This week Tom had Scottish author Irvine Welsh ‘Back to Mine’.  Irvine burst on to the literary scene in 1993 with his debut novel Trainspotting, which of course was later made into a critically acclaimed film.  

Irvine told Tom how he’s drawn on his new home Miami for the inspiration behind his new novel, The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins.

He’s famous for his gritty and controversial writing, so we were surprised by his love for disco music.

‘I would go out to a gig on a Friday night with my mates, all punked up.  Then on Saturday I’d sneak off guiltily, get my disco togs on, and try and pull girls at the club.’

‘I’ve always been interested in dichotomy’ he says.  ‘The new book is about the false dichotomy between sport and art - and I’ve always liked them both.  It’s the same thing with disco and punk.  I hated all the sectarianism in youth culture.’  

You can listen to the full interview here.

Irvine’s Back to Mine Music Choices

Bee Gee’s - Staying Alive

Irvine said….

'The two great films of my youth are Enter the Dragon and Saturday Night Fever. That opening scene in Saturday night Fever where John Travolta is walking the streets of New York is one of the best opening scenes ever, and one of the best uses of music ever in a movie.

Chic - Good Times

Irvine said….

‘Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards are just the most incredible combination of songwriters.  There’s been the recent stuff with Daft Punk but they’ve had this incredible influence in dance and house music that’s never really been away.  Also, when you go into a club and you hear Chic playing - you know you’re in a really good place.’ 

Donna Summer - McArthur Park

Irvine said...

‘How can you not love a song about someone leaving a cake out in the rain?  I’ve always loved these big songs like Bohemian Rhapsody or Vienna.  This song is like that.  It’s a big, epic, mad, camp number...’