Blue Plate Special: Idlewild
Idlewild is a Scottish rock band formed in Edinburgh in 1995, known for their evolution from a raw, punk-influenced indie rock sound to a more melodic and expansive style. Initially gaining attention for their chaotic energy—described by NME as “the sound of a flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs”—they broke through with albums like 100 Broken Windows (2000) and The Remote Part (2002), which blended anthemic rock with introspective lyricism. Over the years, the band has undergone several lineup changes, with lead vocalist Roddy Woomble, guitarist Rod Jones, and drummer Colin Newton remaining at the core. Idlewild’s sound has continued to develop, incorporating folk and alternative rock elements, as seen in albums like Warnings/Promises (2005) and Everything Ever Written (2015).
I came across the band around 2001 while searching the bins at the local record store, purchasing 100 Broken Windows because they shared the name (different spelling) with a friend’s band in the Sacramento area. That album quickly became an all-time favorite, and got me listening to much of the post-punk/emo scene of the late 90’s and early 2000’s with bands like Sunny Day Real Estate, The Anniversary, The New Pornographers, The Get Up Kids, and Death Cab For Cutie. Idlewild are one of those bands where every song is amazing, from the beginning of the album to the end.
Following a hiatus in 2010, Idlewild reunited in 2013, reaffirming their place as one of Scotland’s most enduring and influential rock bands. Their ninth studio album, Interview Music (2019), showcased their continued willingness to experiment while staying true to their roots. Throughout their career, Idlewild has maintained a strong connection with their fanbase, often engaging in intimate anniversary shows and retrospective projects, such as Woomble’s book In the Beginning There Were Answers: 25 Years of Idlewild. As they move forward, the band remains a vital force in British rock, blending poetic lyricism with dynamic musicianship, and continuing to shape the alternative music landscape.
Some of my favorites from their catalog:
Little Discourage – from the album 100 Broken Windows (2000)
Readers & Writers – from the album Post Electric Blues (2009)
You Held the World In Your Arms – from the album The Remote Part (2002)
Roseability – from the album 100 Broken Windows (2000)
I Was Made to Think It – from the compilation A Distant History: Rarities 1997-2007 (2007)
No Emotion – from the album Make Another World (2007)
Dream Variations – from the album Interview Music (2019)
Love Steals Us from Loneliness – from the album Warnings/Promises (2005)
Idea Track – from the album 100 Broken Windows (2000)
When I Argue I See Shapes – from the album Hope is Important (1998)
Out of Routine – from the album The Remote Part (2002)
