe not. I just wanted to work in Deep Impact there.

31. THE FRATELLIS

THE FRATELLIS - Chelsea Dagger

[from Costello Music]

This song always reminds me to go and buy stuff from K-Mart after it was used in a TV ad here once. Anyway, the 'bah-dah-dah' chanty hook sold me on first listen and it's been a prime example of Scottish rock since then.

32. PAOLO NUTINI

PAOLO NUTINI - Growing Up Beside You

[from Sunny Side Up]

This song was used in a Purina dog food ad in Australia. It makes me like it even more, and inspires me to own a dog, which I shall investigate once I finish writing fantastic lists such as this.

33. CRAIG ARMSTRONG & ELIZABETH FRASER (COCTEAU TWINS)

CRAIG ARMSTRONG - This Love (Feat. Elizabeth Fraser)

[from Cruel Intentions (Soundtrack)]

Cruel Intentions used this slice of musical goodness for some pivotal sexytime angst scenes. Its a dreamy moody musical number to this day, not to mention an all-star Scottish jam-fest between two obviously talented peeps.

34. THE PROCLAIMERS

THE PROCLAIMERS - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

[from Sunshine on Leith]

No primary school disco was complete without some of this Scottish twin duo action. Together with Agadoo, this song rocked my pre-pubescent socks right off. This album was also one of few cassettes we had on road trips. If it wasn't The Traveling Wilbury's, it was The Proclaimers.

35. SANDI THOM

SANDI THOM - I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair)

[from Smile... It Confuses People]

My dad harped on and on about the various historical inaccuracies this song contains, but apart from that its a particularly catchy little ditty with a killer vocal and stomping beat. Give her a break, Dad.

36. KYLE FALCONER

MARK RONSON - The Bike Song (Feat. Kyle Falconer and Spank Rock)

[from Record Collection]

Although a Mark Ronson song with no vocals would still sound effortlessly smooth, Kyle's vocals really were the cherry on the top of my favourite song about my least favourite mode of transport.

37. WET WET WET

WET WET WET - Love Is All Around

[from Four Weddings and a Funeral (soundtrack)]

I was shocked to discover that Four Weddings And A Funeral was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture. Not as shocked as when junior me found this version of The Trogg's tune on my 'Mega Hits '94' cassette I got from holiday in Thailand 20 years ago. Along with 'The Sign' and 'Baby I Love Your Way', this is quintessentially 1994.

38. SNOW PATROL

SNOW PATROL - Chasing Cars

[from Eyes Open]

Forgetting the sadness that is Grey's Anatomy, this song was pretty remarkable at making my stone-cold black heart feel things. Damn you Snow Patrol, you always do this to me. It's also a very good song to coerce people into laying down with you, just don't do it in the middle of the road, unless you like sporting mufflers or car tyres as the latest season's accessory.

39. COLIN HAY

COLIN HAY - Overkill

[from Scrubs (Soundtrack)]

Another Scottish-Australian on the list and more famous for his time with Men At Work, Colin appeared on Scrubs with this little acoustic slice of heaven.

40. FRANZ FERDINAND

FRANZ FERDINAND - Take Me Out

[from Franz Ferdinand]

My favourite band named after an Archduke of Austria-Este, these Glaswegians really upped the game when they came out of nowhere in 2004 to claim the Hottest 100 countdown. Although, one could argue they peaked too early in their career, much like Mike Myers and Gwyneth Paltrow who coined the phrase 'peak too sooner' in the awful movie View From The Top, which i have of course never seen.

41. LULU

LULU - To Sir With Love

[from To Sir With Love (Soundtrack)]

Forgetting the sappy, manipulative drivel of the Glee cover, this was the original ultimate ode to an inspirational teacher.

42. TRAVIS

TRAVIS - Why Does It Always Rain On Me

[from The Man Who]

If it were to constantly rain on someone, you'd either become a shut-in or carry an umbrella with you at all times, but these dudes felt it necessary to write a song about their perpetual propensity to become stuck under (presumably) avoidable rainclouds. Regardless, its catchier than the chickenpox that my second cousin gave me when we visited England in 2000, just when this song saturated English airwaves. And who didn't lie when they were 17? Don't feel so guilty about it Travis.

43. JIMMY BARNES

JIMMY BARNES - Working Class Man

[from For the Working Class Man]

Another Scottish-born Australian, Jimmy has delighted us for years now with his trademark raspy scream sing/whatever the hell he does. it's just magical. This song was written by the Journey keyboardist, because of course it was! Fun fact, the band his spawn formed were titled the 'Tin Lids', apparently Glaswegian rhyming slang for kids.

44. THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN - April Skies

[from Darklands]

I must admit, I know very little of this band, but they are referenced in Jimmy Eat World's 'The Authority Song' as JMC, which is reason enough to include them on this list.