The Vaselines - The Way Of The Vaselines (2023 Reissue) The Vaselines

We’re really, really excited to announce The Glasgow School. This is a series of records that will document what we consider to be the most important and best music to come out of our hallowed city over the past sixty years. Each record will be lovingly presented with the care and love that it deserves – each will have unique content. And each will only be available from us. Welcome to The Glasgow School.

For me the most important thing about The Vaselines is that it was based on friendship. Eugene, Frances and I all enjoyed being together and as much as we loved getting drunk, taking acid and going out, there was a creative intent too. As we became friends I learnt that they had a few songs and a rough plan to start a group. I wanted to try to help them on their way as I knew there was something there, something out of the ordinary. They looked incredible together and although their playing wasn’t all that technical I loved it – their voices were magical, especially when they sang together. I hopefully suggested the name, The Vaselines, which they went along with. I booked a studio and roped in my partner, Aggi (Annabel), who was living in Brighton at the time. I remember vividly making that first record, Son Of A Gun, and my happiness in how it came out. I still love what we did – can’t quite believe it actually.

At the time The Vaselines always played with my group, The Pastels – some people were into them but quite a few others were a bit snobby and thought it too basic or transient. I love that so many serious travellers have fallen by the wayside and that in 2023 The Vaselines have this incredible legacy and we can meet up to talk about reissue plans and what’s happening next. With The Vaselines nothing has ever seemed over-complicated, at least from my perspective. It was always spontaneous and fun – either worth doing or not. It was never strategically laid out – the triumph of the magically unplanned career plan.

SP / 2023