Apologies for the late appearance of this week’s list. In the hectic, slightly delirious chaos of the Edinburgh Fringe — three of us darting between venues, scribbling notes in cafés, and trying to keep our heads above the tidal wave of shows — this one slipped past us. August always feels like running a marathon with a notebook, but we’re here now, and the music is worth the wait. And, in our defence the list was put up in timely fashion on Facebook and we did a Fringe special inspired by the great, foot-stomping Rockbeth.
Last week we joked about shops quietly replacing summer stock with woolly jumpers. Since then, Home Bargains has gone one better and unveiled a full aisle of autumn decorations. At this rate, Christmas might appear before we’ve even finished reviewing the Fringe. Place your bets.
A long‑time reader also reminded us that the 22nd of last month marked the 80th anniversary of the bombing of the King David Hotel in Jerusalem — a grim, complicated moment in the history of the British Mandate. Ninety‑one people were killed, dozens more injured, and the man behind the attack, Menachem Begin, would later become Prime Minister of Israel. History rarely behaves the way you expect it to.
Enough darkness. Time for the music to lift the mood — and this week’s selection is a proper mixed bag.
Ambrose Slade – “Wild Winds Are Blowing”
Before Slade became the glitter‑soaked giants of Glam, they were Ambrose Slade: a sharp, skinhead‑leaning outfit with a raw edge. “Wild Winds Are Blowing” came out in October 1969, written by Bob Saker and Jack Winsley. It didn’t chart, but it’s a fascinating glimpse of the band before fame reshaped them.
Artillery – “In Your Mind”
From early English skinheads to Danish thrash metal. Artillery formed in the early ’80s and have refused to slow down. “In Your Mind,” from their 2021 album X, shows exactly why they’ve endured — tight riffs, muscular rhythm, and a band still hungry after four decades.
The Casuals – “Jesamine”
A complete change of pace. “Jesamine” is one of those late‑’60s pop gems that seems to float rather than play — wistful, melodic, and beautifully arranged. It’s the sort of song that reminds you how much craft went into the era’s quieter hits.
Ella Langley – “Hungover”
A modern slice of country with a smoky, lived‑in feel. Ella Langley has a knack for making heartbreak sound conversational rather than theatrical, and “Hungover” is one of her strongest examples.
Kelly Llorenna – “Tell It To My Heart”
Kelly Llorenna’s take on the Taylor Dayne classic is pure ’90s/early‑2000s dancefloor nostalgia — bright, bold, and built to get people moving.
M People – “Search for the Hero”
A song that’s become part of Britain’s cultural wallpaper. Heather Small’s voice carries the whole thing with that unmistakable warmth and determination.
Sarah McLachlan – “Answer”
McLachlan specialises in quiet emotional devastation, and “Answer” is one of her most delicate pieces — introspective, steady, and beautifully phrased.
Peter & The Test Tube Babies – “The Jynx ” (Live)
Back to England and into punk. Peter & The Test Tube Babies were fixtures of the late ’70s scene, known for humour, chaos, and a refusal to take themselves too seriously. “The Jynx” live is exactly what you’d expect: scruffy, energetic, and oddly charming.
Olivia Rodrigo – “Drop Dead”
Rodrigo’s knack for blending pop hooks with punkish bite is on full display here. “Drop Dead” is sharp, theatrical, and full of the emotional whiplash she’s built her career on.
Retaliator – “Green, Green Grass of Home”
An Oi‑infused take on a classic. Retaliator’s version is loud, proud, and guaranteed to get a crowd roaring along.
Sandie Shaw – “Sympathy For The Devil”
A fascinating cover — Shaw’s voice brings a different kind of cool detachment to the Stones’ classic. It’s always interesting hearing a familiar song refracted through a completely different performer.
Sweet – “Blockbuster”
A Glam anthem from the early ’70s, complete with its famous siren. Sweet were masters of theatrical pop, and “Blockbuster” remains one of their most recognisable hits.
We’ll be taking a short break next week — Fringe duties are relentless — so if all goes well, the next list will appear on Wednesday the 19th.
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