The only album recorded by the La's, this record was released by troubled perfectionist Lee Mavers and company in 1990. An incredibly unique album that exists in an oasis of pure guitar pop perfection, the record recalls the best elements of the Beatles, the Who, the Hollies, and the Kinks, yet is not overly indebted to the past. Punchy and alive yet not frantic, the album floats along at an unhurried pace, with no song overstaying its welcome. Totally unaffected, this sensational and highly melodic record is one of the most refreshingly accessible, rich, and above all fun records I have ever heard.
The record is forceful and lean sounding, partially thanks to Steve Lillywhite's clean and unobtrusive production, chock full of sinewy and clean electric guitars and textured layered acoustic strumming. Lee Mavers' voice is a marvel; full of attitude and distinctly British, it would be a big influence on Liam Gallagher and Oasis, Blur and the entire Brit-pop movement of the 1990's.
19 years after its release, this record hasn't aged a day and is nostalgic and timeless in a way that only a select handful of records are (i.e the Beatles' catalogue). This is a perfect pop album; 35 minutes of pure jangle-y melodic joy. The main factor that is responsible for the total brilliance of this record is Lee Mavers' heavenly melodies; this man can write a hook like no other. Take "There She Goes" for example; certainly one of the finest pop singles of the 1990's, if not all time, this simple ditty's pure melody will be stuck in your head for weeks at a time (if that guitar riff doesn't do the trick first). Why this album is so unknown and sold so poorly is a mystery to me, as there is nothing more life affirming than authentic, energetic, and supremely tuneful pop music. If you don't own this simply exquisite masterpiece, you should.
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