Hit songwriter and Scotland’s Greatest Album judge John McLaughlin has revealed his thoughts on the public’s selected final 12 songs – and he believes there’s some real shocks in the songs that have been left out. (Hear John and the panel talk about the Bay City Rollers in the video above.)
The five-part show managed to cover the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s, with the panel selecting a shortlist of 15 tracks from each decade. The public then chose three tracks from each, and last night’s final episode revealed their selection.
John, who’s written songs for the likes of Westlife and Busted, has think there’s some amazing omissions in the final 12 tracks.
Of the 70s, he said: “"I can't believe the Bay City Rollers aren't in there! Surely they summed up Scottish music in 70s but were also a massive part of pop music, paving the way for boy bands. I'm shocked. Plus they're one of my favourite bands, I'm gutted they're not in the final album.
“I would have liked The Skids in there to represent punk rock, which was a big influence on me. I was hoping people like me would be voting for the Skids."
The 80s fared slightly better, though John admitted: “I'm surprised, I thought Simple Minds would have made it what with their massive world wide following."
And there were more shocks to follow for the 90s. He explained: "I'm really surprised that Texas didn't make it.
“Sharleen Spiterri is an amazing songwriter, and they constantly produced great records. I thought this was a stick on.
"The same goes for Primal Scream - I thought they would have been in there, they're a seminal band producing a constant quality of classic rock n roll."
"I am pleased 500 Miles made it in there, along with The Waterboys and Frankie Miller."
So the 00s were better surely? Apparently not! John exclaimed: "I'm gutted with the results of this decade! I needed to have a lie down when I saw that Glasvegas weren't in there."
"I'm glad Paulo Nutini is in there though, he's one of the greatest ever writers and will continue to be for years and years to come. But where is Biffy Clyro and The Fratellis?"
Talking about the overall results, John still seemed a bit shellshocked – and admitted one of the panel’s most controversial omissions rankled with him.
He said: "I'm really surprised at a lot of the final songs.
“I definitely did want the Wets on there. I remember as a whippersnapper watching the Wets doing their first ever TV performance on The Old Grey Whistle Test.
“I think it gave you hope and spurred you on, seeing guys like that on the TV, it made you think you can still get a result. They had a big effect on me, I got to know the boys and will still be flying the flag for them if we do another series.
"Congratulations to STV and the team on a brilliant show."
- Remember you can find out the final 12 tracks, buy the album, catch-up with the show, find loads of great interviews and performances with shortlisted artists, and watch the panel’s full discussions over at stv.tv/scotlandsgreatestalbum.
WHAT THE OTHER JUDGES THOUGHT
- Scotland's Greatest Album: exclusive Geoff Ellis interview
- Steve McKenna: I know how to fix Scotland’s Greatest Album
- Joan McAlpine: Scotland’s Greatest Album arguments still more friendly than politics
- Pat Nevin: public made great choice with Scotland’s Greatest Album
