It's that time of year again.
As you may have gleaned from these pages, I have tried for years to hear what you hear regarding Teenage Fanclub. Long time readers know, I don't go down without a fight. I had similar experiences with Robyn Hitchcock, as I tried to understand why I loved The Soft Boys but disliked much of his solo work. Then, lo and behold "Element Of Light," and suddenly I understood...well...at least some of the solo records. But, to this day, I still think "Bandwagonesque" is a bore, and the hit "What You Do To Me" is a second rate rewrite of better power pop songs that came before it. I also recall being somewhat excited at seeing TF open for Radiohead at the Hammerstein Ballroom in 1997, thinking, it's time they won me over. But even with the truncated opening slot, I was bored.
Still I tried again and again. I tried again this weekend.
Which brings me to Apple Music and the Teenage Fanclub "essential" playlist.
I loved it!
Why now?
Was it this particular tune stack? Or the sequencing? Was it my mood?
I haven't a clue.
I still don't like "What You Do To Me." But songs like "Sparky's Dream," "Don't Look Back" and "I Don't Want Control Of You" really knocked me out.
Some of the tracks didn't work, at times feeling more shoegazey than power pop, which is how I feel about "Bandwagonesque." But take a look at the tracklist below, and using your knowledge, skills and love of the band, tell me what TF album, as a whole, is most like the "essentials" compilation. Both "Sparky's Dream" and "I Don't Want Control Of You" are from "Grand Prix." How do you rank that record? Am I starting there?
Tracklist:
01 – Foreign Land
02 – The Concept
03 – Sparky’s Dream
04 – I’m in Love
05 – What You Do To Me
06 – Mellow Doubt
07 – Fallin’
08 – Ain’t That Enough
09 – Radio
10 – Star Sign
11 – Don’t Look Back
12 – Pet Rock
13 – About You
14 – Baby Lee
15 – Neil Jung
16 – I Don’t Want Control Of You
17 – The Cabbage
18 – Home (Single Version)
15 comments:
Grand Prix and Songs from Northern Britain are, I think, exactly what you’re looking for. Both outstanding albums - best of the decade category. If you enjoy those, you might try Howdy!. Have fun! :)
Over the many years of reading BW, a lot of my previous misconceptions of artist I thought I ‘knew’, were shattered. Thanks for that - and everything else.
P.S. Looks like warmth is in the forecast. :)
"Neil Jung" is a funny song title.
Big TF fan here. I came in with Bandwagonesque because of "Star Sign", but the album is a bit patchy as time has gone on (maybe because I played it too much so I'm tired of it now?) Grand Prix, though, continues to hit on all cylinders and Songs from Northern Britain is right behind it. Howdy and Thirteen after that (though Thirteen is -- by far -- too long...)
Give Robyn Hitchcock a chance. Try some of his later albums like Jewels for Sophia (his last major label effort from 2000 including Young Fresh Fellows on some tracks) or Olé Tarantula (great pop on Adventure Rocket Ship). TBH he may only have a few good tracks on each of his many records which is what often happens with very productive singers.
J.
J,
As I said, I made it to the other side. Once I heard "Element Of Light," I finally got it. I've listened to many and really like a number of them, including "Shufflemania," the self-titled from 2017, and "Eye."
Jewels For Sophia is produced by Jon Brion!!!!
Eye is the one I considered recommending to you in your years of not getting Hitchcock, due to the warmth in it often lacking in his usually clever/snarky approach (For the record, I'm a fan, so that description isn't meant as an insult).
I've never tried to recommend any Teenage Fanclub to you, for the same reason as the Hitchcock thing, or not ever picking out jewelry or clothes for my sweeties -- tastes are too personal, and it's best done by the self (Though I take recommendations all the time!).
C in California
Man-made is the type of album I am proud of been listening to when other people was busy listening to The Foo Fighters or Death Cab For Cutie
R
I never "got" Teenage Fanclub , I've tried and really want to like them but have never found them to be anything other than ok at best and boring most of the time, just bland
Am a bit like you in that I like individual songs but many songs don't do it for me. However as others have said, 'Grand Prix' and 'Songs from Northern Britain' are clearly their best.
Listened to "Northern Britain" and I liked more than I didn't. But I think my problem has to do with the vocals. They can certainly sing and harmonize, but I find it less effective when they all sing the verses, bridges and choruses in three part harmony, which is a lot of the time. Everything blends into everything else. Even The Beatles & The Byrds didn't do that. Have the lead singer sing the verses and then BOOM, sing harmony on the chorus. Come up for air! At least I think that's why I tend to fall out when listening.
Okay, "Grand Prix" in the books. Good. Not as good "Northern Britain." Too long, though my previous comment about verses with three part harmony wasn't as bad on this record. Six songs from each would make one memorable album.
Element of Light really has John Lennon's influence all over it, could be worse. Check out If You Were a Priest maxi single B-side Tell Me About Your Drugs in a different style. Among RH's early solo recordings, I would also recommend Black Snake Diamond Role, Invisible Hitchcock and I Often Dream of Trains although the latter wasn't appreciated by Soft Boys fans.
J.
Once in awhile, a Robyn song really grabs hold and won't let go, like "I'm Falling" (Goodnight Oslo) or "Alright Yeah".
"Star Sign" was the song that won me over after several indifferent listens to Bandwagonesque. But I usually skip the first minute (or fade in when I put it on a mix). Same with the lengthy outro to Swervedriver's "Never Lose That Feeling" (another shoegaze/power pop crossover). Sometimes I play the whole "jam", other times I just want that 4 minute rush of ear candy.
Agreed. Howdy's not far behind. I love Dumb Dumb Dumb without which that playlist is incomplete. And When I Still Have Thee always makes me smile, so I'd add Shadows to any list of records worth investigating.
Did they ever claim to be Power Pop?
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