Nicola Paul

The Courteeners - Falcon

17 Feb 2010

(A&M Records) The second album from The Courteeners proves that this Manchester band aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. Openly describing themselves as a mix of Morrissey, Elbow and The Verve, these musical patrons clearly hold…

Massive Attack - Heligoland

27 Jan 2010

(Virgin) Massive Attack have been in the studio for an age with this album, leaving fans restless and critics wondering if they had given up. The result is Heligoland, only ten tracks long but still hard-hitting with an enviable guest list. Damon…

Hot Chip - One Life Stand

27 Jan 2010

(Parlophone) Electro-poppers Hot Chip have gone soft. Their fourth album, aptly released just in time for Valentine’s Day, is all about love and meeting that special someone (hence the punning title). It looks like the boys have grown up and are keen…

Glasgow's Revitalised East End

Nicola Paul discovers the area's new lease of cultural life

2 Oct 2009

Once a major industrial centre, Glasgow’s East End has long been associated with deprivation. Now, thanks to a cultural boom, the East End is giving the other parts of the city a run for their money. The area is home to some long-standing Glaswegian…

Hear this! - Upcoming gigs and albums Autumn 2009

10 Sep 2009

SEPTEMBER 14 Sep Jay-Z The Blueprint 3 After ‘retirement’, Glastonbury and gigs converting Coldplay fans to the joys of rap music, his masterful album trilogy is now complete. 14 Sep Muse The Resistance The band’s fifth album, it’s tinged…

Visual Art highlights in Edinburgh and Glasgow

10 Sep 2009

Glasgow is known for its dynamic contemporary art scene, and there is no shortage of galleries to suit every taste and curiosity. Opening in September this year, Trongate 103, the new über art complex in the Merchant City, will provide a home to the…

Vintage clothes shopping in Glasgow and Edinburgh

10 Sep 2009

It's always slightly embarrassing when someone compliments you on your jacket and asks where it's from, and you find yourself replying with ‘Actually, it cost a tenner from Primark’, only to then spot two others across the bar wearing the very same one.

Budget student supplies - Bang for your buck

10 Sep 2009

That student loan never goes quite as far as it should, does it? But a bit of savvy shopping on student essentials means all the more cash to spend on nights out. Follow our budget tips to gear yourself up for the new term. It will probably only take…

Film highlights 2009–2010

10 Sep 2009

Goodbye summer shoes, hello autumn jumper. As the nights lengthen and the temperatures drop, you can almost smell that popcorn luring you in out of the cold to take up a comfy seat in a warm, dark cinema. As luck would have it, Edinburgh and Glasgow are…

Amazing Baby - Captain’s Rest, Glasgow, Tue 1 Sep 2009

3 Sep 2009

Much hype has been touted about Brooklyn boys Amazing Baby being the next MGMT – they graduated from the same school, supported them on their last tour, apparently sound the same. This gig might have been the chance to see the Next Big Thing.

Jamie T - Kings and Queens

3 Sep 2009

(Virgin Records) Following up a Mercury-nominated debut was always going to be difficult. Yet two-and-a-half years later Jamie Treays has managed to polish up his act with a more mature, sharper sound, while still remaining true to his gutter poet…