Dropkick find themselves before Judge Bluesbunny for the second time in a fortnight. Accused once more of the offence of daring to play live in a public place, they are joined in the dock tonight by fellow defendants Mr D and the Young Hips. The hearing was held in the court of the 13th Note in Glasgow and all the accused were denied legal representation and had to defend themselves.
First to stand trial are The Young Hips and they prove themselves to be as equally guilty of performing catchy guitar driven pop as Dropkick themselves. Being from the industrial black spot - they used to have jobs there - of Motherwell, they nonetheless do not fall back on the social worker excuse of poor upbringing and indeed successfully attempt to defend themselves with the use of country rock influences in "I Wish I Was" and "The Heart Is Made for Breaking". Calling Neil Young and the Byrds as character references sways the jury and The Young Hips are let off with applause.
The case of Mr D is heard next. In a tactical move, Mr D becomes a four piece band and lodges a special defence of being a bit mellow at the time. Demonstrating that an upbringing based on west coast folk rock does not necessarily lead a man into a life of crime, this band are quickly cleared of all charges of being excessively laidback with their spirited rendition (and a guitar string was actually broken during the giving of evidence) of "I've Been Lookin' Around". A whole lot livelier than their recorded output would suggest, they easily convince the jury that they should be set free to bring tasteful harmonies to the world.
The master criminals (and master popsters too as it turns out) take their place and defend themselves with spirit and style. Their last appearance before the court had been a little over one week ago and it was noted then that they were in danger of being a rather good live band. Purporting to have been at the scene of the crime for the sole reason of promoting their new album "Dot the i", they appear calm and relaxed as they present "Figure It Out" and "Back Door Key" as evidence of their good intentions and character. Combining that with tight harmonies and rock solid rhythms, the jury are soon won over. Such is the power of their legal arguments that even the solemn Judge Bluesbunny ends up singing along. Not content with winning over judge and jury, they produce a special witness (a suitably over the top Colin McArdle from Attic Lights) to show that they can produce songs that anyone can own. They have won their case and manage to get called back for not one but two encores. Remember that this an Edinburgh band performing in Glasgow! Judge Bluesbunny admonishes them and gives them £4 from the court funds to cover their travelling expenses. Long may their lum reek, as they say over in the east coast.