The Streets

It’s now seven years since Mike Skinner, aka The Streets released Original Pirate Material – perhaps the one album spawned from the UK garage explosion at the turn of the century that still sounds fresh and exciting today.

The Brixton-based Brummie has since released three more albums—all featuring his unique brand of social commentary, good humour and homemade beats—but none quite matching the sheer inventiveness and sharp patter of his debut. Despite this, Skinner has remained hugely popular, and is firmly established as one of the genuine stars of the UK alternative music scene.

Not for much longer, however. Skinner has publicly declared he is “sick fed up” of The Streets, and intends to make his next album his last.

So if you have yet to sample The Streets' live experience, now is definitely the time. Always an entertaining and engaging performer, Skinner usually reserves his best for Scottish shows.