Got into them just beyond their peak when they did a brilliant sunset set at Leeds. Immediately questioned why I’d let the ‘cheeky britpop boys’ marketing put me off previously. Cracking band.
Was bang into them at the end of 1994 when I taped them in session on Mark Radcliffe - played that tape to death. Was a little disappointed with I Should Coco when it eventually did come out though as wasn’t all that impressed with the songs I hadn’t heard. Got pretty damn sick of Alright by the end of 1995 and, Going Out aside, had kinda gone off them by the time the second album came out.
That said - listened to the 25th anniversary album that just came out recently and loved it and Gaz Coombes solo stuff (even Danny Goffey’s too) is really good.
Love 'em. Had them down as just another Britpop band but a mate recommended In It For The Money and I was completely won over. Just really well done guitar music with a slightly strange sense of humour.
First 3 albums are incredible with the usual diminishing returns thereafter.
Saw them in an absolutely rammed tent at T In The Park at Hamilton just after Alright had been released. Remember the look of disbelief on Gaz Coombes face when he saw how many people had turned up to see them. They launched into the first song and the place went MENTAAAAALLLLL.
One of the best gig experiences I’ve ever had.
Overdid it with I should Coco when it came out and tired of them. There are great songs on ‘in it for the money’ but I’ve never really enjoyed it as an album. Not bothered with any of their other albums but I love Gaz coombes’ matador, it is a fucking brilliant album.
Has anyone mentioned how Spielberg was going to make a monkees style TV show with them? Mad.
It’s a big 4 from me btw. First 3 records are really good, less so after but still moments of greatness. Seen them a few times and they’re the absolutely ideal 7 or 8pm festival band when you want something you know every word to and everyone’s having a load of fun.
