Glasvegas

Last week I mentioned that Ferraby Lionheart's "A Crack In Time" was my "favorite tune of the summer thus far". Apparently the key phrase there was "thus far" as just today I've wandered across my new favorite tune -- Glasvegas's amazing "The Prettiest Thing On Saltcoats Beach".

20+ years ago, The Jesus And Mary Chain stormed out of the Glasgow Scotland area hijacking The Ronettes and 50s rock'n'roll (Don't believe me? Cue "Just Like Honey"). They chopped it up and reformed it into a complete masterpiece.

Glasvegas have stolen similar influences, added the JAMC to the mix, and managed to somehow persistently recreate the vibe of Danny & The Juniors' "At The Hop" but by using mountains of reverb and yet another Mo Tucker on drums. In other words, quality rockabilly that takes some leftfield turns and isn't nearly as obvious as you've gotten used to.

None of which in my opinion prepares you for "Saltcoats Beach", the ballad of a white Glaswegian gangster falling in love on a Scottish beach. This song shines will all the brilliance of Quadrophenia, The Commitments, Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Eddie Cochran. I love it and I wish I could actually download it somewhere. Unfortunately, the band's first single won't be out until October on WakS Records. In the meantime, you will have to rely on the band's myspace page and very cool website jukebox to hear it. Enjoy.

Website | Myspace