I was at a loss to decide on a theme for our late autumn soiree. It’s too early for Christmas music (yes, really)but the autumn is definitely turning into winter. I decided to ask my fellow partygoers for some inspiration… They didn’t let me down.
The 14 November turned out to be more interesting than I had initially thought. Not only was it the anniversary of the invention of the Hole Punch, it was also the anniversary of Robert the Bruce of Scotland’s defeat of King Edward II at the Battle of Old Byland, forcing Edward to accept Scottish independence! There was also felt to be quite a lot going on generally, with the unfolding/unravelling of the American election and general wreckless disregard for the rule of law by the leaders of the UK and the US.
All four topics were brilliant: The Stationery Cupboard (which was thrown down as a challenge and is a personal favourite which I hope to pick up in the future), Scottish Independent Bands and Record Labels, America and Crime and Lawlessness. In the end I decided to mash them together and came up with Crimes against Stationery in the American office of Scottish Independents. I think it was inspirational and I had about seven hours worth of class tracks BEFORE any requests came in!
I’m still not sure why disco classic Yes Sir I Can Boogie by Baccara has become an unofficial Scottish National Anthem though even though I am assured it is!
- Gay Against You – Hello
- Múm – The Ballad of the Broken String
- Glenn Miller – American Patrol (Remastered)
- Ivor Cutler – A Hole In My Toe
- Penguin Cafe Orchestra – Telephone And Rubber Band
- This Mortal Coil – Song To The Siren
- David Bowie & Pat Metheny Group – This Is Not America
- U-Roy – Rule The Nation
- Big George – Handbags and Gladrags
- Karen O & Willie Nelson – “Under Pressure”
- Carmen Miranda – Disseram Que Voltei Americanisada
- Ella Fitzgerald – Bidin’ My Time
- Magnetic Fields – Reno Dakota
- Nina Simone – Mississippi Goddam
- The Steve Miller Band – Take The Money And Run
- Arctic Monkeys – Riot Van
- Detroit Spinners – The Rubberband Man (Single Version)
- Middle Of The Road – The Talk Of All The U.S.A.
- Kylie Minogue – Where The Wild Roses Grow
- Jackson Sisters – I Believe In Miracles
- Strawberry Switchblade – Since Yesterday
- DOLLY PARTON – 9 to 5
- The Staple Singers – Respect Yourself
- The Pioneers – Black And White
- Pussycat – Mississippi
- Client – Zerox Machine
- Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal
- The Adverts – Gary Gilmore’s Eyes
- M.I.A. – Paper Planes (All I Wanna Do Is `Bang Bang´And Take Your Money)
- Modified Toy Orchestra – Pocket Calculator
- Erasure – Drama!
- Don McLean – American Pie
- Elvis Costello & The Attractions – Everyday I Write The Book
- Scissor Sisters – I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’
- Kool & The Gang – Celebration
- The Beatles – Paperback Writer
- Josef K – Sorry For Laughing
- Orange Juice – I Can’t Help Myself
- The Four Tops – Loco in Acapulco
- Paolo Nutini – Pencil Full of Lead
- Beck – Loser
- Calexico & Jim James – Goin’ to Acapulco
- ABBA – Take A Chance On Me
- Chairmen Of The Board – (You Got Me) Danglin’ on a String
- Average White Band – Pick Up The Pieces
- Echo & The Bunnymen – The Cutter
- Alice Cooper – Elected (Single Version)
- Blondie – Picture This
- Violent Femmes – American Music
- The Sugarhill Gang – Rapper’s Delight (Single Version)
- Beastie Boys – No Sleep Till Brooklyn
- Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music
- Tears For Fears – Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- The Proclaimers – Letter From America
- Baccara – Yes Sir, I Can Boogie
- Shakespear’s Sister – You’re History
- Muse – Plug In Baby
- Renegade Soundwave – Probably a Robbery
- The Clash – I Fought The Law
- Prince Buster & The All Stars – Al Capone
- Fun Lovin’ Criminals – Scooby Snacks
- The LaFontaines – King
- Aztec Camera – Oblivious
- Edwyn Collins – A Girl Like You
- Cher – Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves
- The Jesus & Mary Chain – Some Candy Talking
- Big Country – Wonderland
- Bonnie Tyler – Holding Out For A Hero
- The Smiths – Panic
Club 30-80 