Hundreds snap up new View album

The two-year wait for a new album by Dundee band The View came to an end today, as hundreds of their hometown fans braved the appalling weather to grab a copy (writes David Clegg, Grapevine writer).

The Dryburgh lads’ second LP, Which Bitch?, has received strong reviews and seemed to be getting a similar reaction from the public today, as it went on sale at record stores across the city.
Recorded at Monnow Valley studios in Wales last summer, the album was produced by Owen Morris.

It boasts 14 new tracks, including the singles 5Rebbecca’s and Shock Horror.

Whether the album will match the UK-wide sales of debut Hats Off to the Buskers — which went straight in at number one — it is clear Which Bitch? has been popular with the band’s Dundee fan base.

Music retailers across the city reported strong sales, with Derek Regan, manager of HMV in the Murraygate, saying it had been flying off the shelves.

“The album will do really well across all HMV stores this week, but particularly in Scotland and, of course, in Dundee, where it’s already our best seller,” he said.

“I’m really pleased with how sales are going given the adverse weather conditions — it shows just how popular the band is.

“Nationally, it’s likely to vie with Bruce Springsteen — the current UK number one — for the top spot in the official charts, but it’ll win hands down in Scotland as the biggest seller of the week.

“We’re seeing a lot of local demand for it, and we’re already having to re-order the vinyl version, which is selling fast.

“We also have some Which Bitch? button badges that we’re giving away with purchases, but they’re also going fast.”

The band — Kyle Falconer, Kieren Webster, Pete Reilly and Steven Morrison — are due to return to their home town for a sell-out show at the Caird Hall on February 13.

The Evening Telegraph, 2nd February 2009