In terms of the outstanding legacy bands that Scotland has produced over the past thirty-odd years, Trashcan Sinatras stands amongst the greats. Always a beacon of witty guitar gems, first amidst an ocean of Britpop and now standard formula “indie rock” bands that place notably less emphasis on melodicism. Always hitting the mark with superb records, they excel at producing heartfelt and memorable sounds of a band comfortable in their own skin.
So it should please many that finally Sinatras’ guitarist / songwriter John Douglas is releasing his debut solo album via Scotland’s Reveal Records. This album, with its elegant and textured work, should also delight fans of such artists as Mark Kozelek, Billy Bragg, Red House Painters and fellow Scottish artist Withered Hand. It also confirms what many of us already know – that Douglas is one of Scotland’s finest songcrafters.
along with a self-filmed nostalgic video for the album’s opening track ‘Lost’. Like the video itself, which allows the viewer to take a trip down memory lane along with Douglas as he reflects on snapshot fragments of his personal past via computer, this album is an intimate snapshot of the talent, charisma and depth of this celebrated Scottish indie songsmith.
This album, simply titled ‘John Douglas’, features new recordings of some of John’s favourite Trashcan Sinatras material, alongside new songs he has written and his own rendition of the Prefab Sprout classic ‘We Let The Stars Go’. Hopefully the first of what we hope will become a series, this recording signifies the start of a new chapter in John Douglas’ creative life as he simultaneously looks back at a lifetime of musical adventures and accolades and moves forwards. Apart from the songs already mentioned above, other standout songs on this album include ‘I Just Want To Go Home’, ‘Weightlifting’, ‘Oranges & Apples’, ‘Leave Me Alone’ and ‘I’m Not the Fella For You’.
The eleven songs on this record were performed solo, recorded live at Kyoti Studio in Glasgow (with no overdubs) by producer Mark Freegard (New Model Army, Lush, The Breeders, Del Amitri, Marillion), who also mixed and mastered the album.
“I’ve often been encouraged by friends over the years to make a solo album, but the timing or inclination didn’t flow. Last year – out of nowhere – everything suddenly felt right and the process was quick and natural. Mark just set the mics up and I played my songs. No other musicians or overdubs. Me and my guitar. That way, I became the songs and they became me. The finished record, though varied in song styles, has a mood to it… it’s warm, thoughtful and quiet.. as I generally aspire to be,” says John Douglas.
About this latest focus track ‘Lost’, he notes, “Hard to be precise about this lyric. It all came to me in one go. Could be about getting lost in the past… letting it take over… I have felt disoriented when I’ve found myself dwelling on the past too much. RD Laing once said “Why let yesterday affect today ?” I know life can be more complex than that phrase allows, but it’s not a bad thought to mull over.”
Hailing from Irvine on Scotland’s west coast, John has a rich history, making music with Trashcan Sinatras for over thirty years. Apart from his role as a songwriter (and guitarist) there, John has been playing live gigs across the UK and Ireland as part of his partner Eddi Reader’s band.
Lately, John Douglas has been performing solo sets at shows with musical friends, such as Norman Blake (Teenage Fanclub), Jill Jackson and James Grant (Love & Money). Whilst visiting Irvine recently, John was invited to guest with Martin McAloon (Prefab Sprout), the two artists having first met in 1990 when the Trashcan Sinatras were touring with Prefab Sprout in support of their album ‘Jordan – The Comeback’.
John Douglas’ album is available on CD and digitally from fine music outlets, including Bandcamp, where supporters can download two exclusive bonus digital tracks (‘Last Orders’ and ‘The Drink’). A more extensive selection of platforms can be found at https://revealrecords.lnk.to/JohnDouglas
CREDITS
Written by John Douglas (1, 2, 4, 6, 11), Trashcan Sinatras (3, 5, 7, 8), Trashcan Sinatras / Dine (9) and Paddy McAloon (10)
All songs published by MCPS/PPL, except Track 10 (published by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)
Recorded, mixed & mastered in Glasgow by Mark Freegard
Photographs taken on the Old Largs Road by Susie Lowe
Cover photo by Janette Ayachi at The Strand Club, Glasgow
Design by Martin Rowsell Simply Marvellous: Music
Thanks to Edna, Charlie, Sam and all my family, all the Trashcan Sinatras, Tom Rose, Boo Hewerdine and Jill Jackson
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
CD – REVEAL195CDX – 7427137071599
Digital Album – REVEAL195DDX – 7427137071605
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