Did anyone get lost in The La's/Cast/Shack hoopla of the 90's?
I know I did.
The La's took right away and that debut remains in heavy rotation to this day. I remember digging the Cast album "All Change." What I don't remember is how it sounded. I guess it didn't quite take the way The La's did, and at press time, I haven't revisited it. I don't seem to have a copy. I will track it down soon. If anyone feels generous and wants to send me some files, I'd be grateful.
Which brings me to Shack and their absolutely sublime release "H.M.S. Fable." I haven't thought about this record in 25 years, but it appears on the "1001 Records You Must Hear Before You Die" list, which I casually perused this past weekend, and it was also recently reissued, so those reminders set me in action.
In a word, "H.M.S. Fable" is gorgeous.
Yes, a few tracks do sound like they could have been on the La's album, and until I hear it for myself, I'll assume the Cast debut has a similar sound. But there is more to "H.M.S. Fable" than just jangly 90's Liverpool pop. I could get away with calling some of these tracks folk music, but only because I think folks will like it.
If you've never heard "H.M.S. Fable," or if, like me, you haven't heard it in ages, please check out the tracks posted here and maybe you'll go in for more.
10 comments:
I didn't spend much time with the Britpop era. The La's are very good, and now I get taste for Shack. Looking forward to the whole thing after giving the three posted a listen. I've not heard of Cast.
- Paul in DK
I was lucky enough to see the La's live on -- I guess -- their only American tour, i.e. when the album came out. They were sublime. Those other folks I'm not familiar with, but I will check them out on your recommendation toot sweet.
I was there! The Marquee, by the West Side Highway. I still have the t-shirt.
Sal - Cast reunited a few years ago and last year released a new album "Love is the Call" which I like. We went to London last year and managed to get tickets for Liam Gallagher's show at the O2 and Cast was the opening act. Both were really enjoyable. Cast is the opening act for Oasis' upcoming British shows
The Shack album is (so far) pretty good! Thanks for pointing it out!
From what I've read over the years, Michael Head is this master songwriter that should be right up my alley, from what I've heard over the years, he wouldn't even be allowed in my bowling alley. But these songs you've posted might change my mind. Very nice. I will check out the whole album now. Thanks
Did Gnarls Barkley ever tour with Shack?
No, but I think Kiki VanderHalen did.
Sal's wrong. They were on a triple bill with Charlie Parker [figure it out :) ].
I've not heard of Shack, but have Cast's classic 'Alright' (not to be confused with the other classic UK poprock song from 1995 called 'Alright' by Supergrass), along with, o'course, 'There She Goes' by the Las. My 15-year-olds took to both the Las song and the Supergrass song when I played them, proving that (at least some of) the classics never go out of style.
C in California
The Supergrass "Alright" is indeed a gem. I certainly was all over the La's and Cast (not as impressed at the time) but Shack doesn't ring the slightest bell. I'll check them out! My nephew signed up for the 1001 Album a Day email list and sucked me into it. I curse the curator's taste at times (he's often perverse, choosing a clearly lesser album by an artist just to be hip) and includes way more heavy metal, but it's always good to have stuff I wouldn't normally check out thrust in front of me.
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