1997
His album
Eric says: In the summer of 1997, I was working as a lighting assistant for a Vegas-style variety show at a hotel that catered to Japanese tourists in Guam. Yes, very random. I bought "In It For the Money" the same day I bought "OK Computer" at the local music store at the biggest mall on the island. I remember sitting on my hotel bed at night and hanging out by the pool during the day enjoying the contrast of Supergrass’ in-your-face immediacy and infectious energy to Radiohead’s dark, genius, and disconcerting album. Supergrass has always been one of those reliable bands. Even when they’re putting out clunkers, they’re not so-bad-I-need-to-shut-off-the-stereo terrible. They uphold the British lineage of the Kinks, the Who, the Jam, etc. pretty well. This album runs the gamut from the 100 mile-an-hour rampage of Richard III to more introspective, low-key songs like "Late in the Day." Although this album was released during the bloated, dying days of Britpop, 1997 was one of the best years of music in my lifetime: "OK Computer," "Urban Hymms," "Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space," "Homogenic" – all classics that have stood the test of time.
I still remember the video for "Cheapskate" being played on 120 Minutes. It’s full-on Supergrass done right. With the great melody, jump-for-joy chorus, and all, it’s a small detail that always gets me in this song – the Hammond organ hits during the verses. Listen for it! To me, that one trick seals the deal. When Gaz sings, “I need someone to be around, 'Cos I'm breaking into life. Somebody stop me, 'cause I'm looking for my high,” it pretty much sums up being 18 during a summer in Guam.
This reminds me – I never did pick up "Diamond Hoo Ha Men," their latest and I need to do that...
Anouche says: It took me a few listens to decide that I really liked this album,
despite the fact that it’s essentially easily accessible “alternative”
pop rock – or as it was called back in the day “Power Pop.” I know Eric
hates that term, but I’m sticking to it! I never really listened to
Supergrass before, despite the fact that Eric reminded me that I own "I
Should Coco." (I only really listen to the one big hit on that one.)
They’re really a party band, but in a good way and when I listen to
this album I think of a thousand skinny British kids jumping up and
down in a basement with a keg and a million red party cups. This album is almost universally upbeat – no ballads – unless you count
“Late in the Day” or “It’s Not Me” which are no downer but pretty,
slightly slower songs that still have some bounce in the tune. It’s
definitely written to dance to and has a groove – and a little oopah
thrown in. If you’re craving late ‘90s rock, this is a good bet and
will definitely take you back to when you were younger, cooler and had
way more parties to go to. Or is that just me?
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