899. H.M.S. Fable

H.M.S. Fable
Shack
1999

Tracks
1. Natalie's Party
2. Comedy
3. Pull Together
4. Beautiful
5. Lend's Some Dough
6. Captain's Table
7. Streets Of Kenny
8. Reinstated
9. I Want You
10. Cornish Town
11. Since I Met You
12. Daniella

I'm happy to report that we are moving away from the Oasis sound, which seemed to dominate every britpop album that came our way for awhile. 

This had a very unique sound. They seemed to take a less commercial friendly approach on the second half, but I enjoyed it all. There was a good mixture of retro and modern britpop (which in my opinion could always do with some dilution).

Also, you have to like a band from Liverpool. They are called Liverpudlians, after all. 

RATING: 4/5

886. The Man Who

The Man Who
Travis
1999

Tracks
1. Writing To Reach You
2. Fear
3. As You Are
4. Driftwood
5. Last Laugh Of The Laugh
6. Turn
7. Why Does It Always Rain On Me
8. Luv
9. She's So Strange
10. Slide Show

After the amazing album that was 69 Love Songs, everything will sound a bit dull in comparison. Travis brings us a britpop album, right at the tail end of the britpop trend. 

And it doesn't really bring anything new to the table. I feel like every britpop band wants to be Oasis, when they should aspire to be Blur instead. This isn't terrible, but it's not particularly memorable either.

And the vocals got on my nerves. 

RATING: 3/5

868. This is Hardcore

This is Hardcore
Pulp
1998

Tracks
1. The Fear
2. Dishes
3. Party Hard
4. Help The Aged
5. This Is Hardcore
6. TV Movie
7. A Little Soul
8. I'm A Man
9. Seductive Barry
10. Sylvia
11. Glory Days
12. The Day After The Revolution

I actually listened to this album a couple days ago, but was all album-posted out. I usually like to write my post ASAP after listening to the entry so everything is fresh in my mind. But this one is a little stale.

I still liked it, I liked the grunge aspect of it, which we've kind of moved away from lately. I didn't quite enjoy this as much as the previous Pulp album on the List, as this felt less accessible. The tracks were longer and it felt like they were more desperate to prove their edginess here. Still, Jarvis Cocker remains a very sexy vocalist.

Not terrible by any means, but I was expecting something better.

RATING: 3/5

858. Urban Hymns

Urban Hymns
The Verve
1997

Tracks
1. Bitter Sweet Symphony
2. Sonnet
3. The Rolling People
4. The Drugs Don't Work
5. Catching The Butterfly
6. Neon Wilderness
7. Space And Time
8. Weeping Willow
9. Lucky Man
10. One Day
11. This Time
12. Velvet Morning
13. Come On
14. Deep Freeze

We have only had one Verve album on the List so far, and I remember thinking they were like Oasis with a little more of an edge. Still true.

There were some really good standout tracks in this album. "Lucky Man" and "Bittersweet Symphony" in particular were brilliant. The rest of the album isn't quite so memorable, but the songs never dipped below "pretty good" in quality.

I also really like the main vocals, which were thankfully devoid of whininess. 

RATING: 4/5

854. In It For the Money

In It For the Money
Supergrass
1997

Tracks
1. In It For The Money
2. Richard III
3. Tonight
4. Late In The Day
5. G Song
6. Sun Hits The Sky
7. Going Out
8. It's Not Me
9. Cheapskate
10. You Can See Me
11. Hollow Little Reign
12. Sometimes I Make You Sad

It wasn't that long ago that I was reviewing If I Should Coco, which I admired for its youthful enthusiasm and fresh take on a somewhat tired genre. You can tell from this album that the band has matured considerably. They are a little less wide-eyed here.

Which is pretty amazing, because If I Should Coco was released only two years before this. It's impressive how much they've grown in a short period, and they were pretty impressive to begin with. I do wonder if I would have enjoyed this as much, had we not just had a Mariah Carey album. Anything is sure to sound spectacular after that experience.

Disappointing that this is the last Supergrass album on the List, but I can't imagine them topping this one. 

RATING: 4/5

 

852. Life Thru a Lens

Life Thru a Lens
Robbie Williams
1997

Tracks
1. Lazy Days
2. Life Thru A Lens
3. Ego A Go Go
4. Angels
5. South Of The Border
6. Old Before I Die
7. One Of God's Better People
8. Let Me Entertain You
9. Killing Me
10. Clean
11. Baby Girl Window

This is a slight lyrical improvement from Oasis, but you can still tell that the album was heavily influenced by the band. This, in my opinion, is a somewhat dubious source for inspiration.

But I suppose britpop is a fairly derivative genre anyway, so it's not a shock that this comes across as an imitation. Some of the songs were a little cheesy, but overall it was a pretty fun, sometimes mindless, album.

So in the end a rather mediocre entry, although I did enjoy "Clean" quite a bit.

RATING: 3/5

835. 1977

1977
Ash
1996

Tracks
1. Lose Control
2. Goldfinger
3. Girl From Mars
4. I'd Give You Anything
5. Gone The Dream
6. Kung Fu
7. Oh Yeah
8. Let It Flow
9. Innocent Smile
10. Angel Interceptor
11. Lost In You
12. Darkside Lightside

I was familiar with the song "Girl From Mars" but the rest of the album was entirely new to me. Like most men their age, I guess they really like Star Wars.

I suppose some listeners might think the vocals have too much of a teen sound, but I didn't find the lead singer to be overly bratty.  I loved the youthful energy they brought to the music. You could tell they were committed to quality without taking themselves too seriously.

 

Catchy, accessible songs, which is all I ask for from my britpop. 

RATING: 4/5

826. Everything Must Go

Everything Must Go
Manic Street Preachers
1996

Tracks
1. Elvis Impersonator: Blackpool Pier
2. A Design For Life
3. Kevin Carter
4. Enola/Alone
5. Everything Must Go
6. Small Black Flowers That Grow In the Sky
7. The Girl Who Wanted To Be God
8. Removables
9. Australia
10. Interiors (Song For Willem De Kooning)
11. Further Away
12. No Surface All Feeling

Well, that was certainly unexpected. After the previous Manic Street Preachers album on the List, The Holy Bible, I was anticipating something uber depressing that was not at all suitable for my current Friday bliss. This album turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I mean, it was still depressing but it was also much lighter than their last entry.

Their style has definitely transformed into something more accessible. Of course, in pursuing a more mainstream sound they sacrifice some of their individuality. Britpop isn't exactly a genre where musical innovation thrives.  But I think they still retain much of their edge and manage to create a very thoughtful album.

So it turns out I like Manic Street Preachers sans Richey James. Sorry, Richey, wherever you are.

RATING: 4/5

825. Tellin' Stories

Tellin' Stories
The Charlatans
1996

Tracks
1. With No Shoes
2. North Country Boy
3. Tellin' Stories
4. One To Another
5. You're A Big Girl Now
6. How Can You Leave Us
7. Area 51
8. How High
9. Only Teethin'
10. Get On It
11. Rob's Theme

The album cover makes it seem like these guys are trying to be the Beatles. But then once you listen to the music, you realize they are actually trying to be Oasis.

But I suppose Britpop on the whole is a rather derivative genre, so I should not begrudge the Charlatans too harshly for not sounding original. I actually enjoyed a few songs on the album but they weren't particularly memorable.

It's been a pretty "meh" stretch of albums lately, so I'm hoping something impressive comes along soon to shake things up.

RATING: 3/5

818. Casanova

Casanova
The Divine Comedy
1996

Tracks
1. Something for the Weekend
2. Becoming More Like Alfie
3. Middle-Class Heroes
4. In & Out of Paris & London
5. Charge
6. Songs of Love
7. The Frog Princess
8. A Woman of the World
9. Through A Long & Sleepless Night
10. Theme From Casanova
11. The Dogs & The Horses

I didn't expect to enjoy this album, and in a different mood I might not have liked it. But by the sixth track I was really into this, which doesn't always happen with me and britpop. 

I suppose it wasn't the most original album on the List. But that's a common problem with britpop as a genre, I suppose. There aren't a lot of innovative artists exploring this style of music. But it was still enjoyable, and not every album needs to reinvent the wheel.

The lyrics were smart and sexy, which is always a winning combination. Worth listening to but perhaps not essential.

RATING: 4/5

809. Fuzzy Logic

Fuzzy Logic
Super Furry Animals
1996

Tracks
1. God! Show Me Magic
2. Fuzzy Birds
3. Something For The Weekend
4. Frisbee
5. Hometown Unicorn
6. Gathering Moss
7. If You Don't Want Me To Destroy You
8. Bad Behaviour
9. Mario Man
10. Hangin' With Howard Marks
11. Long Gone
12. For Now And Ever

I spent most of the day in a state of suspended panic about various deadlines, so it was nice to just listen to some ridiculously (and sometimes obnoxiously) cheerful music. 

I didn't know what to expect with a band name like Super Furry Animals. I definitely wouldn't put it past the List to make us to an endure a furry album that would give me nightmares for the next decade. I am not sure if the furry fandom is interested in making music and I don't want to go down that rabbit hole (no pun intended).

Anyway, Super Furry Animals has no association that I know of with the furry fandom, and is just an awesome Welsh rock band. My favorite track was definitely "Something For the Weekend" but there were a few bangers in here.

A good album, and the Welsh accent is always fun.

RATING: 4/5

805. (What's the Story) Morning Glory

(What's the Story) Morning Glory
Oasis
1995

Tracks
1. Hello
2. Roll with It
3. Wonderwall
4. Don't Look Back in Anger
5. Hey Now!
6. Some Might Say
7. Cast No Shadow
8. She's Electric
9. Morning Glory
10. Champagne Supernova

(What's the Story) Morning Glory contains Oasis' biggest hit, Wonderwall, so it was a pretty sure bet the album was going to show up here. Lyrically, it's not particularly impressive but it was still an improvement from Definitely Maybe.

This band doesn't have the best vocals, but I guess that's okay with this style of music; it's not like they have to belt out Broadway hits. I am probably being overly harsh, it's a perfectly fine album, just not very original.

I'm sure this album has a heavy nostalgic feeling for many people, but with fresh ears, it was just kind of meh.

RATING: 3/5

802. Different Class

Different Class
Pulp
1995

Tracks
1. Mis-Shapes
2. Pencil Skirt
3. Common People
4. I Spy
5. Disco 2000
6. Live Bed Show
7. Something Changed
8. Sorted For E's & Wizz
9. F.E.E.L.I.N.G.C.A.L.L.E.D.L.O.V.E.
10. Underwear
11. Monday Morning
12. Bar Italia

The bad thing about doing this List in chronological order is that when we're stuck in a trend, like, say, britpop, it gets really repetitive and monotonous. But the good thing about going in chronological order is that when something comes along to shake up a formula, it stands out a lot more.

This was slightly more sophisticated than the britpop albums before it. The clearest influence in this album is David Bowie, as it had a lot of elements of glam to it. I really appreciated the lyrical quality of this album, as well as Jarvis Cocker's vocals, which were sexy as hell. 

I also read that Cocker once fell out of a window trying to impress a girl with a Spiderman impression. At least some men still know how to do romance right.

RATING: 4/5

800. A Northern Soul

A Northern Soul
Verve
1995

Tracks
1. A New Decade
2. This Is Music
3. On Your Own
4. So It Goes
5. A Northern Soul
6. Brainstorm Interlude
7. Drive You Home
8. History
9. No Knock On My Door
10. Life's An Ocean
11. Stormy Clouds
12. (Reprise)

800! We are truly in the homestretch now. I'm still on track to finish by the end of 2020, which is a goal I'm very excited about. Gotta get something out of the Lost Year, even if it is just the end of a decade-long project.

Thankfully, we can celebrate the 800 milestone with a high quality album. Their sound was similar to Oasis, but maybe just a little more thoughtful, with a little more of an edge. I particularly enjoyed "On Your Own," and "A Northern Soul." 

The entire album was just...cool, which is certainly not an adjective that can be used to describe every Britpop album. They were a tracks in there that I wasn't as enthusiastic about (ahem "Brainstorm Interlude") but overall a very good album.

RATING: 4/5

796. I Should Coco

I Should Coco
Supergrass
1995

Tracks
1. I'd Like To Know
2. Caught By The Fuzz
3. Mansize Rooster
4. Alright
5. Lose It
6. Lenny
7. Strange Ones
8. Sitting Up Straight
9. She's So Loose
10. We're Not Supposed To
11. Time
12. Sofa Of My Lethargy
13. Time To Go

This is another band that I didn't think I knew, but I recognized "Alright" from the cinematic masterpiece, Clueless. That association alone is enough to win my favor, but thankfully this album doesn't have to rely on its movie connections to make me like it. 

Britpop doesn't always sound fresh, but Supergrass approaches this album with such enthusiasm that they manage to make it sound new. They were clearly influenced by the Kinks and the Buzzcocks, but they sound different somehow. Maybe kinder, or more hopeful? Either way, I was totally bugging.

I am getting kind of tired of listening to Britpop, so I was pleased they brought something new to the table.

RATING: 4/5

795. Elastica

Elastica
Elastica
1995

Tracks
1. Line Up
2. Annie
3. Connection
4. Car Song
5. Smile
6. Hold Me Now
7. SOFT
8. Indian Song
9. Blue
10. All Nighter
11. Waking Up
12. Two To One
13. Vaseline
14. Never Here
15. Stutter

I didn't think I knew Elastica, but I recognized "Car Song." Actually, many of these songs sounded familiar, but I think that has to do with Britpop being a pretty derivative genre.

I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. I really like all their obvious influences, and it's interesting hearing the Britpop sound updated for the 90s. It doesn't sound quite as fresh as something from Blur or Oasis, but I still enjoyed it. 

So a pretty good album, but it didn't leave much of an impression. Still, it's always nice to hear from more women on the List.

RATING: 3/5

772. Parklife

Parklife
Blur
1994

Tracks
1. Girls And Boys
2. Tracy Jacks
3. End Of A Century
4. Parklife
5. Bank Holiday
6. Debt Collector
7. Far Out
8. To The End
9. London Loves
10. Trouble In The Message Centre
11. Clover Over Dover
12. Magic America
13. Jubilee
14. This Is A Low

One of my British professors showed the music video for "Parklife" in class once. I forget for what purpose, but the class mostly consisted of him telling us stories from his rave days, so maybe he was providing context for a story. That really makes me nostalgic for before the quarantimes, where I could visit London and be forced to watch Britpop videos. 

So yes, this is a pretty great album, even if it groin kicked me in the feels. You can see a clear influence here from the Kinks, but they manage to put their own spin on it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go eat a sadness cookie. 

RATING: 4/5

768. Definitely Maybe

Definitely Maybe
Oasis
1994

Tracks
1. Rock 'N' Roll Star
2. Shakermaker
3. Live Forever
4. Up In The Sky
5. Columbia
6. Supersonic
7. Bring It On Down
8. Cigarettes & Alcohol
9. Digsy's Dinner
10. Slide Away
11. Married With Children

I was actually looking forward to this album. I haven't heard much of Oasis (although I probably have and didn't recognize it), but I heard they were like the Happy Mondays meets the Beatles. That sounds pretty good to me.

And it was okay, but I was pretty disappointed by the lyrical quality. "Supersonic" made me "oof" a couple of times. The songs were more of the "oh, this is going to be stuck in my head now" variety than the "I actually like this song" ilk. 

So far, 1994 isn't living up to 1993 musically, but, to be fair, it was an extremely high bar.

RATING: 3/5

746. Modern Life is Rubbish

Modern Life is Rubbish
Blur
1993

Tracks
1. For Tomorrow
2. Advert
3. Colin Zeal
4. Pressure on Julian
5. Star Shaped
6. Blue Jeans
7. Chemical World
8. Intermission
9. Sunday Sunday
10. Oily Water
11. Miss America
12. Villa Rosie
13. Coping
14. Turn It Up
15. Pop Scene
16. Resigned
17. Commercial Break

I feel like anything labeled as britpop never comes across as particularly original. I still enjoy it, but I feel like we are hearing the same music again and again.

That's okay, though, because this is pretty good. It can be obnoxious and repetitive at times; I didn't care for "Advert" very much or any of the novelty songs really. Other tracks had more of a Kinks/Brian Eno kind of charm that was appealing. 

Not terribly interesting but not offensive either.

RATING: 3/5

734. Suede

Suede
Suede
1993

Tracks
1. So Young
2. Animal Nitrate
3. She's Not Dead
4. Moving
5. Pantomime Horse
6. Drowners
7. Sleeping Pills
8. Breakdown
9. Metal Mickey
10. Animal Lover
11. Next Life

Welcome to 1993, which is the year my kind and beautiful sister was born. The List better respect this year, and not sully it with any talk of Surfing Buttholes, that's all I can say. 

We're starting the year off with a pretty easy and inoffensive album. I had never heard of Suede before, but some of these songs were really catchy. Was it the most original entry on the List? Not really, but it was the kind of britpop that I think everybody on our planet is okay with.

Probably skippable, but I was happy to listen.

RATING: 3/5