And isn't it ironic... don't you think

Britpop Returns

While Seattle was working up the Grunge (see last night's review of Mark Yarm's oral history of Grunge), the UK was reacting against the anti-fashion, heavy punk sound via the more upbeat, optimistic Britpop movement. Spearheaded by Blur and Oasis and incorporating everyone from Pulp to The Boo Radleys, from Elastica to Supergrass, Britpop drew on the UK's rich pop history to create a sound unashamedly wrapped in the union jack reclaiming it from the hands of the political far right. 

With a delicious sense of irony that we're told our cousins across the Atlantic lack Britpop is back. But, as if to confirm that Karl Marx was right, history is repeating itself as farce because it's a gang of American, Canadian and Australian bands who are reviving the sound at a time when British music has never sounded more in thrall to the US urban sound. Yes the latest British Invasion is brought to you courtesy of America and Australia. Now that is ironic Alanis! If I were Viva Brothers manager I'd be booking the plane tickets now.

Union Jacks optional.

The Lions
From:Calgary, Alberta, Canada

On their new album 'Iconoclasts' Canadian rockers The Lions summon up the spirit of Oasis like mediums at a Britpop seance.

Go Try

MP3 - The Lions - Groove (Scene 1)
MP3 - The Lions - Syd...Is A Serial Killer
These tracks are published with the permission of Green Light Go so please don't claim breach of copyright

Alpine White
From: San Francisco, United States

Where the Lions indulge themselves in the recorded works of Oasis San Franciscan foursome Alpine White seek their musical solace in the Kinks on their latest EP, The Hale, which is scheduled for release in November. 

Go Try

MP3 - Alpine White - The Evidence
These tracks are published with the permission of Green Light Go so please don't claim breach of copyright

 

Grand Atlantic
From: Brisbane, Australia

Grand Atlantic sound a little like Oasis if Liam had written all the songs, so that'd be a little like Beady Eye then!

Go Try

MP3 - Grand Atlantic - Poison To The Vine
MP3 - Grand Atlantic - Carved From Stone
These tracks are published with the permission of Green Light Go so please don't claim breach of copyright

Fallon Cush
From: Sydney, Australia

The more reflective end of the new Britpop.

Go Try

MP3 - Fallon Cush - The Trouble With A Moonlit Night
MP3 - Fallon Cush - Disintegrate 
These tracks are published with the permission of Green Light Go so please don't claim breach of copyright