Glasgow’s impact on music is a global affair. Nascent musicians have been plucked from the embrace of the city and scattered to other places around the world, finding their voice along the way.
Songwriters from other towns and cities have had their music informed by interactions with the local scene. Then there is a litany of bands originating in places with Glasgow postcodes that have been absorbed into the city’s cultural sphere of influence.
We previously brought you the best albums from Glasgow, a list of records where the definition of a Glasgow musician had fairly narrow geographical parameters. It still managed to include Mogwai, Deacon Blue and The Bluebells - three bands imprinted on Glasgow’s music scene but with members from beyond the confines of the city.
There was an immediate outcry from readers: Demands for recognition of the bands they associate with Glasgow, excluded because they are actually from Paisley, Coatbridge or East Kilbride.
Are any of these albums from Glasgow? The echoes of the city you hear in the music and how songs have become local anthems are more important than the distance from the Barrowland Ballroom they were born or what bus they got home.
So here’s 20 Glasgow albums that stretch that connection to Glasgow to its furthest limits. It makes for an impressive, varied playlist and a source of local pride.
9. BMX Bandits: Life Goes On
BMX Bandits were formed in Bellshill by songwriter and lead vocalist Duglas T. Stewart. Many notable independent Glasgow musicians have passed through the band over the years continue to contribute to BMX Bandits recordings. | BMX Bandits
10. Frightened Rabbit: Painting of a Panic Attack
Although formed in Selkirk near the Scottish borders, from 2004 onwards Frightened Rabbit were based in Glasgow. This was the bands final album and contained the tunes ‘Get Out’ and ‘Woke Up Hurting’. | Frightened Rabbit
11. Stealers Wheel: Stealers Wheel
The band was powered by the songwriting of Paisley’s Gerry Rafferty who had previously partnered with Billy Connolly in The Humblebums and maintained a connection to the Glasgow folk scene through The Scotia bar.
12. The Snuts: W.L.
The Snuts first ever single was the demo track Glasgow and although they come from West Lothian, the city has played a big part in their career so far. | The Snuts