Jun 6, 2016
Bill and Brian dive into a wonderful, under-appreciated and under-discovered set of songs by Brit-pop forebears the La's with their self titled album (1990, Polydor/Go!). Best known for their single "There She Goes," which is perhaps better known Stateside as the 1999 hit for Sixpence None the Richer, the band has only put out this single album to date. But in the time since its release, the band has gone on to become a cult favorite. Bill and Brian discuss the evolution of this album under the guidance of several producers, how frontman Lee Mavers is still unsatisfied with the eventual Steve Lillywhite helmed version, the economical songwriting, how re-amping basses works, the intelligence and depth imbued into simple lyricism, the conundrum of tracking an album with so many great songs, how the heck to play the lead to "There She Goes," what great British rock band a particular song sounds like, what other great British rock band another song sounds like and how Brian is wrong about not liking a particular song, how a bit of contention and friction helps shape songs to be their best, and more in our track by track review!
Just listened to the La's episode. Good job. There she goes is easily the catchiest song of all time. Although, I prefer the Mike Hedges version of Timeless Melody.
I think the doldrums is a maritime reference used as a metaphor for getting the blues.
I look forward to more.
And here's a few underrated albums that you might want to think about.
Gomez--Liquid Skin
XTC--Oranges and Lemons
De La Soul--Buhloone Mind State
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion--Orange
Laura Viers--July Flame
The Smith--Louder than bombs
Shuggie Otis--Freedom Flight
Temple of the dog
Cheers,
BC