The concept behind this collection is simple enough: ask several Scottish poets and authors to write lyrics, and then have those lyrics used, at will, by a Scottish band or musician. The results, on the other hand, are as varied and complex as the styles of music found on this disc. Almost all the artists stick to their chosen musical fields: the Trash Can Sinatras play lilting pop and Alasdair Roberts and the Incredible String Band’s Mike Heron showcase their home country’s fine history of folk music. The real surprises come not only with the rich language that the lyric writers use (especially true of John Burnside’s heartbreaking ode to a “Girl” and the witty wordplay of “A Calvinist Narrowly Avoids Pleasure,” cooked up by Bill Duncan), but also with the bands who are most likely new to American ears. The rattletrap gypsy trio Foxface make a particularly bracing impression with their shuddering use of voice and percussion, as well as the positively heart wrenching voice of folk chanteuse Karine Polwart. This is the best kind of compilation - varied, always interesting, and without a wasted track in the bunch.
~ Bob Ham
