The London Live 8 concert opened with Paul McCartney and U2. The Edinburgh one had two geeky twins with glasses, plain shirts and acoustic guitars. There's a strong case to be made that the Scots got the better deal. Craig and Charlie Reid are never going to be cool, but there's more soul in just one of their rousing folk-rock songs than you'll find in this week's entire Top 40. Their sixth studio album finds them in top form, belting out wistful reflections on all the big issues - women, football and Scottish nationalism - in interwoven voices that'll never lose their unmistakable Leith accents. Like most Proclaimers records it's a bit rough around the edges, but that hardly matters when it's carried off with such obvious passion and commitment.Proof positive that the Braveheart spirit is alive and well.

Your Comments

No comments have been posted for this article yet. Be the first!