Edinburgh songbook: 11 of the best songs by Edinburgh bands and artists from Callum Beattie to Pilot
By Neil Johnstone
Published 22nd Sep 2023, 13:58 BST
Updated 22nd Sep 2023, 13:58 BST
There are some big hits by bands and artists from Edinburgh
There are many famous faces who hailed from Edinburgh – from everyone’s favourite 007 actor Sean Connery to great writers like Muriel Spark and Sir Walter Scott.
And when it comes to music, Edinburgh has produced some brilliant bands and artists known the world over. We asked our readers to tell us the best song by an Edinburgh band or artist, and there were hundreds of suggestions.
From football anthems and thumping floor fillers to songs that reflect a sombre depiction of the Capital – here are 11 songs by Edinburgh artists that our readers said were the very best.
From football anthems and thumping floor fillers to songs that reflect a sombre depiction of the Capital – here are 11 songs by Edinburgh artists that our readers said were the very best.
5. Top of the Pops
Released in 1978 by Edinburgh/Fife punk band The Rezillos, Top of the Pops is a light hearted, slightly cynical look at the commercial aspect to the music business. After initially hearing about the excitement to get exposure the band later sing ‘there's one, born every day, sing song, then fade away, ding dong, what's the future in the pop music industry?’ Photo: Man Alive! flickr Photo: Man Alive! flickr
Once described as ‘an urban dance-pop mini-epic,’ the gritty dance track from 1999 sees sisters, Sylvia and Gina Rae, describe high rise life in Edinburgh. Packed with memorable lyrics including ‘you live in high rise town, head in the clouds – still climbing’ and ‘the lifts no workin and the stair are keeping me down’ the 90s hit by The Lanterns derives a listen if you haven’t heard it. Photo: kaysgeog, flickr Photo: kaysgeog, flickr
Forming a band in school, Edinburgh indie rock group, Vistas, released their second single Retrospect in 2018. The fast paced electro pop hit explores the idea of finding ‘happiness in retrospect’. The song was also featured on Netflix show, Heartstopper. Photo: Erick Almeida, Wikimedia commons
Arguably The Proclaimers signature tune, this 1988 belter is a little bit of everything: a memoir, a ballad, a football anthem and a love song to Scotland. An Easter Road favourite, Sunshine on Leith was voted the UK's favourite football anthem by Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 631-08-2022. Photo: Michael Gillen Photo: Michael Gillen
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