Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !

I’m not a superstitious person, so even though this show was recorded on Friday 13th I wasn’t scared that anything might go wrong ! My only ‘superstition’ is to never mention the ‘p’ word (as in flat tyre) because I seem to tempt fate every time I do. I made it to and from work on my bike with no mishaps on the day, though I scared the living daylights out of an early morning jogger who displayed latter of the classic “fight, flight or funky” response by doing a hilarious, arms-straight-up-in-the-air, hand-waving, wide-mouthed dance on the spot…. Joggers in the dark wearing dark clothing and listening to iPods really need to be more aware of their surroundings and be more careful.

Phideaux – Little Monster
In honour of the fact that the show was recorded on Friday the 13th, and because there’ll be a TFL interview special with Phideaux talking about his new album ‘The Great Leap‘ soon, I decided to indulge in a relevant track from ‘Fiendish’.
Phideaux’s MySpace
Email Phideaux

The Winston Giles Orchestra – We Wait For Sunrise
After hearing this track on the Well Made Music podcast and feeling very uplifted and upbeat by the time it ended, I knew I had to share the good feelings with my own audience. A great track, with some lovely poetic lines from Australia. Get their new album here if you like what you heard !
The Winston Giles Orchestra’s MySpace
Email The Winston Giles Orchestra

Under Electric Light – Night Out
Another classic 80’s-tinged, New Order-ish slice of synth-pop from TFL’s good friends in Canada, Danny and Matthieu. Taken from their new Blue EP, which you buy via the link on their MySpace page.
Under Electric Light’s MySpace
Email UELThe soundbed was ‘Voix Complicite’ by Nick & Gerald.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Well Made Music – a new podcast playing podsafe ambient, electronic and lounge music from around the world hosted by a fellow Scot name Neil. If you enjoy my soundbeds, chances are you’ll love this. Try it today – it’s now one of my faves !
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – October issue out NOW !

Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

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The Stereomovers have just let me know that their debut EP is now available on iTunes.

Follow this link:

Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !
Recorded in the presence of my very weary legs last Friday, I’m maybe a bit shorter on the usual waffle as I was desperate to go and get my feet up and recover ! One of the lines from the opening song seemed like a suitable title and note of thanks to my wonderful thighs (where on earth is this leading, you may ask ?) in as much as they’d powered me to and from work for four straight days, over 80 miles, against a quite stiff wind and a rapidly tiring body due to lack of sleep !

Stereomovers – Ozean
A sublime, 80’s-tinged piece of pop-rock-electronica from the enigmatic Stereomovers. Whilst they don’t say much about themselves on their site, you can find out more about their everyday lives and adventures at the Stereoblog.
Stereomovers’ MySpace
Email the Stereomovers via their MySpace page

The Kazoo Funk Orchestra – Baby You’ve No Eyes
Madness, Kazoos and catchiness abound in this cross-continent collaboration. If you like the cut of their musical jib, then you’ll find this track and much more of the same on their Midnight Finger Painter CD, all for the princely sum of £3.
The KFO’s MySpace
Email The KFO

The Briganties – The Girl Heaven Sold
Infused with hints of Oasis, The Verve and other bands of their ilk, The Briganties have been receiving airplay on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio Newcastle and other stations. You can see why when you listen to their sound.
The Briganties’ MySpace
Email The Briganties via their MySpace page

The soundbed was ‘We Are Like Crystal’ by Aeryal.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Well Made Music – a new podcast playing podsafe ambient, electronic and lounge music from around the world hosted by a fellow Scot name Neil. If you enjoy my soundbeds, chances are you’ll love this. Try it today – it’s now one of my faves !
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – October issue out NOW !

Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Stereomovers, The Kazoo Funk Orchestra, The Briganties, Aeryal, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, Well Made Music, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !

This is one of those shows that’s been a very, very long time in the making. Two of the tracks have been spinning around my iRiver since 2004/2005, waiting for the right time and the right musical company before they were allowed to make their grand entrance upon the TFL stage.

Well, that time has arrived at long last – well overdue, but well deserved. The tracks you’re about to hear are quirky, weird, strange, off-the-wall, avant-garde, wonky and plain wonderful. Saddle up your sense of humour and get ready for the smile-along ride.

Tally Hall – Banana Man
Quite simply the most catchy tune I’ve ever heard; it’s still going through my head at innoportue moments two years after first hearing it. Anyone who I’ve played it to will testifty that this tune hardwires itself permanently into your neural pathways. There’s also a brilliant self-made video by the band to accompany it. Buy Tally Hall’s album ‘Marvin’s Marvellous Mechanical Museum here.
Tally Hall’s MySpace
Email Tally Hall

Bobtail Yearlings – Willy Cocoa
Just how wrong could I ever be with first impressions ? I didn’t think much of this on the first listen, but a few more confirmed that this is a fine piece of strange poppy folk with weird sped-up voices. Another one that works its way into your consciousness and won;t let go. If you want more, then the band has an 18-track CD available for $11.99. Oh, and Willy Cocoa (for the Scots out there) is not the powdered, sprinkle-on chocolate equivalent of edible underwear, the candy bra or chocolate boobs, OK ?
Bobtail Yearlings’ MySpace
Email Bobtail Yearlings

The Martians – Heaven
First played to me by Ewan Spence of The Podcast Network whilst waiting in Leith FM’s studios for his Fringe Podcast guest to arrive. A true piece of art, especially for lovers of Dr Who and Star Trek by the Edinburgh funsters.
The Martians don’t appear to have a MySpace page
Contact The Martians here or via Ewan Spence

Thumpermonkey – Hitchhikers Might Be Escaping Inmates
Creepy yet quirky, Michael Woodman and the boys will delight and scare you at the same time. This track was taken from their ‘Pigheart’ album, which you can find for sale here along with their other work. Another track which has been too long in coming to Three From Leith – thanks for holding on, Michael !
Thumpermonkey’s MySpace
Email Thumpermonkey

The soundbed was ‘Future Tense’ by Torchomatic.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Quack Media – Al McWilliams gave me permission sooooo long ago to play Tally Hall. Thanks for putting up with the shamefully long wait, Al.
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – October issue out NOW !

Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Tally Hall, Bobtail Yearlings, The Martians, Thumpermonkey, Torchomatic, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, Quack Media, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !
A satisfyingly crunchy, rocky feel permeates the show this week. Although the line up was almost firmed up before I sat down to record, there was a slight change after I received some lovely comments on the Three From Leith MySpace page. Do go along and read them (from Melissa and Trista) and see why they put a smile on my face, warmed the cockles of my heart and put the word “rock” more firmly at the forefront of my thoughts . While you’re there, why not add yourself add a friend (if you’re not already) and leave a comment of your own ? Say hi. Say what you liked. Say what you didn’t like – it’s completely up to you !

Uncle Seth – To Be An Angel
A Rush’n’Police vibe weaves through this track from this fine Toronto band. If you want to get hold of a free copy of the track, visit their site and sign up for their mailing list.
Uncle Seth’s MySpace
Email Uncle Seth

CoPilot Effect – Russian Dolls
Formed from the ashes of the Ocean Floor (featured in show 24), this is a slow, introspective track with great instrumentation (including the violin) that builds to a satisfyingly hard, catchy climax.
CoPilot Effect’s MySpace
Email CoPilot Effect via their MySpace page

The Scottish Enlightenment – Eyes
As mentioned in the show, the band have upcoming gigs as follows: October 14th – Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen; October 16th – Monty’s, Dunfermline; October 19th – Blackfriars, Glasgow; October 20th – Bannermans, Edinburgh as well as their debut single in Jan 2007 and their first album being re-released with extra tracks in February.
The Scottish Enlightenment’s MySpace
Email The Scottish Enlightenment

The soundbed was ‘Asteroid 5656’ by Aeryal.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Top Of The Pods – Peterborough’s finest podcasting duo (and worst singing duet)
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – September issue out NOW !

Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Uncle Seth, CoPilot Effect, The Scottish Enlightenment, Aeryal, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, Top Of The Pods, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !

Don’t ever let your cat eat Blue Stilton; mine raided the kitchen bin through the night and scoffed some that was thrown away. Cleaning up this morning before breakfast was not a pleasant experience, I can tell you…

Thankfully this week’s music is 100% palatable for even the most fussy of hip cats:

The Martial Arts – Summer Tweed
Still doing very well in Sweden and abroad after appearing in show 33, this 4-piece Glasgow outfit deserves much more home support, so visit their site (when it’s up) and say hi. They may also have a link there to buy their new CD, “Your Sinclair”.
The Martial Arts MySpace
Email The Martial Arts

Stavia – Lucky Day
A great voice, an insanely catchy song and a career as a neurosurgeon, Stavia is truly a talented lady. Drift over to her site and make her day lucky by sending her your messages and grabbing a CD or two.
Stavia’s MySpace
Email Stavia

Zoot – Homecoming
One of those demo recordings that grabs me by the unmentionables for a reason I can’t quite fathom. Perhaps it’s happy memories of that raw sound from my teens when I used to tape myself when I played guitar in bands. Whatever it is, this is a great song. Laid back, cool and gripping.
Zoot’s MySpace
Email Zoot via their MySpace page

The soundbed was ‘Perpetual Moves’ by Aeryal.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Top Of The Pods – Peterborough’s finest podcasting duo (and worst singing duet)
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – September issue out NOW !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: The Martial Arts, Stavia, Zoot, Aeryal, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, Top Of The Pods, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !

If you thought that part 1 was chock-full of the best music from the first year of Three From Leith, then prepare yourselves for a bumper 1hr plus show with more of the same ! I suddenly had the hosting space available (thanks, Libsyn !) and I just couldn’t whittle the shortlist down any further than these tracks. There were many more, but I just ran out of space and time – to those who haven’t quite made it in, my apologies. But there’s another year of TFL ahead during which you’ll be heard from again, I’m sure.

Dropkick – Chastity Pyjamas
From show 6

Papermoon – A String Of Blinking Lights
From show 31

The Dead Beat Club – Everything Turns To You
From show 23

Freddy – Let It Go
From show 32

Hungry Lucy – Her Song
From show 15

Sleepthief – Eurydice (featuring Jody Quine)
From show 48

Contramano – Contramano
From show 40

Santa Dog – Belle De Jour
Updated version of that heard on the Santa Dog Tripleshot show

Brought Up On Oysters – Long Ago and Far Away (behind the audio comments)
Fron show 54

Whirl – Palmreader
From show 11

Hollow Horse – Forget The Girl
From show 25

Karma – Tula
From show 25

Id Guinness – The One That Got Away
From show 48

To everyone who took the time and effort to record and send in their audio comments (from the simplest to the most complex and witty) for the anniversary shows, my deepest gratitude. They were all well and truly appreciated !

You’ll find links to the bands’ email addresses, MySpace pages and all the other usual goodies on the shownotes for the shows they were originally played on.

Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Everyone who’s every been involved as an artist, listener or friend of Three From Leith – this one’s for you all again !
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – September issue out NOW !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

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Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !

On the 8th September 2005, a certain Three From Leith podcast was born. One year and countless explanations of the name later, it’s reached its first birthday.

What a year it’s been – I cannot thank the artists, the record labels, the managers, the fans, my fellow podcasters and you – the listeners – enough for making it one of the best years of my life. I’ve made many new friends, seen lots of live gigs and found so much amazing new music I’ve been able to spread and share with you.

To everyone who’s ever listened, emailed, submitted music to, bought music they’ve heard, spread the word about and ultimately enjoyed Three From Leith and the great artists I’ve been allowed to play – THANK YOU ! Without you I’d be simply talking to a wall in the corner of my bedroom here in Leith.

Now, just settle back and prepare to enjoy part 1 of my favourite tracks and moments from the past year !

Hotrod Cadets – My Heart Sinks
From show 1

Eddyfink – In For Me
From show 33

The Hussys – We Expected
From show 28

Opal Sky – Special Suzie
From show 4

Under Electric Light – Never See The Light
From show 12

Phideaux – Never Gonna Go
From show 32

Fourteenhours – She Cried
From show 16

Chocyamo – Bernard Drake
From show 24

You’ll find links to the bands’ email addresses, MySpace pages and all the other usual goodies on the shownotes for the shows they were originally played on.

The soundbed was ‘The Archway at Blenheim’ by Torchomatic.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
Everyone who’s every been involved as an artist, listener or friend of Three From Leith – this one’s for you !
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – September issue out NOW !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Hotrod Cadets, Eddyfink, The Hussys, Opal Sky, Under Electric Light, Phideaux, Fourteenhours, Chocyamo, Torchomatic, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine

Podcast User Magazine issue eight is available now. In this issue we look at:

The Podcast & Portable Media Expo in California, which we are pleased to be attending, why not drop by (booth 622) and say hello. Other features include :

* Podcast Roulette.
* News & views.
* Global Voices of India
* Oomi (find out yourself!)
* What Microphone
* Another Podcast
* Roger Smalls
* Music beds

Be sure to subscribe to the feed to receive each issue as it is released !

Listen here or use the player on the right, though I’d love you to subscribe !

I was a slightly weird teenager (yes, yes… and I know I’m still a weird adult) in that my music of choice was album-length instrumentals. I grew up idolising Mike Oldfield and his incredible multi-instrumental talents, followed later by Jean-Michel Jarre and Tangerine Dream. Only in my later teens did I branch out into progressive rock and then (via many other genres) back into electronic instrumental artists like Enigma and Deep Forest.

It’s with regret that, with very few exceptions over the first year of Three From Leith, I’ve almost ‘demoted’ instrumental artists to being soundbeds to my ramblings. Well, finally I’ve got around to putting things right and this week I celebrate some of the artists that you’ve heard me talk over during many a show as well as some new work from an artist new to Three From Leith. As one of tonight’s artists, Stephen Rafferty mentioned, “It’s great to see someone doing something for modern instrumental music; too often these days it’s a genre that’s completely ignored.” Well, not any more !

Aeryal – Lunar Saga
Miguel Samiez produces some astoundingly beautiful music which (being a fellow Mike fan) has some Oldfieldian touches in it. He has a trio of CDs available to but on his website if this piece and the first soundbed whet your appetite.
Aeryal’s MySpace
Email Aeryal

Torchomatic – Sunlit Harbour
My long-time favourite soundbed music on TFL from Simon Young, who creates some amazing electronic pieces which really set a scene and create the perfect atmosphere. He holds the record of being the most played artist in the show’s history – not bad for someone whose real name I didn’t know until last week !
Torchomatic’s MySpace
Email Torchomatic

Brought Up On Oysters – Long Ago and Far Away
The Scottish Mike Oldfield – golden-age Oldfield-esque musical excellence from Steve. Having just updated all of his recording equipment and spent some time familiarising himself with it, Steve’s now getting to work on an album which will hopefully be released in 2007.
Steve Rafferty’s MySpace
Email Steve via his MySpace page

John Young – Air Miles
Featured now in a number of shows as both a main artist and a soundbed artist, this is a live version of one of John’s ambient instrumental works. He’s got a huge catalogue of CDs to his name and you can find them to buy here.
John Young’s MySpace
Email John

Torchomatic – The Archway at Blenheim

The first anniversary show is next week – why not take your last opportunity to say hello and feature in it by sending an audio clip or using the easy, free and simple Chingo system where all you need to do is speak into your PC’s microphone and let it do the rest ? Just click on the icon below and follow the instructions.

The Scottish Expression is still taking a well-deserved sabbatical. It shall return !
The soundbed was ‘Asteroid 5656’ by Aeryal.
Three From Leith theme-tune by Alex Aitken

Big props given out to:
AMP’ed podcast – subscribe with this feed
Subscribe by RSS Feed to the free www.podcastusermagazine.com – September issue out soon !


Thank you for continuing to support the independent artists in 2006 by listening, feeding back and buying their music.

Technorati Tags: Stephen Rafferty, Aeryal, Torchomatic, Simon Young, Brought Up On Oysters, Mike Oldfield, John Young, Chingo, Scottish, Aeryal, Three From Leith, computermusictutorials, AMP’ed, podcast, podcastusermagazine