Seminal Britpop classics you may have forgotten about
The Nineties.
Forget Oasis v Blur, don a Union Jack and zip up your three-stripe track jacket.
Here’s a list of seminal Britpop classics you should add back into your playlist.
THE SUPERNATURALS – SMILE
Fronted by singer-songwriter James McColl, the five piece indie rockers from Glasgow released ‘Smile’ in 1996. Taken from the band’s debut album, ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’, the single peaked at number 23 in the official chart.
MENSWEAR – DAYDREAMER
Formed in Camden in 1994, Menswear released their second single, Daydreamer, in 1995. After a brief reunion and a reformed line up, the band announced their official split in August 2016.
MANSUN – WIDE OPEN SPACE
Although the record wasn’t their most successful in terms of chart position, the single propelled the group’s career and is their most well-known song. Later on, DJ Paul Oakenfold remixed the single, making it a dance anthem in nightclubs around the country.
THE BOO RADLEYS – WAKE UP BOO!
Released in February 1995, The Boo Radley’s hit ‘Wake Up Boo!’ became the band’s biggest hit both in the UK and across the world. The upbeat track was also used as a jingle by Chris Evans in his mid-nineties radio show.
THE SEAHORSES – LOVE IS THE LAW
Following his departure from The Stone Roses, John Squire formed alternative rock band The Seahorses in 1996. The origin of the band’s name was the subject of many Roses-themed conspiracy theories, with many fans pointing out the name was an anagram of both ‘He Hates Roses’ and ‘She’s A Rose’. The guitarist quickly dismissed these claims.
THE LONGPIGS – SHE SAID
The Longpigs, made up of Crispin Hunt, Richard Hawley, Simon Stafford and Dee Boyle (later replaced by Andy Cook), released the infectious She Said in 1996. The band split in 2000. Hawley went on to enjoy massive success as a solo artist.
BABYBIRD – YOU’RE GORGEOUS
The second single from the band’s sixth album, ‘Ugly Beautiful’, ‘You’re Gorgeous’ achieved number three in the UK chart.
BLUETONES – SLIGHT RETURN
The Bluetones, originally named The Bottlegarden, formed in Hounslow, London in 1993. ‘Slight Return’ was the second single released from their debut album, ‘Expecting to Fly’.
CATATONIA – MULDER AND SCULLY
Released in 1998, ‘Mulder and Scully’ references the two main characters from the TV series ‘The X Files’. The band’s vocalist, Cerys Mathews, is now a popular presenter on BBC Radio 6 Music.
