In defence…
Lived in Aberdeen city centre for nearly 15 years but have now moved twenty miles North, not because I didn’t like it but because I became an old fart.
I’d say the city iis suffering at the moment from being big enough to have loads of bland, faceless chains open up shops, restaurants and pubs but not being big enough to have a counterculture.
Gig-wise, it doesn’t really have enough mid-sized venues. You either get people like Drake or Noel Gallagher playing the AECC or some really great Scottish bands on their way up playing the Tunnels, Drummonds or Lemon Tree - likes of Pictish Trail, Catholic Action, Pronto Mama, Sacred Paws Not much in between. Still, it suits me - I like the really great Scottish bands on their way up. We also have a superb group of people called Interesting Music Promotions who are responsible for at least 50% of best live music in the city.
As usual, you just have to look for good things, and you don’t have to look very far. But the city is still full of people moaning about nothing coming to it when there are actually loads of things being booked at various venues.
There’s a new record shop called Spin. I like it.
The Moorings got turned into some crap theme bar called Krakatoa. Moshulu has been The Garage for years, but barely ever has bands playing there - just student nights. Dunno if the carpet is still sticky or not.
As for the granite, I’ve never thought it depressing, but there you go.
Dundee is better though.
