Head of innovative Glasgow labels Shoeshine and Spit & Polish, Francis (Nice Man) Macdonald’s CV includes Alex Chilton, The Pastels, Dan Penn and Jerry Lee Lewis, alongside stints with BMX Bandits and the Fanclub (for whom he still plays live). Sauchiehall & Hope is a love-bitten concept album of sorts, all delicious pop froth and sunny-side-up guitars. “Get That Girl” tips the wink to Big Star, “Mine All Mine” and “Loser” are the Fannies in full summer canter, while Kim Fowley guests on “Heart To Break”. Elsewhere, the choppy “Girl, I’m In Love With You” and bubblegum rock’n’roller “Daydream Girls” ice the cake with panache.
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