Ian Rankin is one of the best-known crime-fiction writers of our time — but his musical tastes are a little more mysterious.

Today, as part of our ongoing q playlist series, the Scottish mystery writer joins Shad to reveal the role music has played in his life and work, the song he used to blast in his bedroom, and how punk rock propelled him toward writing.

WEB EXTRA | Here, in the order sampled on air, are Rankin's picks.



Silver Machine by Hawkwind seemed like "science fiction" to Rankin. When he was a child, he says this song transported him out of his coal mine town and transformed him into an imaginary frontman named "Ian Kaput".





Into The Valley by The Skids. Rankin shares stories of his wild-eyed youth, attached to this song.



Exit Wound by Jackie Leven. The Scottish singer-songwriter has a harrowing and remarkable life story - and Rankin connected personally with him.





Dreamer by Supertramp. He won't call it a guilty pleasure. Rankin says Crime of The Century is an underrated album.

