For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer and journalist Penny Kiley about her new book Atypical Girl: Punk Rock, Liverpool, and Trying to be Normal which is published by Polygon Books.
Penny talks about why now for this book, her formative years in Liverpool, being in the right place and the right time, the local music scene in the late-'70s and into the 1980s, the importance of the legendary club Eric's, and some of those musicians (famous & less so) who kicked off their careers there.
The two then discuss all things Punk and Post-Punk, with a focus on the varied and vital music which came from that time and place, and what made it stand apart.
Penny also explains how she came to write for the Melody Maker, recounts her experiences as a music journalist, reflects on what she has learned from writing the book, and relates why her autism diagnosis in 2018 put her previous life into a different perspective, and simply made sense.
As you'll hear, this was a bit of a fanboy experience for Ali as he got to talk to a writer from his favourite music publication, and all about one of the most interesting and inventive times and places in musical history. If you feel similar in any way, this episode is a must.
For full details, including all the ways to listen, head over to scotswhayhae.com