Britpop

Ahoy

I was just the right age to be caught up in the Britpop scene and despite the myriad criticisms leveled at the bands, the music and the hype over the years I still have nothing but happy memories of it all.

Blur at the Ally Pally with Supergrass, Corduroy and Pulp.

Grabbing a kiss from Justine Frischmann when Elastica played in a tiny venue in Glasgow.

A blue vinyl 7" single bought on The Bluetones first tour.

Heady nights at Blow-Up.

Suited and booted at The Egg in Edinburgh.

Starting my own band (miserable Smiths/Suede copyists with a naff/natty name!).

That band supporting Johnny Panic with Alain Whyte.

Siding with Blur over Oasis.

Sharp suits and sharper shoes.

Morrissey reigning supreme as Godfather of the whole sorry scene.

Buying two copies of the debut Menswe@r single because I thought it was going to be collectable...I'm not making this up!

Following Gene on tour.

In honor of the Britpop years I give you my very own "British Image No. 1" compilation...

Girl VII - Saint Etienne (Foxbase Alpha)

Animal Nitrate - Suede (Suede)

For Tomorrow - Blur (Modern Life is Rubbish)

Annie - Elastica (Elastica)

Some Might Say - Oasis (Definitely Maybe)

Daydreamer - Menswe@r (Nuisance)

London Girls - Stephen Duffy (Duffy)

Something 4 The Weekend - SFA (Fuzzy Logic)

I Saw The Glitter on Your Face - Denim (Back in Denim)

Junk Shop Clothes - The Auteurs (New Wave)

There She Goes - The LA's (The LA's)

How Does it Feel to Feel - Ride (Carnival of Light)

Sunflower - Paul Weller (Wild Wood)

He Doesn't Love You Like I Do - Nick Heyward (From Monday to Sunday)

Speeeed King - These Animal Men (Come On Join The High Society)

Forever J - Terry Hall (Home)

This Music Won't Take You Higher - Edwyn Collins (Gorgeous George)

Ten Storey Love Song - Stone Roses (The Second Coming)

Girl A, Girl B, Boy C - My Life Story (Mornington Crescent)

It's Lulu - Boo Radleys (Wake Up!)

Olympian - Gene (Olympian)

Time - Supergrass (I Should Coco)

Just Lookin' - The Charlatans (The Charlatans)

Insomniac - Echobelly (Everyones Got One)

Carnt Be Trusted - The Bluetones (Expecting to Fly)

Chasing Rainbows - Shed Seven (Let it Ride)

Yes - McAlmont and Butler (The Sound of McAlmont and Butler)

Becoming More Like Alfie - Divine Comedy (Casanova)

You've Got it Bad - Ocean Colour Scene (Moseley Shoals)

Grateful When You're Dead - Kula Shaker (K)

Come Together - Spiritualized (Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space)

Love is the Law - Seahorses (Do it Yourself)

Road Rage - Catatonia (International Velvet)

All You Good Good People - Embrace (The Good Will Out)

Cocaine Socialism - Pulp (This is Hardcore)

Famous - Thurman (Lux)

Feel free to tell me how awful some of these records/bands are...or how wonderful they are...add other bands...suggest other tracks...

PubicEnema
 
Terry Hall, Stephen Duffy and Nick Hayward weren't in a part of Britpop.

Also LA's were already disbanded when the single was used for an ad or film soundtrack.

Very few people think Spiritualized and Charlatans as Britpop.
 
Stephen Duffy and Nick Heyward both released albums at the height of Britpop and both albums had a distinctly "Britpop" flavour to them...I would imagine both tracks I included can be found on youTube so that you can get the idea. While both men have careers that stretch way before and beyond that scene they did release music that was part of it.

Sorry.

Terry Hall is an interesting one...like Morrissey he was viewed VERY fondly by those of us who were part of things. His music at that time wasn't as obviously "Britpop" but I included him because I loved the album love him and he was a key influence on ALL of the bands who were part of the scene.

Sorry.

"There She Goes" was played in every Britpop club, in every town, every single week...OK, they had long given up the ghost but the sound, the stubborn revivalism were all very influential on what came between '92 and '98.

Sorry.

"Ladies and Gentlemen..." was a very important album during the Britpop years; I bought it on the same day as I bought "When I Was Born For the Seventh Time" by Cornershop (who I should have included). The use of brass and choirs across that album was a big influence on many acts at that time and it was a part of my Britpop experience.

Sorry.

The Charlatans just were Britpop. Like Blur they had come out of the baggy/madchester scene, grown, developed and become integral to the revival of interest in British bands in the wake of the dire grunge scene.

Sorry.

I guess it's all about definitions...but as someone who was there (in London, in Edinburgh, in Glasgow, as a fan and as a budding musician) the whole scene stretched way beyond the narrow definition that so many people have. Chemical Brothers, Faithless, Portishead, Tricky and other non guitar bands were all part of the soundtrack of the time too as were the likes of S*M*A*S*H and Blessed Ethel...dance, punk, soul, pop; Britpop was a lot more than just Menswe@r and Sleeper.
 
The Stephen Duffy song, 'London Girls', is specifically about the Britpop scene.

Many pop songs are about social commentary, Duffy was simply observing what was going on.

I actually don't recall this particular song, must be one of his weakest efforts.
 
Many pop songs are about social commentary, Duffy was simply observing what was going on.

I actually don't recall this particular song, must be one of his weakest efforts.

It is Kewpie.

Many of the songs on my flawed list are far from "winners" but they all highlight what was going on during a fairly unique period in British pop music and popular culture.
 
Nice reminiscing, PE. The mid-90s was a great time for pop music (regardless of how Britpop is defined).
There were a lot of new bands that came to the fore then, but the odd thing was when a few of the 'shoegazing' or baggy groups from the early-90s really upped their game and starting releasing brilliant singles (like Lush and the Charlatans).
Chris Evans (unfortunately!) was a big part of the scene, and wielded a huge amount of cultural clout around the time, having the Radio 1 breakfast show, and TFI Friday for showcasing new songs plucking quite a few bands from relative obscurity (e.g. The Divine Comedy). I don't think Morrissey had a 'godfather' role though back then - not like he did in 2004. During the Oasis v Blur battle of Britpop, he put out what many believe to be his worst ever single (Dagenham Dave).
Here are the ten best songs from the Britpop era:
1. What do I do now? Sleeper
2. You don't sparkle - My Life Story
3. For tomorrow - Blur
4. Where did you go? - The Bluetones
5. Disco 2000 - Pulp
6. I'm Free - Oasis
7. Just chasing rainbows - Lloyd Cole
8. Something in the woodshed - The Divine Comedy
9. Single girl - Lush
10. Middle of the road - Denim









Ahoy

I was just the right age to be caught up in the Britpop scene and despite the myriad criticisms leveled at the bands, the music and the hype over the years I still have nothing but happy memories of it all.

Blur at the Ally Pally with Supergrass, Corduroy and Pulp.

Grabbing a kiss from Justine Frischmann when Elastica played in a tiny venue in Glasgow.

A blue vinyl 7" single bought on The Bluetones first tour.

Heady nights at Blow-Up.

Suited and booted at The Egg in Edinburgh.

Starting my own band (miserable Smiths/Suede copyists with a naff/natty name!).

That band supporting Johnny Panic with Alain Whyte.

Siding with Blur over Oasis.

Sharp suits and sharper shoes.

Morrissey reigning supreme as Godfather of the whole sorry scene.

Buying two copies of the debut Menswe@r single because I thought it was going to be collectable...I'm not making this up!

Following Gene on tour.

In honor of the Britpop years I give you my very own "British Image No. 1" compilation...

Girl VII - Saint Etienne (Foxbase Alpha)

Animal Nitrate - Suede (Suede)

For Tomorrow - Blur (Modern Life is Rubbish)

Annie - Elastica (Elastica)

Some Might Say - Oasis (Definitely Maybe)

Daydreamer - Menswe@r (Nuisance)

London Girls - Stephen Duffy (Duffy)

Something 4 The Weekend - SFA (Fuzzy Logic)

I Saw The Glitter on Your Face - Denim (Back in Denim)

Junk Shop Clothes - The Auteurs (New Wave)

There She Goes - The LA's (The LA's)

How Does it Feel to Feel - Ride (Carnival of Light)

Sunflower - Paul Weller (Wild Wood)

He Doesn't Love You Like I Do - Nick Heyward (From Monday to Sunday)

Speeeed King - These Animal Men (Come On Join The High Society)

Forever J - Terry Hall (Home)

This Music Won't Take You Higher - Edwyn Collins (Gorgeous George)

Ten Storey Love Song - Stone Roses (The Second Coming)

Girl A, Girl B, Boy C - My Life Story (Mornington Crescent)

It's Lulu - Boo Radleys (Wake Up!)

Olympian - Gene (Olympian)

Time - Supergrass (I Should Coco)

Just Lookin' - The Charlatans (The Charlatans)

Insomniac - Echobelly (Everyones Got One)

Carnt Be Trusted - The Bluetones (Expecting to Fly)

Chasing Rainbows - Shed Seven (Let it Ride)

Yes - McAlmont and Butler (The Sound of McAlmont and Butler)

Becoming More Like Alfie - Divine Comedy (Casanova)

You've Got it Bad - Ocean Colour Scene (Moseley Shoals)

Grateful When You're Dead - Kula Shaker (K)

Come Together - Spiritualized (Ladies and Gentlemen We are Floating in Space)

Love is the Law - Seahorses (Do it Yourself)

Road Rage - Catatonia (International Velvet)

All You Good Good People - Embrace (The Good Will Out)

Cocaine Socialism - Pulp (This is Hardcore)

Famous - Thurman (Lux)

Feel free to tell me how awful some of these records/bands are...or how wonderful they are...add other bands...suggest other tracks...

PubicEnema
 
Nice reminiscing, PE. The mid-90s was a great time for pop music (regardless of how Britpop is defined).
There were a lot of new bands that came to the fore then, but the odd thing was when a few of the 'shoegazing' or baggy groups from the early-90s really upped their game and starting releasing brilliant singles (like Lush and the Charlatans).
Chris Evans (unfortunately!) was a big part of the scene, and wielded a huge amount of cultural clout around the time, having the Radio 1 breakfast show, and TFI Friday for showcasing new songs plucking quite a few bands from relative obscurity (e.g. The Divine Comedy). I don't think Morrissey had a 'godfather' role though back then - not like he did in 2004. During the Oasis v Blur battle of Britpop, he put out what many believe to be his worst ever single (Dagenham Dave).
Here are the ten best songs from the Britpop era:
1. What do I do now? Sleeper
I saw Sleeper supporting Blur a few times and managed to convince Louise Wener to give me a kiss on the cheek...or did I convince her to let me kiss her on her cheek? A good tune...with a great intro; the story of Sleeper! My favourite Sleeper moment is "Delicious".
2. You don't sparkle - My Life Story
Beautiful. Jake Shillingford was a genius...I really mean that. Grand ambitions, grand designs.
3. For tomorrow - Blur
A game changer. Even Oasis and Paul Weller (neither of whom could be described as fans of Damon Albarn) both herald this as a great single.
4. Where did you go? - The Bluetones
That's not the name of the song is it? It's "Slight Return"...a brilliant single from one of the most criminally under-rated bands ever.
5. Disco 2000 - Pulp
I was always a "His 'n' Hers" and "This is Hardcore" Pulp fan. But "Disco 2000" always had me on the floor of The Egg!
6. I'm Free - Oasis
"Whatever"? Is that the track? The ultimate Beatles song that the Beatles never wrote. Sadly, I loathe the Beatles so never really liked this!
7. Just chasing rainbows - Lloyd Cole
Don't know this one at all.
8. Something in the woodshed - The Divine Comedy
Love it.
9. Single girl - Lush
Great record.
10. Middle of the road - Denim
If you don't love Denim you may be deaf, dumb and dumber.
 
If you don't love Denim you may be deaf, dumb and dumber.

sorry, Just Chasing Rainbows was the Shed 7 song. was gonna list Like Lovers Do by Lloyd Cole but changed my mind! it was a v successful Britpop era song thanks again mainly to the patronage of C Evans.
yes, Jake Shillingford is a God. in fact, I chipped in a few pennies to his solo venture and unexpectedly then got a credit on the Best of My Life Story compilation. my proudest moment!
his songwriting skills are just in a different league to most other people's.
don't think I know Delicious by Sleeper - only had their second album and the Inbetweener single. Wener had a great singing voice and was a very under-rated songwriter. I remember when they played Click Off Gone on TFI Friday. splendid stuff - oh look - I've found a link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hKSdbiY1Gs
 
At the risk of further enraging Kewpie...here are some b-sides from the Britpop era.

WARNING - SOME OF THESE BANDS ARE NOT MENSWE@R

Release My Soul - Cast

Bullet Comes - The Charlatans

I Can't Make It - Dodgy

Full Circle - Mantaray

This Morning - Northern Uproar

So Sad - Ocean Colour Scene

She's Acting - Smile

Everyday Faces - Travis

I Won't Let You Down (Country Version) - 18 Wheeler

Adrenalina - Octopus

Young Men - Suede

Casino Girl - Shed Seven

Barnet - Pimlico

A Fool to Follow - The Gyres

Real - The Dandys

Ah, nostalgia...it ain't what it used to be.
 
Had Suede split up following Dog Man Star, they could have gone down as a band as big as The Smiths. Incredible pieces of work.

Also, for underrated Britpop-era bands, I hereby recommend Adorable and Strangelove.
 
dont forget the SHINE indie compilations. released via PolygramTV? records. essential 90's brit pop compilations! and what the tv? Snub tv & the word! and when jools holland show was worth watching all the way through too [without turning over when a crap band comes on :) ]
 
Had Suede split up following Dog Man Star, they could have gone down as a band as big as The Smiths. Incredible pieces of work.

Also, for underrated Britpop-era bands, I hereby recommend Adorable and Strangelove.

I always liked "I'll Be Your Saint" by Adorable.

As for Strangelove...a GREAT band.

I think I have everything they ever released and I often listen to them.

Great shouts.
 
What a lovely thread this is! I think your memories are similar to mine and I left the comfort of the Falkirk indie scene to dance in the Egg a few times ;-)

My highlights of the era:

Supergrass at Tuts supported by The Bluetones

Sitting at the NME stage compered by John Peel for the whole of Glastonbury 1995 appart from venturing round to the main stage to see Pulp KILL it!

Getting that "rare" menswear 7" and one by Powder as well - to sell for my pension...

Getting told to f**k off by Evan Dando (how I was I to know he had just been bottled off the Jazz stage?!)

Thinking the 60ft Dolls and These Animal Men were the future of music

Watching My Life Story list the 12 Reasons why in the Venue in Edinburgh

Divine Comedy playing Casanova with Orchestra at the RCH Glasgow

I could go on and on and on....

And I still think Gene are one of the best live bands ever, to be confirmed when Martin Rossiter plays Tuts next month!

xx
 
What a lovely thread this is! I think your memories are similar to mine and I left the comfort of the Falkirk indie scene to dance in the Egg a few times ;-)

My highlights of the era:

Supergrass at Tuts supported by The Bluetones

Sitting at the NME stage compered by John Peel for the whole of Glastonbury 1995 appart from venturing round to the main stage to see Pulp KILL it!

Getting that "rare" menswear 7" and one by Powder as well - to sell for my pension...

Getting told to f**k off by Evan Dando (how I was I to know he had just been bottled off the Jazz stage?!)

Thinking the 60ft Dolls and These Animal Men were the future of music

Watching My Life Story list the 12 Reasons why in the Venue in Edinburgh

Divine Comedy playing Casanova with Orchestra at the RCH Glasgow

I could go on and on and on....

And I still think Gene are one of the best live bands ever, to be confirmed when Martin Rossiter plays Tuts next month!

xx


Are you me?

I didn't know Martin was playing in Glasgow. I will contact him for some freebies and maybe see you there!

How much did you love The Egg at that time?

I thought I was king of the hill in there...always suited and booted, dancing only to the soul numbers, standing at the side looking cool (ahem) for everything else.

I've got the pension Powder 7" as well...a white sleeve if I remember correctly?

Also have a T.A.M single (Speeed King) complete with tour dates printed on a speed wrap!

Was also at the MLS gig at the Venue.

60ft Dolls...crikey, I remember them too.

Look at us...middle-aged, middle-class and middle-of-the-road!
 
My highlights were , back stage at a blur show in lester with elastica and sleeper

menswear at the plaza in glasgow

blow up at the laurel tree in camden , then the wag

good mixer pints with el coxo

every gene show ... and a wee secret fanclub night in glasgow

wearing fred perry and desi boots (oh god that hasnt changed)

I was at that Menswe@r gig...as well as one at La Belle Angele in Edinburgh.

Spent MANY a night at Blow-Up with Paul Tunkin (DJ and Weekenders frontman) after taking him second hand record shopping before a Blur gig which then led to backstage passes for the whole of that tour!

A few nights in the Mixer with the faces.

I saw Gene on every gig they ever played in Scotland and did every UK date on "Revelations".

We might need to set up a Britpop reunion!
 
My highlights were , back stage at a blur show in lester with elastica and sleeper

menswear at the plaza in glasgow

blow up at the laurel tree in camden , then the wag

good mixer pints with el coxo

every gene show ... and a wee secret fanclub night in glasgow

wearing fred perry and desi boots (oh god that hasnt changed)

Oh oh Bob were you at the Drawn to the Deep End launch at the old Antheneum theatre on Buchanan St?!

And if you both went to all the Gene shows you might remember this:

Finally Gene had made the big time and were headlining the Barras (1997?) and I was so excited, My friends in brand new Falkirk band Arab Strap had a bagged a third on the bill support slot - my plans to become the Scottish Justin Frishmann (but less annoying) were coming to fruition! A group of us drove through from Glasgow, parked in the street across from the venue, crossed the Gallowgate right in front of the venue and my best friend kept going when the rest of us stopped, was hit by a car and was thrown up in the air! I screamed so bloody loud that the whole massive queue (and apparently the bands inside) heard the commotion and stood agog. We were rushed to casualty but it was a Friday night and we were there for hours and hours. Fortunately my friend was only badly bruised but we were totally shaken up and gutted to miss the gig. The police arrived and told us the band invited us backstage once we were seen at the hospital but we didn't get out until 1am....

I only bring it up because I have met people who had attended the gig before and remember my blood-curdling scream haha!!
 
Oh oh Bob were you at the Drawn to the Deep End launch at the old Antheneum theatre on Buchanan St?!

And if you both went to all the Gene shows you might remember this:

Finally Gene had made the big time and were headlining the Barras (1997?) and I was so excited, My friends in brand new Falkirk band Arab Strap had a bagged a third on the bill support slot - my plans to become the Scottish Justin Frishmann (but less annoying) were coming to fruition! A group of us drove through from Glasgow, parked in the street across from the venue, crossed the Gallowgate right in front of the venue and my best friend kept going when the rest of us stopped, was hit by a car and was thrown up in the air! I screamed so bloody loud that the whole massive queue (and apparently the bands inside) heard the commotion and stood agog. We were rushed to casualty but it was a Friday night and we were there for hours and hours. Fortunately my friend was only badly bruised but we were totally shaken up and gutted to miss the gig. The police arrived and told us the band invited us backstage once we were seen at the hospital but we didn't get out until 1am....

I only bring it up because I have met people who had attended the gig before and remember my blood-curdling scream haha!!

I was there...I didn't hear anything about this at the time but I do know that once word reached the band they did indeed express concern and extend an invite to those involved...which must have been you!

I think Arab Strap "won" that support slot as the band had a competition for that position...my own band didn't make it. I blame Matt the Hat as he chose the winners!

I was also at the "Drawn to the Deep End" launch at the Old Athenaeum.

I asked a question that night;

"Someone once said "Talent borrows, genius steals", if that's true which are you; talented or geniused?"

Martins reply?

"I do use the library but I always return my books"
 
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