What Happened to Britpop?As I look back retrospectively on my music collection…what has inspired me the most…what genres do I always go back to no matter what is currently released…I always find myself venturing back into the world of Britpop and those sub-genres that are linked to it (Brit Rock, Shoegaze, Jangle Pop).
As a musical style, most acts within the Britpop realm drew heavily from the influences of the Smiths and the Stone Roses. Simply put, those two groups released some of the most unique and catchy guitar rock ever produced and left a cascade of followers in their wake. While shoegaze concentrated on darker tones and guitar effects (My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and Mary Chain and early Verve material), Britpop took a very nationalistic tone on straight guitar pop that was unique to each bands surroundings and England itself. There were bits of melancholy, machismo, working-class esthetic, trademark English-brashness all wrapped up in prolific songwriting that would make you cry, dance, smile and daydream.
Bands like Oasis, Blur, Supergrass, Gene, Suede, Pulp and Ocean Colour Scene took the newly deemed genre in different directions. Some of them even viewing the music as “anti-grunge” much like Punk-rock tried to stomp out disco and prog-rock. But by the late 90’s the scene had all but disappeared. Blur had larger aspirations than simply writing catchy pop songs and you could argue that Oasis’ arrogance got in the way of their abilities during their peak. Bands of the late 90’s and early 2000’s like the Verve, Travis and Coldplay continued the trend of Britpop, although each group elaborated on the foundation. Coldplay’s current model of arena sized hooks, bombacity and grandiose leanings isn’t for everyone, including myself, but at least they know their roots.
The question I ask is, where has all the simple English guitar pop gone?
Miscellaneous News and Notes for the New Year…As 2009 gets started in the world of music, we have already seen some extraordinary happenings…from a possible Album of the Year candidate only 3 weeks into January (see Animal Collective), the unlikely return of everyones favorite New Zealanders in Flight of the Conchords to the Boss being EVERYWHERE. In today’s reality obsessed rumor driven world, there is no reason why we can’t act silly when we hear about potential recording sessions, a new album release or a out of left-field reunion announcement. So without further ado, here are some hot stove tidbits for you to sink your teeth into…
