A Tale of British Guitar Music

British music has gone through many iterations, the charts today are a vastly different place to what they were 50 years ago, I mean they are a different place to what they were 5 years ago. Music is always changing, even music in what is perceived to be from the same genre. My record collection and music taste like many other people's starts in the 60s and goes right through until the present day. In this post, I want to talk about how 'British Guitar Music' has changed and evolved throughout the decades, how The Beatles took on the world, how punk took on the establishment, how The Stone Roses united the clans, how Britpop changed Britain and so much more.

It's All Too Much! The Swinging 60s

I'm not naive, I know music was around before the 1960s, but I see this as the natural start. Culturally and musically, the 60s was an important decade. The war was over, and young people had more freedom, and the world came into technicolor. In the 1950s, rationing was still prominent and many were still shellshocked, both physically and mentally from the events of World War Two, however by the 60s a sense of optimism was felt, conscription had ended, and attitudes changed.

The previous generations had suffered and they seemed to want a better future for the youth of the time.Fashion was changing and young people were at the forefront of this change. Young people were no longer dressing like their parents, and women became to dress more liberally, the mini skirt was born! Subcultures began to form in the 60s too, Mods & Rockers formed their groups and they became defined by what clothes they wore, what motorcycle they rode, and what music they listened to.

Music began to change in the 1960s, and the decade birthed some of the most influential artists ever, on both sides of the pond. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream, Led Zeppelin, and Black Sabbath in the UK, meanwhile America gave us Simon & Garfunkel, Jimi Hendrix, The Mamas & Papas, Jefferson Airplane, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys. Just to name a few. Music became a huge part of the culture. It was no longer simply something that people listened to on the jukebox, concerts grew in size, record sales skyrocketed, and musicians were held up in such high regard. Beatlemania is a huge part of the 1960s story, 4 lads from Liverpool. John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison & Ringo Starr. Took on the world. It sparked something, the band was adored and worshiped by fans across the world. Their appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 was viewed by 73 million people. This was unheard of at the time, it seemed to be the birth of celebrity culture both in the UK and in America. The Beatles weren't all about screaming fans, and mass hysteria though in fact in 1965 fed up with the idea of not being able to hear each other at gigs due to the mass hysteria. They gave up playing live and set their eyes on something else. Changing the way music was made forever. Albums like 'Revolver' and 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' saw the band experiment with new sounds and let's say other things (more on that later). 

These albums are still forward-thinking, groundbreaking pieces of music, and were the catalyst for other bands experimenting, and in the case of Sgt Pepper's perhaps the catalyst for concept albums. Albums were now considered pieces of art. They became something that you had to have.

It wasn't all about The Beatles in the 1960s though, you had plenty of other bands and artists. The Rolling Stones were one of the other major players in the 60s music scene a band who along with The Beatles were a forward thinking outfit, who wrote some of the decades most important pieces of music, from 'You Can't Always Get What You Want', to 'Gimme Shelter' and 'Street Fighting Man.' 

Which brings me onto my next point, the 1960s were a decade where young people found their voice, voicing their problems, and issues with the world, and the powers at be. The Civil Rights Movements in America, the anti war movement that were protesting against the Vietnam War, young people were standing up for what they believed in and bands and artists such as The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan were sound tracking the voice of Revolution. 'The Times they were a changin.'

I couldn't sit here and talk about the 60s without talking about drugs... Recreational drugs such as marijuana and LSD were being taken, by both the public and musicians. Lets face it, 'Sgt Pepper's' wasn't written on cups of tea was it!? One of the most important events of the decade was the Woodstock Festival in 1969, and the images from that festival show the extent of drug taking in the decade. It was a time of experimentation and young people were only too happy to oblige, especially young British musicians.

However for one British band, they were not interested in LSD like The Beatles and Stones, they did not have the same Rock heavy attitude of The Who or Led Zeppelin. What they did have though was an arsenal of amazing songs, and their substance of choice. Well Strawberry Jam of course. The Kinks were one of the most important bands of that era, a band who embraced their Britishness, and a band who would influence many others to do that. (keep reading and you will see what I mean) 'The Village Green Preservation Society', is a timeless classic and a much different album to the vast majority of albums that were coming out at the same time. At the time it was slated but time has been kind to the band, and there impact can be heard in British music throughout the decades.

In summary, it was a decade of change, where the world was changing. It saw a generation that wanted to distance themselves from the past, and forge a new hope. They left behind a whole load of great records and the ways of the past. The world would never be the same, I suppose The Kids are Alright

We're So Pretty, Oh So Pretty- The 70s

If the 60s was a time of love and free spirits . The 70s well.. 

The 70s is a complex decade, because there was a lot. And I mean a lot! Disco, Regage, Punk, Heavy Metal, New Wave, Psychedelia oh and the 60s lot they never went away. 

I think an important thing to discuss first, is something that happened right at the beginning of the 70s. The breakup of The Beatles, a band that had been the poster boys of the previous decade were no longer a band, and that marked something significant for the 70s, they all went to do their own thing and this can be seen as a microcosm of the decade as a whole. McCartney would go on to form Wings with his then wife Linda, George would explore a variety of different types of music and continue The Beatles experimental approach to great affect, Lennon had jumped ship to New York and along with wife Yoko Ono, would see about a solo career of his own, in my opinion with mixed results. Ringo, well Ringo he just jumped between the other members and helped out. If you take one thing from The Beatles story, they all liked Ringo! Everyone likes Ringo!

British music, in the 60s was dominated by bands, the 70s saw the emergence of many great solo artists of both genders, David Bowie, Elton John, Kate Bush just to name a few. Of course there was an influx of great American artists too Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Patti Smith. The 70s allowed these artists to emerge, you did not need to be in a group to be successful. Bowie, and Elton John became household names, with a catalog of brilliant songs, they seemed to take the best bits from the previous decade and improve them. Bowie and John both wrote, two of the best concept albums in the form of 'Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars' and 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. Following on from The Beatles, Kinks and Rolling Stones in the decade previously. Bowie especially always seemed to be changing and evolving, Ziggy Stardust saw him reach unimaginable heights, so imagine peoples shock when he ended it in 1973 in front of 3500 fans at London's Hammersmith Apollo. Many saw it as career suicide yet Bowie carried on and along with new personalities, the Thin White Duke and an arsenal of hits, Heroes, Sound & Vision, Fame and Life on Mars he proved that he wasn't going anywhere.

Kate Bush would come to the forefront later in the decade with her song 'Wuthering Heights', she would cement herself as one of the most important female artists ever, and this would not be the last we hear of her. 

It wasn't just The Beatles that would see members go solo. Peter Gabriel would walk away from Genesis in 1975 to forge a solo career. With great success, 'Solsbury Hill' was Gabriels first single, and saw him move away from the progressive sound that he was known for with Genesis, it was the first step in a major reinvention of both image and sound, which would not end in this decade! He also would not be the only artist who would reinvent. 

Groups in the 70s were huge! Queen, Fleetwood Mac, The Cure, The Clash, The Jam, Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, Dire Straits, ELO, Genesis and lets face it one of the old guard may have broken up but The Kinks and The Rolling Stones were still going strong. If the 60s had shown the world what a band was capable of, the 70s wanted to prove that it was not a bluff. They wanted to be bigger, better, more excessive, and believe me they tried, and some succeeded.

Fleetwood Mac, had members from both sides of the Atlantic and it also happened that they were all dating. Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie were married and Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham were dating. The band was in turmoil, and close to implosion and yet due to the tension and lets face it huge amount of drug taking. They managed to produce one of the greatest albums ever made! 'Rumours' was and still is a timeless classic, and one of the best selling records ever. 

Queen took the experimental methods of the 60s and the new emergence of 70s technology as well as the brilliance of the 4 band members to create some of the best songs of all time. 'Bohemian Rhapsody', 'We Will Rock You',  'Killer Queen' and 'Don't Stop Me Now' just to name a few. They became one of the biggest bands in the world, and like many others from this decade, this is not the last you will hear of them.

Pink Floyd took the concept of the album, and created masterpieces with groundbreaking ideas and instrumentation. 'Dark Side of the Moon', 'Wish You Were Here', 'Animals' and 'The Wall' are cornerstones of 1970s music and art, those album covers are instantly recognisable.  They too went through a line up change after loosing Syd Barrett early in the decade, musically they developed and grew and sitting here now writing this. It is hard to think of another band that are like Pink Floyd.

Before I talk about the next culturally signifcant music development in Britain. I think it's important to set the scene. 1970s Britain was a difficult time for many. 'In December 1973 and the finance minister has privately warned the cabinet of Edward Heath that the country faces its gravest economic crisis since World War Two.' Strikes were the order of the day, and many people faced power blackouts. It was a bleak time with not much money, unemployment was sky high, and where in the 60s young people had felt a sense of hope. By the late 70s the swinging 60s was well and truly over. There seemed to be 'No Future.'

Punk needed to happen. It was inevitable, during these times of hardship, there seemed to be no one that young people could attach to. Music did not represent them. It was difficult to connect with the musicians at the time, a young working class kid with no job could not relate to someone like Donna Summer who was singing about love, or Queen singing 'We are the Champions.' Although those artists are great, something needed to change. Oh and something definitely changed forever!

It was unlike anything that had come before it, it was raw, provocative, crude yet beautiful. Punk was the sound of the disenfranchised. Many dismiss the genre though, as a flash in the pan where a lot of shouting and screaming was done. How wrong they are, this period of late 1976 to early 1978 produced some brilliant pieces of music, both singles and albums. All different in sound and feel. Although in the same genre, The Clash and Sex Pistols were completely different bands, both writing about working class struggles. 'Nevermind the Bollocks' is arguably one of the most important ever made. It was the soundtrack of the disenfranchised youth, an album that took on and shook the establishment to it's very core. 'God Save the Queen' and 'Anarchy in the UK', caused uproar at the time and caused a seismic change in youth culture. The Clash continued to write punk classics and dipped into several different genres, and in 1979 gave us the classic album 'London Calling', which has gone on to become a staple of British music. Siouxsie and the Banshees, provided a dark gothic sound and propelled Siouxsie Sioux away from the punk fringes to the British public. It was an all encompassing time, where boundaries were broken. Nothing would ever be the same, and although the pioneers of this scene would implode. It led to a new scene and would influence the decades since. 

Bands like The Jam, The Stranglers and The Clash would move on from the punk scene and develop their sound, it was less raw and gritty but it would lead to these bands writing some of their best songs. The Jam would release 'All Mod Cons' which would allow Paul Weller to showcase his songwriting ability, he was writing teenage anthems, whilst still being a teenager. Many see this as a change in The Jam's music, and the most important album they ever did. As stated earlier, The Clash released their album 'London Calling', which is arguably that band at the peak. Featuring hit singles such as 'London Calling' and 'Train in Vain'. It was a more mature, and more complex effort than there snarling punk efforts and the band were all the better for it. 

Two American bands also took over the UK airwaves in the late 70s, Talking Heads and Blondie took the punk sound and ethos and ran away with it. Blondie's 'Parallel Lines' became one of the most important albums of the decade and propelled the band to superstardom. It took the Do it Yourself attitude of punk and gave it a pop sheen. They were pioneers of the new wave movement, which would be adopted not just by American bands but British bands such as The Cure, The Police, XTC and even The The. It would be the sound of the end of the 70s as well as the early part of the 80s.

It wasn't all just about London in the 70s though. Manchester, well Manchester always has so much to answer for. Buzzcocks formed in 1976 by singer-songwriter-guitarist Pete Shelley and singer-songwriter Howard Devoto. These would also be the two main players in putting on the now legendary Sex Pistols show at Lesser Free Trade Hall, and although there were only 42 people in the audience. It would go on to be one of the most important music events ever. 

It is quite amazing when you find out who was the gig, Buzzcocks themselves were there, Peter Hook, Ian Curtis, Bernard Sumner who at that time were Warsaw and would later become Joy Division attended. Mark E Smith of Fall fame was also in the audience. Tony Wilson a Manchester TV presenter also attended the gig and would be inspired to start Factory Records, and create the Hacienda nightlcub (more on that later). Even a young Morrissey attended the Sex Pistols gig, and safe to say he was not impressed, he even wrote a letter to the NME displaying his dis stain, but again more on him later.

The 70s was much like the decade before it, a decade of change. It was a time where anything seemed possible, Bowie would shoot for the stars, Queen wrote Rock Operas, Joy Division would help birth the worlds first Indie Record label. It was a time of mass hedonism and mass hardship. Which led to some of the most important music ever made.

Love Will Tear Us Apart- The 80s Part 1

I'm going to begin the 80s exactly where I ended the 70s. Manchester. Joy Division were now a vital part of Tony Wilson's Factory Records and were riding high after the release of debut album 'Unknown Pleasures'. Things were falling into place for the band, they were recording a second LP 'Closer' and were preparing for a first tour of America. Two days before the band were due to fly out to America, Joy Division front man Ian Curtis was found dead in his home. Curtis suffered with epilepsy, he seemed worried how American audiences would react and was going through problems at home, these events seemed to culminate in Ian Curtis taking his own life on the 18th May 1980.

Following the events of Curtis's death Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook and Stephen Morris would form a new group, as they felt they could not continue under the Joy Division name. They formed New Order in 1980 and they would go on to be one of the most important bands of the 80s. They would be huge shareholders in the Hacienda nightlcub, Factory Records biggest act, help launch the career of Peter Saville. What New Order would achieve in this decade is quite remarkable. 'Blue Monday' would go onto become the biggest selling 12 inch single of all time. They would help with the Acid House revolution in Manchester, with there album 'Technique' as well as through the Hacienda nightclub. It was more than a band, they were key players in a movement that grew and grew. Madchester was born...

Manchester was not all about Factory Records though, it would be wrong of me not to mention eight more musicians. Morrissey, Marr, Rourke & Joyce. Brown, Squire, Mani and Reni. Or to you and me, The Smiths and Stone Roses.

I have done a post on why I believe The Smiths to be the most important British band ever! So it's easy to see why I would write about them in a post like this. They were the first indie band to propel themselves up the charts. 1985 album Meat is Murder hitting the top spot. Morrissey and Marr were geniuses, two mavericks that came together to create spine tingling music. The Smiths were the anti establishment band of the 80s, they moved away from the pop sheen and its safe to say they were not a fan of disco (listen to Panic!) but they also did not align themselves with the rock groups of the 80s. It was a unique sound and a huge reason they were and still are one of the most influential bands to come out of Britain.

The Stone Roses arrived at the end of the decade, first with 1987 single 'Sally Cinnamon' and then there 1989 self titled debut album. The band gave kids up and down the U.K. a sense of optimism and hope. It's an album that takes nods from the past and yet makes them modern and contemporary. Combining rock and dance music, as stated previously the Acid House revolution was beginning and 1989 would be the start of rave culture, and along with the Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses would be sound tracking this change. They seemed to unite the subcultures under this umbrella of indie dance music, something many bands would continue to try and do in the decades that would follow.

I found a quote that perfectly sums up the first Stone Roses album. From Clash Magazine. ‘It remains an overwhelming statement of working class pride’ 

It really does, the album is still a classic today, and one of the most important collections of songs ever, its sounds and themes can be traced through the lineage of British guitar music even still today.

The Happy Mondays, were also a key part of the 'Madchester' scene. Unlike The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays were on Factory Records, another coup by Tony Wilson. He was impressed with the bands approach to music, combining genres, and with quick witted lyrics. Tony Wilson actually once compared Shaun Ryder (Happy Monday's songwriter) to 'W.B Yeats'. 

Happy Mondays were key players in the dramatic rise, as well as the dramatic fall of Factory Records. They are one of the most important bands from Britain, their music would bridge the gap between indie and dance and blur the lines between what a guitar band could or could not do. Songs like 'Wrote for Luck' for example is both a dance anthem and indie classic. 

Like the decades previously this period of time coinciding with the emergence of a new drug. Ecstasy. This was a vitally important component of this time period. 'Madchester', and the emergence of Acid House music in the UK may not have happened without 'E'. The early 80s was quite a violent time, Football Hooliganism and Riots were rife, all over the country and suddenly this little pill made a seismic change overnight. Love was in the air, and people wanted to dance, and dance they did. In clubs like the Hacienda, at Happy Mondays and Stone Roses concerts and at illegal raves in warehouses, farmers fields and even aircraft hangers. It was the most important musical change since punk. They just did not know that yet.

A Kind of Magic- The 80s Part 2

The 80s wasn't all about indie bands, and the rise of dance music. That was just a part of this mad decade. British bands and solo artists were huge in the 80s. From Duran Duran and Wham to Queen and U2 British bands would take on the world. That wasn't going to stop the solo artists though, Bowie was huge, George Michael would forge a solo career, as would the drummer from Genesis. Phil Collins would arguably become the biggest star of the decade.

The Human League would launch electronic music up the charts, and the Pet Shop Boys would soon follow them. All inspired by the success of Manchester legends New Order a new sound was born. Orchestral Manoevures in the Dark had an unlikely hit about the atomic bomb. Madness and The Specials continued where two tone had left off at the end of the 70s. Madness going for a upbeat sound, whereas The Specials specialised in social commentary, 'Ghost Town' being the best example of this, it is still one of the best songs to hit the top spot and is sadly still relevant today.

Former London punks, The Police had a brief period at the begining of the decade where they would become the biggest band in the world. Riding high on the successes of 1983's album 'Synchronicity.'  It would be brief, but they were still a huge band. Many argue that it was the 80s that saw the band release their best work. Releasing singles such as 'Don't Stand So Close to Me' and 'Every Breath You Take.' The Police would break up in 1986 and there would be in my opinion three bands fighting for the crown of biggest band in the world.

Queen, U2, and Tears For Fears. Each of these bands were prolific in the 80s. U2 would release argubly the crown jewel in their discography 'The Joshua Tree' in 1987 which saw them have a flurry of hits including 'Where the Streets Have No Name' and 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.' this would take the bands to the heights of stadiums and whether you love them or loathe them they have not looked back since. Tears For Fears are one of the most underrated British bands ever, and I believe for a brief period much like The Police they were the biggest band in the world. 'Songs From the Big Chair' is still an unbelievable album, and it saw the band put together the best collection of songs they could. It is one of the most important and best albums of the 80s and in terms of single output they rival any British band ever.

Before I talk about Queen it's only right that I talk about the 13th July 1985.
Live Aid

Two concerts, one in London at Wembley Stadium and one at  John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia.

The concerts saw the biggest groups and artists in the world play a benefit gig for the famine in Ethiopia. It was the first time something like this had ever been done, and to top it all. The event was being filmed and broadcast around the world.  It was one of the largest satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time; an estimated audience of 1.9 billion, in 150 nations, watched the live broadcast, nearly 40 percent of the world population. The event was estimated to have raised £150 million for causes related to what was happening in Ethiopia. 

Queen were going through a bit of a sticky patch, they had released albums in the 80s, some good 'The Game' and some not so good 'Hot Space' they had colobrated with David Bowie on the song 'Under Pressure'. But around the time of Live Aid there were rumours about a potential break up, but at 6:41pm on July 13th 1985 they took to the stage at Wembley Stadium. To give the world the greatest live performance, maybe ever. A 5 song setlist, complete a crowd call and response of 'Aaaaaay-o' which music journalists later call 'The Note Heard Round the World' due to the amount of people watching. Queen had proved that they weren't going anywhere and they had proven it in front of 72,000 at Wembley and over a billion people watching at home. In 1986 Queen would announce The Magic Tour and play 2 nights at Wembley themselves. Live Aid would prove to be the most important 20 minutes of the bands lives.

Of the other artists who played Live Aid, U2 showed themselves to the world complete with a 12 minute rendition of the song 'Bad' where Bono jumped into the Wembley crowd. David Bowie, following on from the success of 1983's 'Let's Dance' album also played the event and followed on from Queen. He sung his legendary 1977 hit 'Heroes' which has been called one of the biggest sing alongs ever, with a quarter of the worlds population singing the legendary lines back to him. This short set was arguably the high watermark of the decade for Bowie who would go on to hit the road again for his mammoth Glass Spider tour which was largely hit and miss, as was the reception to 1987’s Never Let Me Down LP and his Tin Machine project.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Duran Duran played to the Philadelphia crowd and showed there unique brand of synth pop to the Americans. Phil Collins played both Wembley and John F Kennedy stadium and that point he was arguably the biggest solo artist in the world. Elton John played a collection of the hits, it really was a collection of the biggest stars in the world. It also proved that the old guard were here to stay, the stars of the previous decade were still around and they were bigger than ever. Live Aid would also be the blueprint for big concerts and believe me this would not be the last we hear of them.

Wall's Come Tumbling Down- The 80s Part 3

The 80s was a time of political change, Margaret Thatcher had been elected in the UK in 1979 and would be in power throughout the decade. She would become quite the polarizing figure. The emergence of Thatcherism, the high unemployment and poverty led to a lot of politically charged music. Paul Weller would become the posterboy for this songwriting both with his bands The Jam and The Style Council. Songs like 'Going Underground' 'The Eton Rifiles.' 'Walls Come Tumbling Down' and 'The Lodgers' he would attack the Conservative government and Thatcher's policies. Weller would also join 'Red Wedge' fronted by Billy Bragg and featuring artists such as Kirsty MacColl and The The, which was set up for the 1987 election with the hope of outsing Margaret Thatcher from power.

The Specials managed to some up the state of the UK in the early 80s with their song 'Ghost Town.'
The haunting nature of the melody is there for a purpose the band wanted to create the sense of impending doom. That’s how they felt, there was not much hope in the country at the time. “Government leaving the youth on the shelf” is a poignant line in the track. There was no future for people and therefore unrest and violence seemed to be the only way to vent their frustrations. No one would listen to them otherwise, it seemed as if that violence was a way to attract the attention of the powers at be. 

That was written in 1981, and the 1980s would get worse for the working class from 1984's Miners Strike to 1989 where Liverpool fans were blamed by Thatcher and the Right Wing Media for the deaths of 97 innocent people. It was only natural for people to want change, hence why Paul Weller wrote those songs, why young people rebelled, why Madchester was born, the countercultures of Rave began. People were fed up.

Across the world, things were getting better for many though. 1989 saw the end of communism across Europe. Nothing was more significant in this change than the fall of the Berlin Wall.

It was a beacon of hope, something so menacing and constant had been brought down by the will of people. It seemed anything was possible. For many it was also the beginning of the 90s.

It was the start of a new era for the world, and the end of totalitarian rule, the iron curtain began to buckle and it was the birth of the modern world. Not only was it the most significant event of the 1980s it is one of the most important events in Modern History. In the words of The Stone Roses 'The past was yours the futures mine.'

Load Up on Guns Bring Your Friends- The 90s Part 1

With that title, you expect me to transport you across the pond to Seattle to talk about Grunge and that will come later. Let's stay in England first and take you somewhere a lot less glamorous than Seattle. Widness and back to the 27th May 1990. The Stone Roses play Spike Island. Madchester would crossover into the 90s and Spike Island would be the peak of the movement, The Stone Roses are riding high off the success of their debut album and latest single 'One Love'. Spike Island would see the band to 30,000 people at a Chemical Plant on the River Mersey, the band wanted to embrace the counterculture of Rave and do something against the traditional rock n roll norm, so it was decided to put on a gig here. The gig as a gig was not a particularly good one with many complaining about poor sound, poor support bands and poor food and drink facilities. However the cultural significance of this concert cannot be argued, the band seemed to unite Indie Kids, Ravers, Goths, everyone was invited to this party where Rock had met Rave and it had a group hug on an Island in between Manchester and Liverpool. 

Liverpool was also home The La's who released one of the best albums of the 90s and then never released anything else. The bands self titled debut album released in October 1990, would take elements from all of the previous decades from The Beatles to Bacharach and create a blend of beautiful guitar pop. Turmoil within the band and disputes with record producers led to problems with the release of 'The La's' and the final result is hated by reclusive front man Lee Mavers. Songs like 'Looking Glass' and 'There She Goes' however would be a look to the future...

British guitar music in the early 90s wasn't much to shout about, Madchester was coming to an end and although 1990 and 1991 produced some gems of the scene including 'Step On' 'Sit Down' and 'This is How it Feels.' The rest of the country seemed to be lacking. Blur had formed and released their debut album 'Leisure' but it was nothing to write home about. Something needed to change and it was about too. 

But before that change it is worth mentioning something else that happened in 1991, one of the powerhouses of the 70s and 80s would lose there front man. Freddie Mercury would pass away in 1991 and it would be a shock to not only music fans but the country as a hole. He was such an important figure for so many reasons, not only a rock star and musician but also an inspirational figure to so many. 

Nirvana, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic and David Grohl would hit the UK like a whirlwind. First hitting the airwaves in 1989 with album 'Bleach.' The 90s is where they would really set the world alight 1991's 'Nevermind' would launch 'Grunge' to the main stream it would go on to become one of the best selling albums of all time, and give us 'Smells Like Teen Sprit' 'Something in the Way' and 'In Bloom.' The band became the biggest in the world off the back of this album and what British bands were doing seemed to pale into insignificance. A headline slot at Reading Festival would follow in 1992 and then 'In Utero' in 1993 the bands last album. Before the death of front man Kurt Cobain in 1994. One of the most important music events of the 1990s.

Now I like Nirvana and Grunge would go onto to produce some good music, however the early 90s were full of bands trying to be Nirvana and they were awful. It was a weird time for music, it wasn't all awful though. Bands began to experiment, and many liked the idea of combining rock and dance music. Primal Scream released their classic album 'Screamedelica' in 1991 combing rock riffs with danceable beats, songs like 'Loaded' would cross genres and like The Stone Roses had done at Spike Island, unite rock and rave. Some classic dance songs would also be produced Saint Etienne's brilliant cover of Neil Young's 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart' The Shamen's 'Ebeneezer Goode' would hit the top spot in 1992 and encourage the taking of Ecstasy. How very 90s. 

However in 1993 it was all about to change. 

We're All Part of the Masterplan- The 90s Part 2

1993, Grunge is on the decline and the charts are full of American bands trying to be Nirvana, and the public are bored. They are looking for something else and like London busses, when you are waiting for one two come along. Suede would release their self titled debut, and Blur would release 'Modern Life is Rubbish.' Suede were the complete opposite of Nirvana, with psychedelic guitars and Smiths like wit, it was a welcome change. They were romantics and the complete antithesis to grunge. 

Blur were quintessentially British taking reference from the decades previously and artists like The Jam, The Kinks and once again The Smiths. They would write about the death of British culture, whilst still trying to embrace there britishness. 'Modern Life is Rubbish' is one of the most important albums of the 90s it saw Blur reinvent themselves from a 'Baggy' outfit from Essex into what would become one of the most important British bands ever. These two albums would be the catalysts for a new movement. Britpop. Which in 1994 was about to explode.

1994 would see two more bands enter the Britpop party, Oasis from Manchester and Pulp from Sheffield. Oasis would release 'Definitely Maybe' in August 1994, and Pulp release 'His n Hers' earlier in the year in April. That's not to say that Blur and Suede went away far from it. Blur would release the masterpiece that is 'Parklife' and Suede would release the very different 'Dog Man Star' they always seemed to want to distance themselves from the Britpop tagline. The album saw the band take a more gothic approach. 

'Parklife' and 'Definitely Maybe' are two of Britpop's most important albums and two of the most important British albums ever. Oasis and Blur were propelled not only up the charts but also into peoples living rooms, they were everywhere and this was just the start. It would be unfair to both bands to not talk about the songs though. Blur released classics such as 'Girls & Boys' a brilliant take on 18-30 holidays, 'Parklife' a witty piece of British social commentary and even 'This is a Low' a love letter to the shipping forecast. Oasis released 'Cigarettes & Alcohol one of Britpop's most political, yet anthemic pieces of music, 'Live Forever' one of the greatest songs ever and 'Slide Away' the greatest love song of all time. I'll let you decide.

Pulp? Don't worry, 1995 is Pulp's year. They take on Blur, Oasis and even The Stone Roses and come out on top.

1995 was a huge win for both the 'Girls and Boys in the Band' (Depending on how you read that I'm a year late or 7 years too early!)

Suede would sit out 1995 in terms of studio releases, but the big 3 Oasis, Blur and Pulp all released albums. Oasis would release the global smash hit 'What's the Story (Morning Glory)' Pulp would release the brilliant and beautiful 'Different Class' and Blur would complete the life trilogy with 'The Great Escape.

Oasis would have hit after hit in 1995 releasing 'Some Might Say', 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Roll With It' all in this year, and let's not forget those b-sides 'Acqiesce' 'The Masterplan' 'Rockin Chair' just to name a few. It seemed that everything that Noel Gallagher wrote at that time was a bonafide classic. He could do no wrong, and his songs would propel Oasis to being the biggest band in the world. 

Blur were riding high, of the success of Parklife they had swept up at the Brit Awards in 1995 winning 4! However many saw the next album as a disapointment including some members of the band Damon famously called it a 'mess'. However although not as good as the previous two albums it still contained some of Blur's best loved songs including Number One single 'Country House' and 'The Universal' 

Pulp released 'Different Class' in my opinion the album that is Britpop. Witty, dark, beautiful, ironic, the very nature of the album is British. Songs like 'Disco 2000' 'Sorted For E's and Whizz' and 'Mis-Shapes' could not be anymore British, the band take the mundane and sometimes the scary and make it, into a brilliant catchy beautiful pop song. The albums crown jewel is 'Common People' The song seems to sum up peoples fascination with the working class, and class tourism. Where the rich and wealthy take parts of working class life and try to embrace them as some sort of aesthetic. It’s still prevalent today. Pulp managed to summarise the British class system in a song. And to me that’s quite an extraordinary thing. I can only only name a few songs that have had such a cultural impact on British society.  A truly amazing piece of music.

In 1995 to top off the success of a brilliant album Pulp, were the 'super subs' at Glastonbury and replaced The Stone Roses after John Squire broke his collarbone, it was a career-defining set for the band and more than filled the void left by The Stone Roses. It is one of the best Glastonbury sets of all time. I told you Pulp won 1995 but I am not finished yet.

It wasn't just the men who were writing Britpop anthems. Justine Frischmann's Elastica and Louise Wener's Sleeper would write some of the era's best songs. 'Connection' 'Waking Up' and 'Never Here' would provide Elastica with some of Britpop's most punk like hits and the provide the back down for the band's self titled debut album which would become the fastest selling debut ever. 'Inbetweener' would be a huge hit for Sleeper, a true Britpop classic with a brilliant hook and catchy chrous.

One Band who wanted to distance themselves from Britpop however were Oxford rockers Radiohead, who in 1995 released there second album 'The Bends' following on from the success of single 'Creep' in 1993. This album would prove the band were not simply a one hit wonder and give Radiohead two of their most loved songs 'High & Dry' and 'Fake Plastic Trees'. This is not the last you will hear of Radiohead in this post either...

British bands from all over the country were hitting the charts, Shed Seven would represent Yorkshire, former La's member John Power and his band Cast were representing Liverpool, Manic Street Preachers had Wales covered, Ocean Colour Scene, Birmingham and Travis were emerging in Scotland. Even psychedelic rockers The Verve had found a home after releasing A Northern Soul.

1996 is where Britpop hit its very peak and where dance music came back out to play. British culture at this time was huge. The Spice Girls gave us 'Girl Power', Danny Boyle had given us the film of the decade 'Trainspotting' and Oasis would play Knebworth

It was a huge year for British music, Oasis would play the biggest concerts of all time along with an all star cast The Prodigy, Manic Street Preachers, Ocean Colour Scene, The Chemical Brothers, The Bootleg Beatles, The Charlatans, Manic Street Preachers, Kula Shaker, Cast and Dreadzone. It would be the last great gathering of people before the birth of the internet and two of the most culturally signifcant days this country has ever seen. It was a band at it's peak, playing in front of a young audience at the summit of a movement at a time where the world was looking to Britain. 

The Chemical Brothers would help bring dance music to the masses, with songs like 'Setting Sun' and 'Block Rockin Beats'. Big Beat Culture was born and soon The Prodigy, Massive Attack and Underworld would capitalise, dance music was no longer for the subcultures it was about to become the mainstream. It was an exciting time for British music. 

'A Design for Life' by the Manic Street Preachers hit Number One spot, following on from the  disappearance of the bands guitarist Richey Edwards. Something not even the band thought was possible. 

It was a truly amazing year British music was riding high and apart from a select few 'Alanis Morrissette' 'Foo Fighters' and 'R.E.M' the rest of the world did not really get a look in especially in the UK. Not in the form of guitar music anyway, America would rule the Hip-Hop airwaves however.

Britain was going through a change in the 90s, music, politics, art, film, science everything was changing Knebworth, Girl Power, New Labour, Dolly the Sheep, the emergence of the internet. Even Football came home, and a Football Song hit the top of the charts three times in the 90s. New Order's 'World in Motion' in 1990 'Three Lions' in 1996 and 'Three Lions 98' in 1998. Music and football transcended, it would help English football out of the dark ages of hooliganism and bring it into the modern world. The Premier League was born and it had changed forever.

It was a time of possibility, everything seemed possible and it wasn’t an elitist club. Everyone was invited to this party. No matter class, colour or creed. It was a time of hope and optimism. Where everyone was represented!

It was a time of great change. The young were listened to. Celebrity culture was born, the tabloids were about to take over. Musicians, Supermodels and Sports Stars would take over the front pages as well as the back pages. The Channel Tunnel connected us to Europe, Britain was ready to take on the world again. This time with guitars, paintbrushes and footballs not rifles and bayonets.

But it would have to come to an end...

Death of A Party- The 90s Part 3

The Death of the Party came as no surprise. Blur would utter those famous words in 1997 and they were right. In more senses than one. Britpop was over, it had peaked the year previously with Oasis at Knebworth, the movement had reached the top of the mountain, and now anyone with an acoustic guitar and a bucket hat was treated as the second coming of christ. With there Self-Titled fifth album Blur would distance themselves from Britpop in dramatic fashion, being influenced more by American music, and a letter from the bands guitarist that uttered these famous words "I wanted to scare people again… ". It saw the band move away from British social commentary previous on the last three albums, and it led them to write songs like 'Beetlebum' the bands second Number One single, and 'Song 2' which is almost grunge like in sound. It was the beginning of the end for Britpop and perhaps Blur's most important album. Blur would release one more album before the decade was out. '13' was released in 1999 and saw them develop from what they had learned on there self titled album and get a whole lot more personal. 'Coffee & TV' saw Graham sing about his addiction to alcohol, 'Tender' and 'No Distance Left to Run' are two of the bands best and see's Damon look inward at himself, trying to come to terms with the end of not only his relationship with Justine Frischmann but also the end of the decade.

Oasis would also release an album in 1997 and perhaps they should have listened to Blur and left the party. Still riding high from the successes of Knebworth and there third number one single 'D'You Know What I Mean' they released 'Be Here Now' it was supposed to be the record that made them bigger than The Beatles, the record that reinforced them as the biggest band in the world. It wasn't. The album has got some good songs on it, but it is overproduced, overindulgent and way way to long. 'All Around the World' is nearly ten minutes long. It was the sound of a band who lets face it didn't really care. They were the biggest band in the world and they acted like it. 'Be Here Now' is the sound of 5 people on Cocaine. Sorry Oasis fans, it is. It had so much potential but sadly they got it wrong. Should of saved those B-Sides Noel! Oasis now consider the album as a flop but it became the fastest selling British album ever, eventually selling over eight million copies, an eight million selling flop. 

One band who didn't get wrong in 1997 were The Verve, a band who had struggled with inner turmoil and disputes. Managed to reconvene and make one of the best records of the decade 'Urban Hymns' released in the September of 97, it would show the world that The Verve were not simply a Northern Indie band, they were a force to be reckoned with, and Richard Ashcroft was a brilliant songwriter. You only have to look at the record and see what is on it. 'Bittersweet Symphony' 'The Drug's Don't Work' 'Lucky Man' and 'Sonnet' were the singles, that run rivals any other band of the 90s. Sadly they could not keep it together, the band would split up again in spring 1999. It's a shame that they couldn't keep it together because 'Urban Hymns' provided a glimpse of a band on the cusp of there very peak.

Remember I said that you hadn't heard the last of Radiohead, they also released an album in 1997 'OK Computer.' The album is regarded by music critics as one of the best albums of all time, and the band are proclaimed to be the savers of modern music. I disagree with both of those comments. However I cannot deny that 'OK Computer' is a very very good album. It featured the songs 'Karma Police', 'No Surprises' and 'Paranoid Android' these are complex and intricate pieces of music in there own right. Along with Blur and The Verve, Radiohead wanted to move away from the Britpop formula present in the years previously and did so with great effect. 1997 would also be the year Radiohead would headline Glastonbury and according to festival hosts Michael and Emily Eavis play the best performance the festival had ever seen.

Whilst in England, bands were reinventing themselves across the border in Wales one band was just getting started. Stereophonics would release 'Word Gets Around' in August 1997, the album saw the band write about life in a small town, and the trials and tribulations that come with that. Featuring the singles 'Local Boy in the Photograph' 'Looks Like Chaplin' and 'A Thousand Trees' it saw a more raw approach to both songwriting and music, this album is by no means experimental but it is still a brilliant collection of songs and a gritty yet beautiful tale of small town life. It wouldn't be the only album they would release in the 90s. 1999's 'Performance & Cocktails' saw the band experiment with new sounds and mature. The album features some of the bands best work ever, songs like 'Pick a Part That's New' 'Just Looking' and 'The Bartender & the Thief' are some of the best rock songs of the decade. Britpop may have died but the post Britpop movement still had some gems. 

1999 would also see two of the most underrated bands of the 90s, release two of the most underrated albums of the 90s. Travis would release 'The Man Who' a change in sound for them and a change of pace to bring the decade to an end. A collection of acoustic masterpieces, with 'Why Does it Always Rain on Me' as it's centerpiece, its a somber album. Shack would release HMS Fable which I covered in this post https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/blog/take-a-seat-at-the-captains-table 

An album I call 'the greatest album no one has ever heard' an album that is as tragic as it is beautiful. The antidote to Britpop's hedonism and a tale of what drug taking is really like. 

That seemed the perfect curtain call to quite a chaotic decade. The credits begin to roll, it's over... 

This section is not over though, I know it's called Death of a Party but, this part of the decade dance music would hit the mass market. The Prodigy would release 'The Fat of the Land' in 1997 complete with singles 'Breathe' and 'Firestarter' it would mark a new dawn for dance music, no longer the domain of warehouse raves, and dark nightclubs, it's new home was at the top of the charts. The Chemical Brothers would also release 'Dig Your Own Hole' in the same year, which took modern dance music, and 1960s psychedelia to create a hybrid no one would expect but it worked. 'Setting Sun' which is the 90s version of 'Tomorrow Never Knows' featuring a Noel Gallagher vocal would hit the top spot, and 'Block Rockin Beats' would provide the band with a dancefloor classic forever, and it would not be the only one. It's still a classic and would go on to cement The Chemical Brothers as one of the most important British dance acts ever. 1999's 'Forever' picked up where the previous album left off 'Hey Boy Hey Girl' would reinforce the band as one of the 90s key players and it even had another Noel Gallagher collaboration on 'Let Forever Be' 

Dance music was accessiable to anyone in the 90s, and even the Bass Player from The Housemartins, Norman Cook would have a go. Under a new name...

Fatboy Slim would release 'You've Come A Long Way Baby' in 1998 and no one could possibly know the impact it would have. He would go on to become a household name, and give him three, top ten singles including the Number One 'Praise You'. Which is still one of the best British dance songs of all time, that intro is instantly recognizable. 

British guitar bands began to reinvent themselves, but the DJ's just wanted us to dance and dance they did!

The end of the 90s also saw the emergence of American acts again, Foo Fighters, Placebo, Korn, Blink 182, Red Hot Chilli Peppers would all make an attempt to conquer the post Britpop market with great success. These bands were writing some amazing songs, and unlike what had happened with grunge they did not all sound the same. It was an amalgamation of genres. Which gave us some classic songs and albums like 'Enema of the State' 'Californication' 'The Colour and The Shape'. 'Learn to Fly' 'Everlong' 'All the Small Things' 'Adam's Song' and even some amazing one hit wonders. LEN's 'Steal my Sunshine' Wheatus 'Teenage Dirtbag' do I need to continue. 

I can't talk about the 90s and not talk about Robbie Williams, he was ever present through virtually the whole decade. With his band Take That, who had a string of hit singles 'Never Forget' 'Back for Good' and 'Everything Changes'. They were easily the biggest boy band of the 90s, they were huge and Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow were the main reasons for this. In 1995 Robbie would walk away from the band. It is safe to say people were shocked. Why would he leave, one of the biggest bands in the world. Well to go solo of course...

Robbie would release 2 albums in the 90s 'Life Thru a Lens' and 'Sing When Your Winning' with a collection of singles that in my opinion supersede Take That 'Lazy Days', 'Angels' 'Feel' 'Millennium' and 'Strong'. Britain needed a new star after Britpop, Blur had gone to America, Oasis had gone to there drug dealers, The Verve couldn't keep it together, Pulp well Pulp had released a masterpiece in 'This is Hardcore' but they didn't want to be the biggest band in the world. So in stepped Robbie...

The 90s eh, what a mad decade. We have been everywhere from Liverpool to Seattle, watched movements grow and disappear, seen political parties change, countries form, bands breakup, the birth of celebrity culture. The world had changed and there was no looking back now.

For all my friends born in the 80s/90s especially Lauren, Luke & Zoe 

For the two biggest 'Be Here Now' enthusiasts Sean & Archie

And last by no means least, 'Take That's' biggest fan Noah x (sorry Grace)

Look at the Stars... Look How they Shine for You- The 00s Part 1

2000 not only saw the start of a new decade, but the start of a new century and a new millennium. The world was changing, the internet was now a thing and people could not possibly comprehend what was going to happen in regards to that. It would be quite the decade for Britain, in ways good and bad. Music would go through a lot of changes too, bands would appear out of nowhere through ways that were not possible in the decades previously, the children of Britpop would begin to release albums and Britain would have a few competitors for band of the decade. 

Let's start at the beginning though. A new British band would release their debut album in July 2000. 'Parachutes' would be the first of four albums in this decade for Coldplay. It saw them take the sounds from Travis 'The Man Who' and develop them, the album would receive acclaim from both fans and critics, and would go on to become one of the cornerstone records of that 'Post Britpop' genre. It's a very good album and gave us songs like 'Yellow' and 'Shiver' two of the bands best songs, and two of the best songs of the decade. 

Oasis would also release a record in 2000, 'Standing on the Shoulder of Giants' there fourth album, the last album with found members Paul 'Guigsy' McGuigan and Paul 'Bonehead' Arthurs, it's not a bad album but it sees the band coming to terms with what they are, and also coming to terms with a decade of excess. The songs were written by Noel during his time coming off cocaine and whilst that would give us some amazing songs 'Gas Panic' and the greatly underappreciated 'Where Did It All Go Wrong' it also gave us 'I Can See A Liar' and 'Put Yer Money Where Yer Mouth Is'. A real mixed bag.

Blur front man Damon Albarn had a very different plan for the 00's he would form Gorillaz an English virtual band in 1998 with his friend Jamie Hewlett. This was something that had never done before, and would see Damon depart from Britpop sounds being influenced by hip-hop, world music, and punk. It was a genre bending mix of music that would become one of the most successful bands of not only just this decade. 'Clint Eastwood' was the bands first single and would reach Number 5 in the UK charts, what had orignaly started as a joke quickly became something much more than that. The band would have a string of hits throughout the 00's but 2001's self titled debut album is where it all started.

American bands had some success in the early part of the decade, just as they had done at the end of the 90s. Limp Bizkit, Korn, Queens of the Stone Age and Linkin Park would all release albums that would make an attack on the UK charts, with varying degrees of success. Linkin Park's debut would age very well, the others not so much in my opinion. 

One American band however, was about to change everything and drag guitar music into 'The Modern Age'  Julian Casablancas,  Nick Valensi, Albert Hammond Jr,  Nikolai Fraiture and Fabrizio Moretti also known as The Strokes would release their debut 'Is This It' in August 2001 following the success of there EP 'The Modern Age'. They did not know it at the time, in fact no one did, but 'Is This It' would become the catalyst for change and one of the most important albums of the decade. An album that would reinvent the guitar scene both in America and Britain. Influencing bands on both sides of the Atlantic. The White Stripes and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, would be the first two bands to ride on the wave The Strokes had created, The White Stripes taking things back to basics and writing brilliant catchy guitar albums, meanwhile Karen O's Yeah Yeah Yeahs would create intricate pieces of guitar pop, 'Maps' is one of the very best songs of the decade. 

Kings of Leon would also be influenced by the band, and even earn themselves the nickname 'The Southern Strokes' taking The Strokes approach to making music, and added a heavier darker more menacing tone to there songs. 'California Waiting' from 'Youth & Young Manhood' being a prime example of this. 'Youth & Young Manhood' and the following album 'Aha Shake Heartbreak' would become two of the most important albums of the decade. 

These 'Kings of the Rodeo' would be a huge part of 00s rock music throughout the decade, on both sides of the pond but more on them later.  

Guitar music in America had changed, Nu Metal and Grunge were old news, The Strokes had started a new movement, reinventing guitar music, at a time when it really needed it.

Meanwhile in England....

Did You See the Stylish Kids in the Riot? The 00s Part 2

The Libertines entered the fray in 2002, and just like The Strokes had in 2001 they caused quite the scene. 'What a Waster' was the bands first single and would break the Top 40 with ease. NME called them 'The best new band in Britain' and the hype began, the chemistry of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat is what made The Libertines brilliant, it was a fractured friendship that was always on the edge of spilling over but that was part of the appeal.

The band would release 'Up the Bracket' in 2002 and it would propel them to stratospheric heights, the songs were brilliant pieces of music and in The Libertines story it is sometimes easy to forget that. Yes it was chaos but songs like 'Time For Heroes' 'I Get Along' 'Boys in the Band' and 'The Good Old Days' are some of the best songs by a British band ever. It was always a circus with the band though, chaos seemed to find them and Doherty's drug use had increased greatly (he was using both crack cocaine and heroin by this time) and his relationship with the rest of the band deteriorated. 

The band would release another album in 2004, 'The Libertines' but the problems continued Doherty's addiction was still ever present, fall outs with record producers and in fighting meant it was a recipe for disaster, even though it was a recipe for disaster the band would end up recording some of there best songs. 'Can't Stand Me Now' the perfect summary of Carl and Pete's friendship, 'What Katie Did', 'Music When the Lights Go Out' and 'What Became of the Likely Lads.' 

'Don't Look Back into the Sun' was recorded in 2003 and released as a stand alone single and received critical acclaim, it was a showcase of just what the band could do, and to date is still the most popular Libertines song. There story is a real shame because they are a band that had so much and threw it away.

We have learnt a lot throughout this post but the main lesson is, when one band disappears there are others waiting in the wings.... but more on that later

Whilst The Libertines had been causing chaos Coldplay had released 'A Rush of Blood to the Head' which saw them expand on what they had done on 'Parachutes' leading to a much more expansive listen. Songs like 'Clocks' and 'Politik' saw them look to Radiohead and Blur rather than Travis, it would launch the bands career globally and give them a shot at headlining the big one. Glastonbury. In 2002 they would headline for the first time, alongside the band I am about to mention next.

Stereophonics would release 'Just Enough Education to Perform' in 2001 and they too would reinvent their sound from what they had been doing at the end of the 90s, this album has a much more intimate feel, with acoustic ballads like 'Handbags & Gladrags' and 'Have a Nice Day' it would show Kelly Jones ability as a songwriter, and become the bands biggest selling album and launch them up the charts and to the top of festival bills.

Another band worth mentioning at this point is Liverpool's The Coral one of the most underappreciated bands of the 00s, a band who didn't have a defined sound and let's face it still don't. Just a collection of brilliant songs, the early 00's saw them release the ever so catchy 'Dreaming of You' the psychdelic masterpiece 'Goodbye' and the acoustic gem 'In the Morning.' The nature of the band, and the fact they do not have a defined sound is what makes them timeless. It is also worth mentioning that in 2002 when they released the self titled debut album, they were kids. James Skelly the bands front man was 18. A brilliant band who would be ever present throughout this decade and the subsequent ones.

I think it is also worth mentioning The Streets in this post, 2002 saw Mike Skinner release 'Original Pirate Material' an album he recorded in a cupboard, of a bedroom in London. A rap album that took influences from house music, indie music, and hip hop to create a genre bending album that was unlike anything we had heard before. Not by British artist anyway.

It was a good time for British music, but it was about to get a whole lot better, there were several bands waiting in the wings. All of which wanted to take on the world...

Ich heiße Superfantastisch The 00s Part 3

2004... the year I started primary school. It would also be the start for 2 major British bands, Kasabian, and Franz Ferdinand. It would also see The Streets hit Number One, Arcade Fire would release one of the classic albums of the decade. McFly would release a debut album. Oh and Mr Brightside would come out. We all know which I was listening too!

Franz Ferdinand's debut album is one of the most underrated albums of the 00s and it always get's overlooked in my opinion. It is a collection of 11 brilliant songs, it would receive critical acclaim and rightfully so it is an absolute classic, there is not one weak track on the album, and they had the ability to make each song unique in its own right. It seems to take every brilliant element from British guitar music from the previous decades and condense them into an album that is no longer than 40 minutes. Britain may have found it's Libertines replacement 

Kasabian would release their self titled debut album in 2004, which saw them embrace rock riffs with electronic synths. Rock had met Rave again... the band took the attitude of The Libertines and Oasis but also gave us the experimentation of artists like The Chemical Brothers and dare I say it Blur. 'Club Foot' would give Kasabian there first hit, and become the bands crossover tune, you could hear it at an Indie Disco, or you could hear it at a Football Stadium, they were a band who appealed to both. 

Gorillaz were also back in 2005 whilst we talk about experimental artists, they released 'Demon Days' featuring two of the bands most well recieved songs 'Feel Good Inc' and Shaun Ryder collaboration 'DARE' the band were becoming one of Britain's most well loved bands especially across the Atlantic in America. 

Kaiser Chiefs would release a debut album one year later in 2005 another great British indie record, they did not have the experimental nature of Kasabian or as many good songs as Franz Ferdinand, but songs like 'I Predict a Riot' and 'Oh My God' have gone on to stand the test of time, they are great songs. It was an album that young people could relate too and took some of the social commentary found on those brilliant 90s Britpop records and dragged it kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.

Bloc Party would release 'Silent Alarm' in 2005 one of the most underappreciated albums of this era an album that was influenced as much by indie as it was pop and dance. The album sold in droves and was certified Gold 24 hours after it's release in the UK. Singles 'Helicopter' and 'Banquet' have gone to become some of the most well loved songs of this era, and they helped cement Bloc Party as one of Britain's best bands. 'This Modern Love' is the crowning jewel of this album for me though, a dark genre mashing masterpiece. One of the most unique songs of the 00's.

Stereophonics had a succesful year in 2005 releasing a fifth album 'Language Sex Violence Other' the band had always flirted with the Top Ten, 'The Bartender & The Thief' hitting Number Three, 'Just Looking' Number Four. In 2005 they would hit the top spot with single 'Dakota' a song written on tour with David Bowie, inspired by some advice the great man had given the band. A song that didn't invent the wheel but still makes tens of thousands a people a night jump. 

The biggest British band of the 00s is yet to come though...

To be continued...

Anticipation has a Habit to Set You Up for Disappointment: The 00s Part 4

Arctic Monkeys formed in Sheffield in 2002, by Alex Turner, Matt Helders and Andy Nicholson after meeting at high school, before a fourth member Jamie Cook would join the band. They began to gig in the city as well as recording early demos, which the band would burn onto CD's to give away at gigs. The  'Beneath the Boardwalk' EP was born and more and more people were hearing the Arctic Monkeys. Around this time social media was also starting to take off and Arctic Monkeys would be one of the first bands to use this to there advantage where videos of the band performing live would be shared. There audiences began to grow and grow and the songs were out there, and people were listening.

Eventually, they were signed to Domino in June 2005.  Their debut single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor", which was recorded at Chapel Studios in Lincolnshire, was released on 17 October 2005 and went straight to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.Their second single, "When the Sun Goes Down"  released on 16 January 2006, also went straight to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

It was quite an extraordinary thing, a bands two debut singles hitting No. 1 straight away, they were a forced to be reckoned with, and they were only just getting started. 2006 would also be the year the band would release debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not which would become the fastest selling debut album ever, the album would feature classic Arctic Monkeys songs such as 'Fake Tales of San Francisco' 'A Certain Romance' and 'Mardy Bum.' The NME summed this record up best, "Essentially this is a stripped-down, punk rock record with every touchstone of Great British Music covered: The Britishness of The Kinks, the melodic nous of The Beatles, the sneer of Sex Pistols, the wit of The Smiths, the groove of The Stone Roses, the anthems of Oasis, the clatter of The Libertines" 

Britain had a new Northern band that would take on the world. The maddest thing was, they were just getting started. 

2007 would see the band release their second album 'Favourite Worst Nightmare' which saw them develop there sound, and deliver another absolute classic, it was the most anticipated second album since The Stone Roses 'Second Coming' and unlike The Roses they didn't mess it up. 12 brilliant songs that proved the band were here to stay, 'Brianstorm' would hit the airwvaves with a ferocious nature, they were not messing about, 'Fluorescent Adolescence' highlighted Alex Turner's brilliant lyrics, wrapped around a catchy riff, and '505' would see the band writing one of the most important songs of there career. 2007 would also be the year they took to Glastonbury's pyramid stage for the first time

It wasn't just Arctic Monkeys releasing albums at this time though. Reverend & the Makers were inspired by the Monkeys success and would also represent Sheffield, Reverend & the Makers would release 'The State of Things' in 2007 which saw them take what the Arctic Monkeys had done and add an electronic sheen too it, to great effect, this album has some brilliant songs on it written by a more mature man commenting on not only what he could see in his hometown but on bigger subjects that were affecting Britain at the time. The Cribs would release 'Men's Needs Women's Needs Whatever' around this time produced by Franz Ferdinand front man Alex Kapranos and see the band explore the new indie sound at the time, 'Men's Needs' would become a classic indie song of this era and the album would the catalyst for the band to continue further into the decade.

Klaxons also appeared in 2007 with 'Myths of the Near Future' a rock band at the core who were greatly influenced by 80s/90s rave music, there music was like nothing else at the time songs like 'Golden Skans' 'Atlantis to Interzone' and an amazing cover of 90s rave tune 'Not Over Yet' would launch the band up the charts, and lead the band to winning the famous Mercury Prize in 2008.

The Enemy would release 'We Live and Die in these Town's' in 2007 which would see them be influenced by the social commentary of The Jam, and the anthems of Oasis. It was a well recieved album and saw a band writing about real life in a dreary midlands town, the albums title track is written about the life the band are trying to escape, and is the best portrayal on the mundane nature of working class life since 'That's Entertainment' by The Jam. 'Away from Here' is a snarling attack of a song about wanting to escape and make something better of yourself. It was unfashionable but it was and still is brilliant.

The Wombats would release 'A Guide to Love, Loss and Depression' which ironically is one of the most fun records of the decade, with amazing songs about being young and not wanting to grow up. 'Let's Dance to Joy Division' and 'Moving to New York' have gone to become staples of the UK indie scene, with catchy choruses and funny ironic lyrics. It was a good time for British music.

5 Friends from Middleton would release a debut album, 'St Jude' would launch Courteener's to the British public. An album about not wanting to grow up, friendship, nights out and relationships. Just as the Arctic Monkeys had done two years previously they connected with young people. An album that resonates with young people still today, where the songs do the talking. The ferocious 'Cavorting' or the anthem about not wanting to grow old 'Not Nineteen Forever' are still doing the talking for the band in 2023.

Across the pond MGMT would follow Klaxon's approach and release 'Oracular Spectacular' featuring the brilliant indie dance songs 'Kids' and 'Time to Pretend.' Fall Out Boy would release 'Infinity on High' following the success of 'From Under the Cork Tree' they would become popular with both American and UK audiences. Foo Fighters would give us 'Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace' and the singles 'The Pretender' and 'Long Road to Ruin' reinforcing them as one of the biggest bands in the world.

Now I wouldn't be doing 7 year old Jack or even 23 old Jack justice if I didn't talk about Mika. He was who I was listening to in 2007. 'Grace Kelly' his Number One single was everywhere and is still a timeless piece of pop. At the age of 7 I just thought it was a good song, at 23 I can appreciate just how brilliant Mika was. Those songs are brilliant pieces of pop music and his album 'Life in Cartoon Motion' is a unique gender melting mix of amazing songs.

I couldn't not talk about Amy Winehouse in this section she would release one of the most important albums of the decade in 2006, an album that showed the true genius of her. Songs like 'Back to Black' 'Rehab' and 'Tears Dry on their Own.' She was so unique and this album would showcase her at the very peak of her powers. Back To Black’ is a tidy 35 minutes long and there’s no filler at all. This album opened the door for so many artists who were a little bit different. Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Florence Welch have all hailed Amy as an influence, the legacy of this record cannot be overlooked. It was also a success at the time selling 3.5 million copies and earning Amy, 5! Yes 5 Grammy's.

Quite simply, one of the most important British artists ever.

I Used to Rule to the World- The 00's Part 5

'Don't Panic' Coldplay fans I haven't forgotten about them. 2008 would see Coldplay release a fourth album 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends' following from 'X&Y' an album that recieved mix reviews even though it had given us songs like 'Fix You' and 'Speed of Sound.' 'Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends' saw the band reinvent themselves working with legendary producer Brian Eno to create an experimental album. Featuring songs like 'Strawberry Swing' and 'Lovers In Japan' two of the most unique Coldplay songs to date, however ironically this album that saw the band experiment gave Coldplay there first Number One single 'Viva La Vida' a colossal stadium anthem built around strings and military like drums. In my opinion this is the last great Coldplay album. The subsequent decades would see them fall off a bit musically but become the biggest band in the world. Mad isn't it.

Kings of Leon would have a smash hit album in the UK in 2009 with 'Only By The Night' featuring 'Closer' 'Use Somebody' and the unlikley number one hit 'Sex on Fire' a song loved by fans and hated by the band,  it had been written as a joke and now it is the song they are most famous for. It is still a great song though perfect for the live enviroment. Not everyone was a fan though, Johnny Borrell of Razorlight called this song "the apex, death and afterlife of landfill indie all in one go" 

2009 would also see Arctic Monkeys leave the UK and step foot into the desert to record third album 'Humbug.' Recruiting Josh Homme on the way, the band would make a very different album to the first two albums they had made. Much to the shock of everyone. The album would be the most important album the band ever make. As the NME said "No longer were they just the biggest fish in the indie pond, they were rock stars."

The album saw them become a better band, trying out new sounds, a more dark and atmospheric feel could be felt in the bands music. Lyrically too Humbug is one of the bands best, 'Secret Door' 'Crying Lightning' and 'Cornerstone' has some of Alex's best lyrics ever. 'Humbug' was also the catalyst for the bands trips in the next decade....

Florence & the Machine would release 'Lungs' her debut album in 2009 and it would pick up where Amy Winehouse had left off with 'Back to Black.' It was a brilliant collection of songs, 'Dog Days are Over' 'You Got the Love' and 'Rabbit Heart Raise it Up' are all on this album it is a great pop record that see's Florence take the daring side of Kate Bush, and the pop nature of Annie Lennox to deliver one of the best albums of the decade. It's not the last time you will hear of Florence in this post either.

2009 was a weird year for Britpop. Blur had broken up in 2003 following the release of 'Think Tank' and the departure of Graham Coxton. It wasn't a bad album but the departure of Graham could be felt. The band would depart to do different side projects Damon would focus on Gorillaz Graham tried his hand at a solo career, Alex James became a farmer and Dave Rowntree would turn to politics. Imagine people's shock in 2009 when a reunion was announced, with Graham and they would be headlining Glastonbury, as well as playing some huge gigs in London's Hyde Park.

Meanwhile Oasis were still plodding on they had released a few album's in the 00's 'Standing on the Shoulder of Giants' in 2000, 'Heathen Chemistry' in 2002 which gave fans 'Little By Little' and 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' two more Top 10 singles for the band. 2005 saw the band release 'Don't Believe the Truth' which 'Some Might Say' is a return to form, and gave the band two more Number One's 'Lyla' and 'The Importance of Being Idle.' They were not the same band as they were in the 90s though, Britpop had died, and Oasis would suffer from constant lineup changes, particularly in the drummer department and although Gem Archer and Andy Bell are better musicians than Bonehead and Guigsy the Oasis 90's spark had gone. Following the release of 'Dig Out Your Soul' in 2008 and a subsequent World Tour, which saw tensions between Noel and Liam Gallagher at the worst they had ever been. It all ended. Oasis would break up on August 28th, 2009 in Paris. The city of love was were it all came to an end.

So that brings the 00's to an end. Blur were back, Oasis were gone. Coldplay were ruling the world, Arctic Monkeys were huge and yet divisive, Florence and Amy were ready to take on the world. Every major UK city had a band. Who knew what was going to happen next.

What You Know. The 10's Part 1

The 2010's, was quite the decade for the UK, everything from London 2012 to Brexit. It was a decade of highs and lows. The world would also lose some Musical Icons in this decade but more on that later.

In the early stages of the decade Britain was going through a little bit of turmoil a coalition government was in power, and rioting was sparked in 2011. This is one of the first news stories I remember, it was quite a hostile time. 

Music was going through a bit of a weird time too, especially guitar music. Of course it was still present, and some of the old guard were still around. Arctic Monkeys would release fourth album 'Suck It & See' in 2011 which saw them take what they had learnt on 'Humbug' and master there craft. It was less experimental than 'Humbug' and a lot more light hearted in places. Controversial opinion here, this album is my favourite by the band. I think Alex's lyrics are some of the best he has ever written. Foals would release a second album right at the beginning of the decade 2010's 'Total Life Forever' following on from debut 'Antidotes' which had arrived in 2008, it saw the band shift in sound, always challenging themselves to make something different. Foals sounded like no other band and this was a trend they would keep up throughout the decade. They were here to stay.

Kasabian would release 'Velociraptor' after riding high on the successes of 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum' and the singles 'Underdog' and 'Fire' which were released right at the end of the last decade. 'Velocriaptor' did not see the band slow down however, featuring the singles 'Days Are Forgotten' 'Goodbye Kiss' and 'Switchblade Smiles' it saw a band who were confident and willing to experiment combining rock riffs, with danceable synths. This album along with the bands previous record would launch them up the charts and higher and higher up festival bills. Arenas too were calling there name and they wouldn't look back.

Following the break up of Oasis in 2009, both Noel and Liam would launch separate projects in 2011. Noel would launch Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds with a self titled album with great success. Using leftover Oasis tracks and songs written after the break up, his debut solo album would go on to be 2x Platinum in the UK. It was a return to form for the older Gallagher brother, featuring songs like 'Everybody's on the Run' 'If I Had a Gun' and 'AKA What A Life' it showcased just what Noel had been capable of for all of these years, as well as a look into the future. Liam's project was another band 'Beady Eye' and that was a little less successful made up of Oasis members Chris Sharrock, Andy Bell and Gem Archer, it was an ok project but it could never live up to the Oasis hype, they also didn't really have a chief songwriter so everyone had a go. This did lead to some great songs 'Flick of the Finger' which took from the experimental side of Oasis, 'Soul Love' which is a beautiful love song and 'The Beat Goes On' a very 60s like song, with a brilliant Pink Floyd reference. Beady Eye would release two albums 'Different Gear Still Speeding' in 2011 and 'BE' in 2013 before breaking up in 2014. That would not be the last we here of Liam Gallagher though.

Kings of Leon would release 'Come Around Sundown' in 2010 and see them move away from the 'Southern Strokes' sound they had become famous for. After the success of 2008's 'Only By the Night' they had there eyes set on becoming the biggest rock band in the world. This album has some of there best work on it. 'Radioactive' is one of the most catchy songs they have ever released 'Pyro' showcases the brilliant lyrics of Caleb Followhill and 'Back Down South' sees them strip things back a little. Foster the People would release 'Pumped Up Kicks' in 2011 which would give them a rather unlikely hit, a catchy sing along pop song about a school shooting. 

Tame Impala would release 'Lonerism' in 2012 an album that looked back to The Beatles psychedelic era and in particularly 'Tomorrow Never Knows' using that song as a blue print to write an album and isolation and loneliness. Ironically 'Lonerism' would be the able that launched Kevin Parker to the world, with songs like 'Elephant' and 'Feels Like We Only Go Backwards' becoming two of the most important rock songs of the decade. Lonerism is a classic album and its not even Tame Impala's best. That is to come...

Two Door Cinema Club would emerge in 2010 with 'Tourist History' and The Vaccines would release debut album 'What Did You Expect from The Vaccines' in 2011. Two Door Cinema Club would soundtrack indie discos forever with the songs on this album, 'What You Know' 'Something Good Can Work' 'Undercover Martyn' and 'This is the Life' are all on this record, they would mix post punk hooks with electronic beats. It is a great collection of songs that are instantly recognizable and crossed over from Indie to Dance and then back again. The Vaccine's debut is a great pop album, Clash Magazine summed it up best in 2021 "Each song on their debut LP was an intense celebration of what makes pop music so good. Clear-cut emotions, catchy hooks and wonderfully pithy lyrics, all of which drove right to the heart of what indie music was missing at that time." They knew what they were doing and did not want to reinvent the wheel they wanted to make us jump, sing and dance. They succeeded.

2011 was also see Britain lose one of its most bright musical sparks. Amy Winehouse would pass away at the age of 27. One of Britains musical talents, had lost her life at such a young age. She had the world at her feet, and her death was a shock to not only music fans but the public as a whole.

Things are about to get a lot more crazy though. A new rock revolution is about to begin

That rock’n’roll, eh- The 10s Part 2

2013 saw arguably the most important band of the decade release the most important album of the decade. 'AM' was released in August 2013. It was an album that saw Arctic Monkeys become the biggest band in the world. The moment they stopped being defined by genre and instead became artists. Not a rock band, definitely not an indie band, but artists. Think Bowie, think The Beatles, think Stevie Wonder and think Bob Dylan. It was an album that saw the band dip into some many different genres from 70's Heavy Metal to 90's Hip-Hop. It was the sound of a band that were just getting started. It would not have been possible without the desert trip four years previously however, AM is the Arctic Monkeys a million miles away from the streets of Sheffield.

The band were booked to headline Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in June 2013, two months before ‘AM”s eventual September release. This, in itself, was a statement and a half. Few bands have the nerve to book their biggest show of their career and play three new songs (‘Do I Wanna Know?, ‘Mad Sounds’ and ‘R U Mine?’) from an album they hadn’t even finished yet. AM propelled them to being the biggest band in the world but also showcased Arctic Monkeys to a new generation. 'My Generation' we were teenagers at this point and music was becoming more and more important. We had a band we could latch onto, something we could be proud of. Little did they know they would also start a resurgence of guitar bands. In the years following.

Following the success of 'AM', guitar music was back Royal Blood and Catfish and the Bottlemen would release there debut albums in 2014. Royal Blood took the riff heavy nature of 'AM' and really upped the ante. Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher would create one of Rock's most unique records, the sound of two men turning it up to eleven. It's loud, bold, brash and has some of the decades best rock tunes on 'Ten Tonne Skeleton' 'Out of the Black' and 'Little Monster' are modern rock masterpieces. Catfish meanwhile wrote an album about young love and lust that the critics seemed to hate but us fans adored. It was 11 songs that were written for the 'AM' generation. Songs made to scream in a field with your mates. It didn't reinvent the wheel and it may have borrowed some riffs, but who hasn't done that. 

Earlier in 2013 before the release of 'AM' a Manchester band would release a self titled debut album. The 1975, would go on to become one of the decades most important bands, this album was the catalyst to this. It saw the band mix sounds and genres. From the dark gothic in 'Robbers' to indie dance in 'Chocolate'. It would receive acclaim from critics and fans a like. It's a great pop record and the first of three this decade for The 1975 and in my opinion the weakest of the three. That just shows how good the other two are.

Stereophonics would release one of there best albums in 2013, 'Graffiti on the Train' it was completely different direction for the band. A much more cinematic approach, with an accompanying film. It would be considered some of the bands strongest work to date and a real return to form. It propelled the band into the modern era, and reinforced them as one of Britain's biggest bands. They would release 'Keep the Village Alive' two years later in 2015 which featured 'C'est La Vie' and 'I Wanna Get Lost With You' two gems in the bands discography 

2015 saw the release of Noel Gallagher's second solo album, and two debut albums from two brilliant British bands. Liverpool's Circa Waves would release 'Young Chasers' a brilliant indie pop record much in the vain of The Vaccines and Catfish and the Bottlemen. A collection of catchy infectious hooks and lyrics. Perfect for festival fields and nightclub dancefloors. 'T-Shirt Weather' would become one of the crowning jewels not only for the band themselves but also of this movement. Wolf Alice released 'My Love is Cool' a genre defining record, that combined grunge, indie, rock, and even country. To create one of the most important albums of the decade, and they were just getting started. Noel Gallagher meanwhile decided to experiment, he did not want to be pigeon holed into the Oasis box. 'Chasing Yesterday' saw Noel spread his musical wings with psychedelic tracks like 'The Right Stuff' and 'Riverman' this was just the begining of Noel's experimentation though. Fast forward two years and things were about to get a whole lot weirder.

Tame Impala released 'Currents' in 2015, and this album would make Kevin Parker into a pop star. Yes a pop star, not a rock star. It is one of the best pop albums of the last 20 years. Featuring 'The Less I Know the Better' 'Eventually' 'Let It Happen' and 'New Person Same Old Mistakes' it would see him forget his experimental Beatles phase and become influenced by Daft Punk, Michael Jackson and even Kylie Minogue. He wanted a seat at the table with the great and good of pop, after this album it's safe to say he has got one. Along with 'AM' 'Currents' is one of the most important albums of the decade...

Another Australian group, DMA’s would release their debut album ‘Hills End’ in 2015 and become adopted Brit’s in the process. UK fans would fall in love with bands Britpop and 90s indie sound, which took inspiration from bands such as Oasis, and The Verve. ‘Delete’ would become a festival favourite and they would win over both fans and other musicians.

One thing I feel obliged to mention when talking about this period, is Birmingham’s mini guitar revolution. Being from near Birmingham I saw this happen on the fringes, bands like Peace, Swim Deep and Jaws would release records around 2013 to 2015. With Peace being the most famous, songs like ‘Lost on Me’ ‘Follow Baby’ and ‘Lovesick’ are hidden gems of this era. Jaws would release ‘Right in Front of Me’ and ‘Just a Boy’ and Swim Deep ‘Honey and ‘She Changes the Weather’ these are all brilliant indie songs and flew under the radar at the time and still do now. Give them a listen!

Blossoms would release one of my favourite albums ever in 2016. Their self titled debut. It came out at a formative time for me. This is when we started going to gigs. ‘Charlemagne’ became a radio favourite and anthem destined for festival fields for years to come. The album as a whole is a classic and saw them dip into pop music throughout the decades everything from The Beatles to ABBA they were influenced by it all. A classic record that set Blossoms on their way.

The 1975 would release there second album 'I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It' an album that saw them move away from the dark gothic nature of the debut record and embrace 80's synths, acoustic ballads and pop lyrics. It is the work of a young band having fun. Every song is brilliant from the beautiful 'Nana' to the bombastic 'The Sound' it showed us that The 1975 were one of Britain's most important bands. An hour and fourteen minutes of total bliss.

2016 would also see two of the biggest musical events of the decade, and two of the saddest to.

I’m A Blackstar. The 10’s Part 3 

January 2016 would see the world lose one of its brightest sparks and musical icons. David Bowie would pass away aged 69. It would be a huge loss for not only the world of music but planet earth. We had lost our Starman. Bowie was one of the artists who transcended the decades. You could not pin him down to one era, and when it looked like he would fade away. He would appear again. Before his death Bowie would release two of his best works to date 2013’s ‘The Next Day’ featuring ‘Where Are We Now?’ and ‘Valentines Day’ and finally 2016’s ‘Blackstar’ released just two days before his death. An album that seemed to predict what was about to happen. It’s a dark somber affair, but is a true highlight of the great man’s discography. The world is not the same without the great man. Thank you for the music!

Another musical icon would come to pass in April of 2016. Prince would pass at the age of 57, an artist who could not be defined by a specific genre. A man always wanting to break down boundaries. Who wrote one of the most defining albums of the 80s and some of the best party songs ever. The definition of musical icon and a man Elton John called “the greatest performer I have ever seen, and a true genius.”

Two of the very best had come to pass, and they sadly weren’t the only musical death that year.

13th February 2016 the world lost River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, Kris Leonard, Jack Dakin. Viola Beach and there manager Craig Tarry.

The band were on their first tour of Europe and were ready to take on the world. Everything I’ve ever heard about these 5 guys is that they loved what they did and just wanted to make music and play gigs. I’ve heard this from their families, friends, other bands, promoters and radio DJs. They were loved and had a big future ahead of them.

Although the band are no longer with us they left behind, 9 songs. Those 9 songs went on to become a debut album. Released after the bands death in 2016. It reached the top of the charts in the U.K. and it’s a true celebration of the band. It’s a bubbly infectious indie pop record, the guitars are jangly and the lyrics witty and clever.

2017 would see British bands release second albums. Wolf Alice would release the masterpiece that is 'Visions of A Life' which for many would surpass 'My Love is Cool.' The album would showcase a band on the ascendance, with one of this generations most underrated songwriters in Ellie Roswell. The album would be adored by critics and be nominated for album of the year on multiple occasions. A true masterpiece. Circa Waves would release 'Different Creatures' a much darker affair than the debut album and in my opinion one of the decades most underrated albums. It really showcased the lyrics of front man Kieran Shuddal with songs like 'Fire That Burns' 'Crying Shame' and the heartfelt 'Old Friends' guitar music was in a good place. Royal Blood also released there second album 'How Did We Get So Dark' a more polished and mature album than the bands debut. Yet still a rock giant. It proved that they were not simply a gimmick they were here to stay. They would start to reach rock heights, an arena tour, a pyramid spot at Glastonbury and a Foo Fighters support on the back of this album

Kasabian would release a career highlight in 'For Crying Out Loud' with the singles 'You're in Love with a Psycho' 'Ill Ray the King' and 'Bless this Acid House' the album is considered by many as the bands best work and I am inclined to agree. It has a real summery feel about it, the songs are catchy and the instrumentation brilliant. The Killers would release 'Wonderful Wonderful' which would provide the band with some well received tracks 'The Man' and 'Run For Cover' two of the best indie songs that year. As well as one of my personal favourite Killers songs 'Tyson vs Douglas' a hidden gem in the bands discography.

2017 would also see Gerry Cinnamon release 'Erratic Cinematic' a collection of songs about working class life in Glasgow. Which would earn him a small yet devout following. Featuring the singles 'Sometimes' and 'Belter' the album would initially to fail make a large impact. Fast forward to 2018 and an appearance at TRNSMT Festival things would dramatically change for Gerry. A huge crowd gathered and watched him play a 45 minute set, and the BBC broadcast the gig. He had won us over and had also won over the other acts. Courteeners would take him on tour later that year, and a certain Mr Liam Gallagher was also impressed.

Which brings me perfectly to my next point. Liam Gallagher was back. Three years after the collapse of Beady Eye, he would grace us with his presence again and a solo album to! How lucky were we. 'As You Were' proved to be a smash for Liam, it didn't do what Beady Eye had done and falter. Liam had hired some of the worlds best songwriters and together they had made a Modern Rock record. With varying songs from the glam like 'Greedy Soul' to the ballad 'For What It's Worth' he had released one of the best albums of 2017. The fans came with him too. A sell out arena tour would follow and Liam has not looked back since. But more on that later. 

Noel also released an album in 2017, 'Who Built the Moon.' A rather divisive album which saw Noel experiment with psychedelia, electronic and dance elements. This was not the Noel Gallagher of old that would sit and strum an acoustic guitar. It was vastly different. Some loved it, others loathed it. The album itself has some of Noel's best work on in my opinion 'Holy Mountain' is a classic pop song, 'She Taught Me How to Fly' sounds like Blondie writing a New Order song. It takes elements of great guitar music past and present to create a modern record. However I can understand why many were shocked and some felt betrayed.

May 22nd 2022, saw a tragedy that none of us will ever forget. 22 music fans went to an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena and they would never come home. It was shock to the world. These people were out having a good time, enjoying a concert, spending it with friends and family. That was sadly taken away from them. Manchester, Britain and the world would rally. Around one thing. Music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZATpppaNM8 From mourners singing Don't Look Back in Anger in Manchester.

To the One Love and We Are Manchester concerts. People united around music. Politicans words, and those in power were not making a difference. Music gave people strength and defiance. It's a powerful and truly beautiful thing

Cool Like You- The 10's Part 4

2018 was quite the year for guitar music. We would get debut albums from Tom Grennan and Fontaines DC, The 1975 would release this generations OK Computer according to the NME and Arctic Monkeys would divide there fan base in half.

Blossoms released the brilliant 'Cool Like You' which proved that they were not a flash in the pan, and were around to stay. This album saw the band embrace synths and the 80s heavily. Every song on this album could be a single. 'Cool Like You' is often overlooked in the bands discography but it gave us 'I Can't Stand It' 'There's a Reason Why I Never Returned Your Calls' and 'How Long Will This Last'. This would also be the album that propelled Blossoms to bigger stages, sell out tours and even football stadiums. The band would play a sell out gig at Stockport's Edgeley Park in June 2019 to celebrate this album. A gig I happened to be at. 

While we are on about big gigs. It is worth mentioning Courteeners at Heaton Park which also happened in 2019. The band had been flying under the radar. Fans adored them and in there hometown of Manchester they are percieved as one of the cities great bands. Heaton Park saw them sell 50,000 tickets for the second time in two years. They had sold the same amount two years previously when they had played at Lancashire County Cricket Club. A venue reserved for Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, Radiohead etc. The band had become one of the UK's biggest and they had done it on there own terms.

The Vaccines would release 'Combat Sports' in 2018 a much heavier album than the bands previous efforts, and a real return to form. A short snappy Indie record with some killer singles. 'I Can't Quit' being the pick of the bunch. The band suffered some internal problems which resulted in a line up change before this album and they were all the more better for it. It's some of the bands best work to date. A hidden gem of the year.

2018 would also see a new band come out of Ireland. Fontaines DC would release 'Dogrel'. An album summed up best by the NME 'a debut album that offers both a storyteller’s narrative voice and a snarling new vision of youthful disillusionment.' It is a true punk masterpiece with some truly unique story telling. Imagine Punk meets the Pouges. They would provide guitar music with something that we had not heard before. It will not the last we here of Fontaines DC either.

Tom Grennan released 'Lightning Matches' in 2018 one of the years best pop records, written by one of Britain's best new voices. A real crossover album. Tom was compared to Jamie T, Amy Winehouse and even John Newman. His music was listened to be Radio One listeners just as much as Radio X listeners. It seemed to crossover the genre boundaries that had been set. The songs are great, from the upbeat 'Found What I've Been Looking For' to the somber 'Something in the Water.' Tom had covered it all. 

The 1975 would release album number three in 2018 too, 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' a pop album for the internet generation. An album that touches on modern day politics, relationships of course, and a lot of the internet. It is a reflection of life for today's generation it's beautiful, dark, haunting, ironic and at times very very funny. Written by a band who were on the way up but also had experienced hard times. A genre bending album that sees the band hit 90s indie, Kanye like hip hop and even Jazz. A game changing album for the band and the decade.

Arctic Monkeys would release the polarizing album 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino' in this year, it had been five years since the release of 'AM' and fans were naturally excited to see what Alex and the boys would deliver next. Many were disappointed. They had not been expecting a concept album about a hotel on the moon for retired rock stars. These were not the indie kids from Sheffield anymore. They were not even the same band they were on 'AM.' It was quite a shock to the system. I quite like the album but I cannot sit here and pretend I don't understand why others don't. It is a challenging listen. The band had divided a once extremely loyal and devoted fan base.

Before we bring the decade to an end. I need to talk about two artists. One male, one female. One British, One American. They also happen to be two of the biggest artists in the world. Even now in 2023. Isn't that right Grace?

Harry Styles first entered the public consensus 12 years ago. On British TV show ‘X Factor’ and along with his band mates Louis, Niall, Zayn and Liam. After the success on the show the band went on to perform and became the biggest boy band in the world. In 2016 however One Direction came to an end, a hiatus so the members could pursue solo projects Harry’s solo project has gone from strength to strength, and let’s be real here. He’s definitely done the best out of the band. Three number one albums, two number one singles and seven top ten singles! It would all start in 2017.

With his self titled debut album which saw him take inspriation from 70s and 80s rock. It has more in common with Fleetwood Mac, Prince and dare I say it even bits of Bowie than the stereotypical boyband sound. He still managed to keep the modern contemporary pop sound though. Like Tom Grennan earlier this album was a real crossover record, it was liked by the masses. It appealed to the indie kids, the one direction fans, let's face it even your mum likes him. Harry would release the more pop orientated 'Fine Line' in 2019 with songs like 'Golden' and 'Watermelon Sugar' launching him back up the charts and from arenas into stadiums. The 2020's is where he would really shine though.

Taylor Swift, became the biggest artist in the world at the end of the last decade with the release of 'Reputation' and 'Lover' she was the world's biggest pop star. Gone was the country star, the world had come to associate Taylor with. These albums saw her fully embrace pop, and synths. It would be short lived though. She would reinvent herself again in the next decade. Embracing her country routes again, as well as an indie/alternative sound. Even the world's biggest popstars were picking up guitars.

2019! I had forgotten about you. It was an amazing year for music. Tame Impala was back after four years away, Stereophonics would release another classic, Liam's second solo album, not one but two Foals albums and a certain Mr Sam Fender would rear his head.

I want to start with Catfish & the Bottlemen. They would release 'The Balance' this year the band's third and currently final album. Featuring the singles 'Longshot' and 'Flucutate' it would be the album that would see the band reach the headline slot at festivals. They would headline TRNSMT, Reading & Leeds and NBHD Weekender on the back of this album. It would be the last time the band would play live. The album itself is ok, it sounds like Catfish & the Bottlemen, that's not a bad thing. They do what they say on the tin. 

Stereophonics would strip things back on 11th album 'Kind' slowing down the pace, and letting Kelly Jones storytelling do the heavy lifting. The album was received well by fans and critics, and would give us fans 'Fly Like an Eagle' 'Make Friends with the Morning' and 'Hungover for You' which have gone on to become live staples. It was interesting to see the band take this approach to making an album, and it really worked. A true career highlight. 

Liam Gallagher would pick up where he had left off. 'Why Me Why Not' would use the same formula as 'As You Were' to great effect. It would contain some of Liam's most loved solo songs including 'Once' and 'One of Us' an album that saw Liam unlike we had ever seen him before. He was being introspective and had let the ego settle a little which makes for a great listen, every song is great well apart from 'Halo' that one is awful. Sorry Liam.

In terms of groups one took the crown in 2019. Foals. They released two albums, and those two albums happened to be the bands best work to date. 'Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost- Part 1 and 2' would be released six months apart. Part 1 in March 2019 and Part 2 in October 2019. They would see the band dip back into their discography as well as look into the future. Both albums have absolute Foals classics on from Part 1's 'On the Luna' and 'In Degrees' to Part 2's 'The Runner' and 'Black Bull.' Foals had taken a risk but it had paid off. The 'Everything Not Lost’ era is testament to just what Foals are capable of – in sound, in scope and in greatness. It also reinforced them as one of Britain's most important bands.

Sam Fender, the geordie Springsteen would release his debut album 'Hypersonic Missiles' in 2019 an album that documents small town frustration, the disenfranchised youth and highlighted flawed political systems. A new working class voice of rock. Not afraid to tackle sensitive subjects such as high male suicide rates, poverty, and the problems faced by young people. It seemed to offer a snapshot into what was reality for many in the UK. Songs like 'Leave Fast' would resonate with people because they had experienced the conundrum of loving aspects of your hometown but knowing it can offer you nothing. 'Dead Boys' would help tackle the taboo around men's mental health and title track 'Hypersonic Missiles' would try to take on the world, the politicians and question what the hell was really going on.

So that brings us to the end of the 2010's. Quite the decade. A decade in which the world changed a lot, and not for the better. The decade in which I became a teenager, and saw these changes happen. It was also the decade in guitar music died... 

Well music critics.... read this post and it will tell you why you are wrong.

Seventeen Going Under- The 20s

So that brings us to the 2020's. The decade we are currently in. A decade that will be remembered for a global pandemic, where the world would come to a halt. Even though we are only three years in, it has been a memorable decade so far. Some of my favourite albums have been released. It has been a good time for bands all over the world. 

Courteeners would make a return in 2020 with the experimental 'More Again Forever' which saw them release one of there strongest albums to date, with the LCD Soundsystem like 'Heavy Jacket' to R.E.M influenced 'Better Man' and one of the best songs Liam Fray has ever written in 'Hanging Off Your Cloud.' It was a true return to the form for the band, and it is a real shame that they could not give the record a proper tour. Due to the Pandemic. They would see the album off in style though. With one big party, in Manchester. The band would play a second sold out show at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, featuring support from Johnny Marr and Blossoms as well as The Big Moon. 

Speaking of Blossoms they too would release an album in 2020 'Foolish Loving Spaces' arguably the bands best album to date. It saw them take everything they had learnt on 'Cool Like You' and 'Blossoms' and embrace everything from disco to Talking Heads. Fusing the 70s, 80s, and 90s into a record ready for the 20's was quite a task but Blossoms managed it. It's an album that has everything from acoustic ballads 'My Vacant Days' to dancefloor fillers 'If You Think this is Real Life' and one of the best love songs of the last fifteen years 'Oh No I Think I'm in Love.'

Circa Waves would release double album 'Sad Happy' which saw them create 'and is a contemplative, conflicted look at modern life' (NME). It allowed the band explore both sides of there music and what makes them great. The 'Happy' side contains the festival anthems 'Jacqueline' 'Move to San Fransisco' and the standout track 'Call Your Name'. This side harks back to 'Young Chasers' and 'Different Creatures' whereas the 'Sad' side more keys, more synth, more distortion in both guitar and voice work and sees a band dealing with a lot of emotion 'Hope There's a Heaven' is the standout track on this side and see's a band trying to come to terms with the loss of someone. One of the most underrated gems of this decade. 

Another band from Liverpool would release their second album. Red Rum Club released 'The Hollow of Humdrum' after the release of debut album 'Matador' in 2019 the band were going from strength to strength. It is a record I summed up best in my review. 't’s a brilliant record, perfect to put on and forget about things. It’s catchy, groovy and infectious. You will feel happier after blasting this record! A collection of brilliant indie pop songs. Don't worry about being late to the party, we were too. Give them a listen I promise you'll love them!

Gerry Cinnamon would release second album 'The Bonny' a more expansive listen than debut 'Erratic Cinematic'. Gerry would experience with new sounds and production. He still had the big live favourites 'Canter' and 'Where We're Going' but he also had more introspetive tracks like 'Roll the Credits' 'Six String Gun' and 'Roll the Credits. 'The Bonny' makes for an interesting listen and although some of the tracks are more suited to the live environment 'Dark Days' especially, it showcased Gerry's talent as a songwriter.

Haim would release one of the best albums of the year in 2020, 'Women in Music Pt III' has gone on to become one of my favourite albums ever. It is in simple terms a brilliant collection of great songs. A defining record for the band that sees them embrace indie, pop, and even garage. A genre melting mix of brilliance. There is not a weak song on this album. They are brilliant from dreamy opener 'Los Angeles' to the indie pop masterpiece closing track 'Summer Girl'. It is a truly great album, and is so underappreciated.

Then the world would stop.... 

Two things would happen before the world would stop though. Within two days of each other. I would turn 20, and the day before the 14th February 2020. Tame Impala would release 'The Slow Rush' after five years away. He had dropped the guitars well at least a little bit, he wanted to make another pop record and he had suceeded. It was an album that saw Tame Impala be more expansive yet more intimate and more introspective all at the same time. 'One More Year' is such an expansive piece of music and yet we see Kevin Parker pour himself into the lyrics. It's the most intimate thing he has ever released. 'It Might Be Time' would see him look back on the past, and sees him wrestle with the fear of losing his mojo. We still think your cool Kevin. Very cool in fact!

2021! A year of comebacks, live music was back after a year away and two British bands were back with albums. Royal Blood and Wolf Alice. Inhaler would launch themselves to the world. Noel Gallagher would release new music. Oh and Sam Fender would release a masterpiece. 

Wolf Alice released album of the year in June 2021. An album that showcased the band at full confidence and cemented them at the table of Britain's most important bands. It is a stunning record, that highlights everything the band are good at. Cinematic masterpieces 'The Beach and The Beach II' snarling punk, 'Smile' and 'Play the Greatest Hits' and even piano ballads 'The Last Man on the Earth' I cannot describe how much I love this album. It is one of the most important British albums ever in my opinion. 

Royal Blood were bored with being the saviors of rock music, and after Mike Kerr had quit the booze. They were looking to reinvent themseleves. So they did. They would take us to the dancefloor in 2021 with 'Typhoons' the band saw to fight there demons with a good boogie, and it works. The Royal Blood DNA hasn't gone anywhere Ben Thatchers drums are louder than ever, and Mike Kerr's bass still prevalent it is just done in a different way. They haven't reinvented the wheel it's guitar music you can dance too. Yet lyrically the band bare it all, it is the most personal we have ever seen them get, some of the lyrics are quite dark and emotional and when wrapped around a danceable beat it makes for a very interesting listen.

Inhaler would release 'It Won't Always Be Like This' and they too did not reinvent the wheel. They did however release a great debut record. The album would see Eli and the rest of the band craft a collection of catchy indie pop songs that were perfect for the current crop of guitar music fans. Perfect for festival fields, and indie discos. The albums title track is easily one of the best songs released in 2021. A triumphant debut and the start of a journey for the Irish band. The Lathums would release 'How Beautiful Life Can Be' in 2021 a band who like Arctic Monkeys in the decades previously had built up quite the following on the internet, would hit top spot with this album and win over fans and critics a like. Again they didn't experiment but not everyone wants Radiohead or Tame Impala. Some people want good songs with big choruses and relatable lyrics and this Wigan band would provide those in abundance.

Sam Fender would release a statement of working class pride in the form of 'Seventeen Going Under'. It saw Sam paint a very interesting picture of not only his hometown but also a portrait of his younger self. The title track paints the most vivid picture, of a troubled youth, family problems and crime and violence. It is one of the best portrayals of working class life ever. He would write about events and relationships that had shaped his life the most 'Spit of You' talks about his relationship with his dad, and it is a song every son can relate too in some way. 'The Dying Light' acts as the final act and a fitting sequel to 'Dead Boys' With a dedication to the people he loves. ‘For Mam and Dad and all my pals. For all the ones who didn't make the night’ Sam gives these people the credit because this album allowed him to look inward and he highlights how these people have made a change in his life

Sam's first album saw him scratch the service. The NME sum up his second in the perfect way. If ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ was the sound of a young boy kicking out at the world, ‘Seventeen Going Under’ sees Fender realise that it can kick back a lot harder, and he counts every blow and bruise. But he seems to have found that time passes and that most wounds – even the deepest – will eventually heal, if he can allow them to.

2022 would see a return of the old guard in more ways than one and also one of the best British debuts in years. 

Lets start there shall we. Wunderhorse would release his debut album 'Cub' in October 2022. I hadn't heard of him in September 2022 but upon listening to 'Cub' I was blown away. It is a rock masterpiece that dips into so many genres, punk, grunge, shoegaze, britpop, indie, even metal in places. The album sees a man coming to terms with who he is and where he has been, the maddest thing is he is just getting started. 'Cub' is one of those records that you need to listen to really appreciate just how good it is!

I first saw Wunderhorse on a Fontaines DC poster and it seems only fair that I talk about them too. The bands third album 'Skinty Fia' would be released in 2022. It was a huge leap from their punk roots. Written as a love letter to there homeland Ireland it sees a band broaden their horizons and sounds to great affect. It is like nothing they have done before. 'I Love You' is a highlight of the album and sees band frontman honouring his generation’s rage. The track allows Chatten to shout back at his politically dysfunctional home, but also contemplate the pain of moving away from it. It's a brilliant song about seeing your country struggle, but knowing it will always be home.

Blossoms would release fourth album 'Ribbon Around the Bomb' which saw the band grow up and release some of there best work to date. Don't think they lost there sense of fun though! Although songs 'Visions' see the band look inward and question themselves. The album still pokes fun and shows the bands intimate relationships with each other, this is no more evident in the Paul Simon inspired 'The Sulking Poet.' complete with handclaps, and throwaway vocals. It is one of the best things the band have done to date and embraces young naivety. Blossoms may have grown up, but they have done it in there own charming way.

Jamie T made a come back with 'The Theory of Whatever' and we had missed him. First single 'The Old Style Raiders' reminded us just how important he was, and it also happened to be one of his best songs to date. The album was a truly welcomed return for fans, it saw Jamie do what he does best write good songs. It saw him dip into different sounds and genres all with great results. He had not only survived the indie scene, but he had proved he was still a vital part. Don't leave it so long next time Jamie.

Stereophonics had planned to release a greatest hits album to celebrate the bands 25th Anniversary in 2022 but when searching for extra songs for the album. They stumbled on some gems, 'Forever' being one and parked the idea. Deciding instead to work on a new album. 'Oochya' which almost sounds like a greatest hits album of new songs. As an album it seems to cover every iteration of Stereophonics sound, and has given us some of the best work 'Do You Feel My Love' is one of the very best things they have ever done. 'Forever' the catalyst for this album is a heartfelt song "about escapism. It’s about longing for a freedom for someone and taking away the pain they’re going through, it’s about taking a bullet for them."

Liam Gallagher would release 'C'Mon You Know' his third and weakest solo album in my opinion. He had tried something different with songs like 'Moscow Rules' written with Vampire Weekend and the very weird 'I'm Free.' However I cannot deny how successful 2022 was for Liam. He would have one of the best summers of his life. Two nights at the home of his beloved football team Manchester City, and then two sell out shows at Knebworth. No this is not 1996 it is 2022. He had truly stepped out of the shadow of Oasis and brother Noel. Liam was back, and he had the people with him. A new generation idolised him, and just what he could do on a stage.

Arctic Monkeys would continue, the experimental era with 2022's 'The Car' an album that saw them take a cinematic approach. Alex's songwriting had improved from 'Tranquilty Base' in my opinion and the rest of the band would have their moment or moments on this record. I have to admire the innovation that Arctic Monkeys had gone through, and I do believe 'The Car' contains some career highlights especially in the singles 'There Better Be a Mirrorball' and 'Body Paint' but as I said with the last album. I can understand why some are disapointed.

The 1975 seemed to do the opposite of Arctic Monkeys they moved away from experimental records. Following the release of 'Notes on a Conditional Form' and 'A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships' two genre mashing, career defining pieces of work. That saw the band tackle world governments, climate change with Greta Thunberg, the power of the internet, relationships and there friendship with each other. In 2022 they decided to make a great pop album. Think Peter Gabriel, think Bruce Springsteen, and even Hall & Oates. It is a great pop album, with funny lyrics, LCD Soundsystem references and even a couple of love songs thrown in for good measure. A nominee for album of the year?

Foals would take that crown. 'Life is Yours' is the perfect antidote for lockdown. Written during the pandemic, you could not possibly tell. It see's the band really let there hair down and write a joyous album. A tale of going out, holidays away, taxis home, youthfull excess. An album that you cannot not feel happier after listening. The modern day 'Technique' an album that reinforced Foals as one of the best Britain had to offer, whilst taking your hand to the dancefloor.

I feel like talking about one record from 2023. 'Heavy Heavy' from Scottish band Young Fathers. An album unlike anything I have ever heard before. Pop music that embraces music from across the world an album that continues to break boundaries. Whilst also being full of catchy pop songs. Genres fit together like a puzzle to create a tapestry of great music. Don't take my word for it though go and give it a listen.

It Really, Really, Really Did Happen. 

2023 also saw two HUGE reunions. Britpop was back. Pulp reunited to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ‘This is Hardcore.’ The album that arguably killed Britpop. With a series of summer gigs, in huge venues, arenas and even at the top of some festival bills.

It would be bittersweet for Pulp though as their long term bass player Steve Mackey. would pass away in March 2023. The band continued to play without him and chose to honour his memory that way. Pulp’s shows were well received by the public and critics, they were always a brilliant band, and Jarvis never lost his edge.

Blur also made a return in 2023, a reunion tour around Europe and Asia was first on the cards. The European leg of the tour would include festival appearances, a first Amsterdam show since 1998 (I was there!) and two, yes two dates at Wembley Stadium.

If that wasn’t enough, on the 18th of May they released new music, and announced an album ‘The Ballad of Darren.’ The first new Blur record for 7 years. I’m definitely glad to hear them back. Blur are one of those bands, they even today are still as important and influential as they were in their 90s hey day. They also seem to be doing this tour and record for all the right reasons and that’s admirable.

Glastonbury 2023 saw the ‘Monkeys’ back on the farm for the third time. Ten years since the Arctic Monkeys last headline slot. Although for some it was a lacklustre performance, it showed the new era of the band as well Alex’s unique present as a front man. A full review of the performance can be found here. https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/news/the-monkeys-back-on-the-farm

It was quite a good year for guitar music in fact, Blossoms and Rick Astley became Britains best tribute band, and proved you can still like The Smiths even with Morrissey’s controversial views. It was a mad unique idea we had first seen in 2021 with two small gigs but trying it at Glastonbury was a huge gamble but it paid off. Again a full review can be found here. https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/news/these-charming-men

Courteeners played the festival for the 8th time and it seemed like a return to form. Having seen them live a number of times, Liam’s voice can be a bit hit a miss, but Glastonbury was a big success for the band. Fingers crossed 2023 can be the year we see new music from the band.

Friday also saw a secret set from ‘The Churnups’ who we found out to be Foo Fighters. It was the bands first performance in the U.K. since the tragic last of drummer Taylor Hawkins, they were given an afternoon slot on the Pyramid Stage, and an hour. Safe to say they smashed it. No gimmicks, no time to stop. They played the hits and fans were impressed. A true rock masterclass 

https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/news/a-real-churnup-for-the-books

Rounding off Glastonbury in both this post and the festival itself. Was Elton John, it saw the Rocket Man take his final flight, well in the U.K. at least. A performance that didn’t let up. It was hit after hit. He knew what he was doing, and he attracted one of the biggest crowds the festival has ever seen! It will go down as one of the best Glastonbury performances we have ever seen.

Glastonbury wasn’t the only big gig though. Arctic Monkeys would take ‘The Car’ for a spin on a U.K. stadium tour. Playing a career defining set. https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/blog/arctic-monkeys-take-the-car-for-a-spin

London’s Finsbury Park would host Jamie T, Pulp and The 1975 over one weekend. All of which playing some of their biggest headline shows to date. It’s quite telling that these gigs happened, in a time where guitar music is supposedly dead! A full review can be found here https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/news/parklife

Manchester saw ‘Sounds of the City’ make a return, with Bastille & Blossoms representing the guitar bands. Hacienda Classical played too, keeping Manchesters heritage alive.

The legends came out to play to Bruce Springsteen sold out two dates in Hyde Park and played a few football stadiums. Billy Joel brought his piano ballads to the capital too, rounding off Hyde Park’s big gigs for the year.

Sitting here writing this now we still have Reading & Leeds and the TRNSMT weekend. It’s been quite a year for live shows!

Plus 2023 has also given us some brilliant new music from some of Britains best bands and artists. I mentioned Young Fathers earlier who have gone on to become one of my favourite bands. Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds also released an album. ‘Council Skies’.

An album that saw Noel look back and be reflective, with song writing. In terms of structure and sound he also looked back to a more traditional sound that fans are familiar with. It’s the Noel we know and love. With huge choruses, nods to Oasis with songs like ‘Easy Now’ and beautiful ballads that we know Noel can deliver. Yet still with the twists and turns Noel throws in. ‘Dead to the World’ being a prime example.

Damon Albarn has been a busy man over the last couple of years and his project Gorillaz wasn’t going to take a step back whilst he was working on Blur, in fact Gorillaz have released their best album to date, ‘Cracker Island’ complete with Stevie Nicks and Tame Impala collaborations and a song that sounds like everything Damon Albarn has ever done in the form of ‘Skinny Ape’ https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/blog/don-t-be-sad-for-me

Before I finish 2023 off for now. I need to talk about a band that has had a very good year.

Sleep Token. One of Britains most interesting, and intriguing bands, a group of masked and cloaked musicians, whose identity is currently unknown. Don’t let this interesting dynamic deter you though. Sleep Token have released one of the best albums of the year ‘Take Me Back to Eden’. It’s an album that takes the rock rulebook and rips it up! It’s an eclectic mix of sounds, styles and songwriting that is brilliant. ‘Are You Really Ok’ is stadium rock, and one of the best songs of the year! Whereas ‘Aqua Regia’ is almost R&B in sound. It’s a breathtaking listen.

Ending Festival Season was Reading & Leeds which saw Sam Fender, Foals, The 1975 and The Killers headline the famous festival. All of them would play unbelieveable sets to huge crowds.

You can read more about the festival here https://www.beyond-the-grooves.co.uk/news/the-end-of-the-summer-the-beginning-of-your-lives

It was the fitting end to Sam Fender's Seventeen Going Under cycle following his huge dates at St James Park earlier in the year. The 1975 proved themselves to be one of Britain's best live bands and reinforced their self titled debut as an absolute classic. The Killers are and always will be adopted Brit's although they hail by way of the Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, they will always have a place in the hearts of us Brit's. Foals played an absolute blinder, again another of Britain's best live bands. Playing a set that could inspire the next generation of headliner. 

It was the fitting end to what has been one of the best summers of music in recent memory. From The Monkeys on the Farm to Sam's first headline slot. It was one to remember.

November 2023, saw arguably 2023’s biggest musical moment. The release of a new song by The Beatles. ‘Now & Then’ was released on November 2nd. A song that the band had originally tried to record in the 1990s unsuccessfully was brought to life with the aid of Peter Jackson and new vocal isolation technology.

‘Now & Then’ didn’t just fade into obscurity, as with most things The Beatles did, it took off. Breaking countless records and becoming the bands 18th Number One Single in the UK. The band broke streaming records this century. It became the fastest selling single of 2023, and the fastest selling vinyl of this century too.

The Beatles now hold the record for amount of time between the bands first Number One single ‘From Me to You’ released in 1963 and ‘Now & Then’ released in 2023. A career spanning over 60 years.

The gap between The Beatles last number  single ‘The Ballad of John & Yoko’ and ‘Now & Then’ is also a record breaking 54 years.

A real poignant moment for music this year, that saw all four of The Beatles play on one last song. Closing The Beatles out for good. A real poignant ending.

It’s the final chapter in musics greatest story. A story in which four lads from Liverpool took on and took over the world, a story filled with chaos, tragedy, beauty, controversy, sadness and joy, friendship and soundtracked by some of the greatest songs ever written. Has its final chapter. For those who are still here and for those lost along the way.

February 2024 would see the band release their debut album, ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ a genre-defining, boundary pushing debut. That saw the band mix cinematic strings, with 70s guitars and Fleetwood Mac vocals. A truly unique record. ‘Caesar on the TV Screen’ with its unique take on the Roman Empire and Soviet Era politics make for a brilliant listen. ‘Burn Alive’ is one of the best songs in recent memory, a sprawling epic. With some haunting instrumentation and vocals that take from ABBA and Fleetwood Mac to create a gem of a pop song. 

Two legends would also collaborate in 2024. Liam Gallagher and John Squire would team up. The former frontman of Oasis and the legendary guitarist from The Stone Roses. It was safe to say fans were looking forward to seeing what they would come up with. 

It was mixed. ‘Just Another Rainbow’ although instrumentally brilliant. Lyrically it had the feel of a nursery rhyme. ‘Mars to Liverpool’ on the other hand was a brilliant effort. Combining what makes both of them great. With more compelling lyrics, some beautiful guitar work and a vocal that takes Liam back to the early 90s. 

The album would arrive in March 2024, and see both of them take to the road playing in some smaller venues than fans would perhaps expect of these two legends. 

It was an album that received a mixed reception. Some saw it as the best thing both Liam and John had released in years. Where others were left a little disappointed. Of course there were glimpses of The Stone Roses and Oasis in the songs, but the album seemed to be missing something. There’s moments of brilliance, ‘Mars to Liverpool’ is one of the best things either has done for a long time. A tribute to the Fab Four done by two legends from just down the M62. Squires guitar work is brilliant and Liam’s vocal has nods of early Oasis. ‘Love you Forever’ has a touch of the Hendrix and some snarling lyrics, which may or may not be about a certain Mr Noel Gallagher. Some of the songs are let down lyrically, but there’s a variety of songs here. Oasis and Stone Roses fans will be pleased with what they’ve offered. Liam has got to make a record with one of the men who inspired him to form a band. Squire also rekindled his love for music, after an injury that made him think he might never play guitar again.

The tour that subsequently followed the release of this record was also one that recieved both good and bad press. I am firmly in the bad press camp for this one. Gallagher and Squire were charging £80 + for a ticket and only playing a 50 minute set. With no Oasis, or Stone Roses songs. Fans were paying to hear the album and a Rolling Stones cover. If you ask me that is a little bit ridiculous. 

Just as they'd done in 2023. The 1975 took to the road in early 2024. Playing in UK arenas on their ‘Still At Their Very Best’ tour. It had firmly cemented them as one of the countries biggest and most important bands. Selling out four nights at the O2 arena in London is not something to be sniffed at. Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and Cardiff all also got dates.

Jamie Webster would release ‘10 for the People’ his third album. A collection of songs for the people who had gotten him to this stage. ‘Better Day’ acts a thank you to the fans who have helped him get this far. All of the songs, however tell a story of the people. ‘Something to Eat’ and ‘Voice of the Voiceless’ see him at his most political with some hard hitting lyrics. It's another very good record from the Liverpool songwriter. He manages to sum up the plight and peril faced by many, with a catchy pop tune. The ballads are still there too, ‘Lovers in the Supermarket’ and ‘Dolly Bird’ are some of the most beautiful things Jamie has ever written. The first in particular is a tale of an elderly couple who are still absolutely besotted with each other. All these later. It's wholesome and beautiful. Written and delivered with a heavy heart.

Catfish would also make a return in 2024, nearly three years since their last appearance at 2021’s Neighborhood Weekender. They would drop new music in the form of ‘Showtime’ a slight deviation from what we've come to expect from them. Two members down and a point to prove, made them deviate a little from the Catfish sound. With some huge summer shows penciled in, could this see a new era of the band, or will they not live up to the hype. 

It's a difficult question to answer, but I'm sure we will have our answer soon enough. 

This years Teenage Cancer Trust gigs featured a certain Mr Noel Gallagher, supported by our friends from Stockport, Blossoms as well as The Chemical Brothers, Young Fathers, The Who and Squeeze. Noel's set would see the return of some Oasis favourites, and a new live debut of 'Stand By Me', the first time ever by his High Flying Birds.

In a set that also included 'Talk Tonight' and 'The Masterplan', it was a real night of treats for Oasis fans.

Young Fathers have become one of my favourite bands over the last year or so, and the bands Royal Albert Hall performance, may have made more people take notice. Reaffirming them as one of Britain's best bands. A night that showcased a rich discography, soulful stage presence and life affirming friendship.

That draws ideas and sounds from different genres and movements. Breaking down boundaries with an array of diverse influences. 

A show that is testament to the bands underlying brilliance. If you haven't given them a listen. I urge you to, you won't be disappointed.

Glastonbury....

It is the biggest festival in the world. An event that has given us some iconic moments. From 1995 where Pulp stepped in to be the super subs,  The Killers and Johnny Marr in 2019, Stormzy and is Union Jack bullet proof vest that same year. Jay Z bringing Hip-Hop to Somerset, Beyonce's pop tastic headline in 2011. Radiohead in 1997 playing as there own equipment broke in front of them. The Verve in 2008, Blur in 2009. Elton's final UK Show. Both of McCartney's sets. Need I go on.

Yet this year. I can't see another historic moment being made. I honestly think the 2024 Glastonbury line up. Is the worst one in my life time.

I look at that line up, and I don't see anything that would make for a special show. There are some good bands and artists on there, from LCD Soundsystem to Jungle. Fontaines DC to The Last Dinner Party. However, as a whole it is disapointing. Coldplay to me feel like a lazy booking, they have headlined the famous festival four times and in my opinion the bands recent material isn't up to much. It is even there only UK festival headline this summer. 

Dua Lipa, will put on a good show. I don't know enough about SZA but it feels like to me that they tried to get Taylor Swift and could not. Shania Twain as the legends slot, I think many were hoping for Stevie Nicks who is in the UK this summer on tour. 

In the last two years we have had McCartney, Arctic Monkeys, Elton John, Sam Fender, Billie Elish, Lana Del Rey, Haim, Elbow, Kendrick Lamar, Foals, Pet Shop  Boys, Olivia Rodrigo, The Libertines, Rick Astley, Blossoms, Jamie T. Plus so many more. It just feels like a massive disappointment for Glastonbury. I felt as if they could have maybe got another legend back. Pulp for round two? Or promoted one of the newer artists. Sam Fender, Lana, even Foals. The 1975 would make for a great headliner. Especially over Coldplay who have played the festival countless times. 

Although the festivals in 2024 weren’t the strongest on record. It didn’t stop some of the biggest venues in the UK being sold out by some huge artists. 

The Killers brought their ‘Rebel Diamonds’ show to the UK with a huge arena tour. Celebrating 20 years as band, with a bombastic greatest hits show. 

It allowed the band to bring Las Vegas showmanship, and a collection of indie bangers to the UK’s cities. Changing the set list every night. Fans were left wondering what would be played. 

Believe me they didn’t disappoint. Having seen the show myself, they reinforced themselves as being on top of the indie mountain. One of the best bands in the world. 

Liam Gallagher too took to the arena stage to celebrate 30 years of ‘Definitely Maybe’ with a nostalgia filled run through of the album and its b-sides. 

Getting to hear that album in full was a special moment for any Oasis fan. For many it is their best work, the sound of a band who were ready to take over the world. Thirty years later Liam has taken on the world in his own terms. Yet every word on that record still resonates with him today. All these years on.

Bloc Party made a welcome return this year. Celebrating 20 years of ‘Silent Alarm’ and with a new look line up. As well as some new music. 

A show at Birminghams O2 Institute set them up for a summer that would see them take to the stage at Glastonbury and play some sell out gigs in London, Belfast and Dublin. 

One of the most interesting bands of the 00s back making music is always a good thing. 

Fontaines DC returned with some brilliant genre diverse new music. ‘Starburster’ and ‘Favourite’ two songs that are completely different from each other, and yet are still unique to the band. 

‘Starburster’ has hip hop elements and is one of the most atmospheric songs that the band have ever recorded. Taking inspiration from ‘Skinty Fia’ whereas ‘Favourite’ is indebted to post punk and The Cure. Lyrically these tunes are a massive step up again. Fontaines are becoming one of the countries most important bands. 

Blossoms too returned. With two singles ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry’ and ‘Gary’ from their forthcoming album ‘Gary’. Two songs which see Blossoms evolve their sound again. Taking elements from what they’ve done before, and turning them into something new. 

With the biggest show of their career still to come in August, it's a good time to be a Blossoms fan right now. 

The Clause have released two indie gems this year. A band from Birmingham who are on the rise. ‘Fever Dream’ and ‘Take Me Home’ are two frenetic fast paced indie diamonds. Lyrically brilliant with huge choruses. 2024 is a big year for the boys from Brum. 

It has been quite the year so far, we’ve had some huge gigs and some great new music. Here’s hoping to more. We’ve got some good albums on the way. Blossoms, Fontaines DC, and Wunderhorse all have records on the way. A new Sam Fender and Wolf Alice record can’t be that far away. 

Catfish & the Bottlemen returned in July. Fans had been set up for an optimistic reunion back in February with the announcement of 'Showtime'. However following the announcement of these live dates, it has been radio silence from the band. 

The first show was in Liverpool, playing their biggest headline gig to date. Backed up by The Mysterines and Sundara Karma. With a first outting for the new look line up. Following the loss of Johnny 'Bondy' Bond and Bob Hall. This gig proved a lot of peoples criticisms of Catfish correct. It was more of the same. 

Before this show, the last time Catfish and the Bottlemen had took to the stage was in 2021, at Warrington's Neighborhood Weekender. Three years apart, the band played the exact same setlist. Despite releasing a new single, and working on the assumption the band are releasing a new album they chose not to play any new music. 

Courteeners announced they would to be returning this year. This was news that fans had been waiting for. With the last music the band released being all way back in 2020. The rather joyous ‘Solitude of the Night Bus’ was released as the first single from the bands seventh album ‘Pink Cactus Cafe’. Liam Fray described the album as the most ‘collaborative and rewarding thing we've done, its a real melting pot of an album. 

Following the album announcement, the band also announced tour dates were incoming. Six Arena dates, including a massive show at Manchester’s Co-Op Live. They've made the jump into arenas.
It's been a long time coming. I for one am glad that Courteeners are back. Four and half years is a long time. 

Wunderhorse released 'Silver' the third single from second album 'Midas' a real evolution of sound, and the best song we have heard from the album so far.  It takes the best elements from 'Cub' and adds to them. Its an exciting time to be a fan of the band. I've got a feeling this will be a special record. What we have heard so far, tells me that. 

In terms of summer gigs, Noel Gallagher has hit the road, taking Council Skies to Stadiums, Castles and Palaces. Giving a fans a feel of his solo stuff, and still playing all of the Oasis classics. Noel's outdoor gigs have been going down a treat. This tour has also seen Noel play in some different towns and cities to usual. Wigan and Warwick getting a show from the former Oasis man.  

One of my new favourite bands Jungle have been out on the road, now four albums in and with a Glastonbury performance for the ages behind them have been giving UK cities one hell of a party. The release of 'Volcano' last year, with the hits 'Back on 74' and 'Candle Flame' as well as a win at this years Brits. More and more people are becoming aware of Jungle.

Which is only a good thing, they alongside Young Fathers are making some of the most interesting music in Britain right now.

TRNSMT rolled back in to Glasgow, and saw sets fro the hometown hero Gerry Cinnamon, Liam Gallagher and Calvin Harris. It was a real melting pot of acts this year, with experience coming from Courteeners, The Vaccines, Blossoms and Rick Astley. With the future of guitar music being represented by Nova Twins, Wunderhorse, The Last Dinner Party, 

I've heard mixed things, with many reviews questioning the crowd for certain acts. Watching footage of Courteeners I can see what they meant. It is still Scotland's premier music festival though, and manages to pull in some of the biggest acts in the world. As well as remembering their own. With Scottish acts being given some of the biggest spots on the lineup.

The August Bank Holiday weekend is always a big one for music fans. It’s the weekend of Reading & Leeds but in 2024 it was so much more than that.

The festival this year was one of the strongest line ups in a few years. With an eclectic mix of acts. Headlining was Liam Gallagher, Catfish & The Bottlemen, Gerry Cinnamon, Lana Del Rey, Blink 182 and Fred Again. Quite the mix, but some huge acts. 

Catfish returned to the stage after three years away. The last time the band played was in 2021, it was a rather fractured performance, and saw the band come to an end. This new look Catfish and the Bottlenen are just getting started. Reading & Leeds acted as a marker, and a good warm up for next years huge stadium gigs. 

Liam brought his LGDM tour to the masses. Playing the full Oasis debut album in full, with some b-sides thrown in for good measure. 

Blink 182 brought a real energy to the weekend, with tunes new and old. Fred Again gave us a party. Gerry well he did was he does best, entertain massive crowds. Lana tried to right the wrongs of last years Glastonbury. In some ways she did, in other ways she didn’t. 

Further down the line up, guitar music as well represented. The K’s were given a main stage slot following the release of their debut album. The Last Dinner Party too got a shot, following the release of ‘Prelude to Ectascy’ these are two bands to look out for in the next 12 months. Both are going to do big things.

Fontaines DC continued there ascendancy, playing another set for the ages. They just keep getting better. Following the release of their fourth album ‘Romance’ I can't see it being long before they are topping the bill at festivals like this. 

Another Irish band ‘Kneecap’ introduced themselves to the world. After one of the best performances of the weekend at Glastonbury. They got a main stage slot at Reading & Leeds. Giving the crowd a politically charged set of Gaelic rap. The band are not shy about making a statement and has been causing a stir since their inception. One of the most unique musical outfits around at the minute. 

Away from the festivals we had new album releases from Fontaines DC and some huge gigs. Blossoms played their biggest headline show to date, at Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park. With an all star indie line up in support. 

The K’s, Shed Seven and Inhaler took to the stage alongside the boys from Stockport. 

Another huge milestone for the band, who are now onto their 5th album. I was at the gig and it was another brilliant affair. Blossoms are a staple of the UK live music scene, always selling out venues, always on festival bills. Yet always evolving and releasing indie pop gems. Wythenshawe Park was a culmination of everything that makes Blossoms great. 

Although those are significant musical events. It wasn't the biggest. At Reading festival and at Wythenshawe Park on Sunday August 25th 2024, a short video was played on the screens.

That video indicated a date, and a time. It was in relation to a certain band. A certain Manchester band. Oasis. 

On the 27.08.2024 after a weekend of speculation and rumours. After 15 years away, after social media spats, no communication, and even the odd vegetable related insult. Oasis announced… 

They were reuniting. For some shows in 2025 in the UK and Ireland 

That news is monumental. This isn't a significant moment in music. It is more than that Oasis have transcended the generations, and have ingrained themselves as a part of British culture. 

One of the most important news stories of this decade. 

What a weekend eh! 

And in The End, The Love You Take is Equal To the Love You Make.

So that brings us to the end, at least for now. I want to thank you all for reading. This post has been the most enjoyable thing I have done for Beyond the Grooves and something I have wanted to do for a long time. So for it to be so well received it means a lot.

Some special thank yous Archie, Dylan, Em, Grace, Hattie, Joe, Katie, Luke, Lauren, Noah, Sean, Zoe. 

Thank you for all being there in more ways than one. You are all heroes. Thank you to everyone who has liked, shared, read the posts. It has really helped and I appreciate you all a lot!

Here's hoping the rest of 2024 provides us with some stuff to add to this post. If you enjoyed the post and want to listen to some of the songs mentioned…https://spotify.link/ok1jZHYGczb

Jack x