Five of the best: Michael Marra

Hermless:

One of his best known songs, this paean to the life of an ordinary “nobody” has even been mooted as a potential Scottish national anthem.

Hamish the Goalie:

Marra’s tribute to the long-serving United keeper and the night Monaco came to Tannadice with Grace Kelly among the travelling support. Obviously, this was covered by Leo Sayer for McAlpine’s 1983 testimonial.

Beefhearts and Bones:

The heartbreak of a break-up explored by divvying up a record collection: “If you think you’re walking out that door with Loudon Wainwright, you’re wrong”.

Mother Glasgow:

Many of Marra’s best songs refer to his hometown of Dundee, but this became the unofficial anthem of the Empire’s second city. It was covered by both Hue and Cry and Eddie Reader.

Mac Rebennack’s Visit to Blairgowrie:

Marra’s songs often found real figures in incongruous places – Frida Kahlo’s visit to the Tay Bridge Bar being the obvious example – but this tale of Dr John the NightTripper’s performance in Blairgowrie is, allegedly, all true.