Findlay Napier moved from his childhood home of Grantown-on Spey to the city of his birth, twenty years ago.  His latest release, Glasgow, pays tribute to the place which has become home.  With its mix of finely crafted originals and astutely chosen cover songs Napier has managed to capture the timeless essence of one of the world’s great Cities.

The opening track, ‘Young Goths in the Necropolis’ is the perfect introduction to Napier’s slightly skewed storytelling style. Opening with an affectionate nod towards the ‘weirdo’s’ who hang about Glasgow’s own city of the dead, the vivid imagery will stay with you long after the song has ended.

It’s a strong start and what follows does not disappoint. Whether it is tales of the homeless (Wire Burners) or poignant stories of days gone by at the dancing (The Locarno, Sauchiehall Street 1928), Glasgow repeatedly hits the mark.  On ‘There’s More to Building Ships’ Napier reminds us of the human cost behind the romantic images of long gone ships being launched on to the Clyde.  The singers carefully controlled anger makes it all the more powerful.

No album about Glasgow would be complete without a healthy dose of humour and Napier’s cover of Michael Marra’s ‘King Kong’s Visit to Glasgow’ provides plenty. The final track, ‘Blue Lagoon’ is a love song set in the city centre chippy of that name. If you are going to fall in love in Glasgow I really couldn’t think of a more perfect place.

Glasgow is available to buy here and at all the usual outlets.

For more info visit www.findlaynapier.com