The music world has witnessed numerous bands that have left an indelible mark on the industry, each with their unique sound and style. Among these, The La’s, a Liverpool-based band formed in the late 1980s, stand out as a group that managed to encapsulate the essence of their era while crafting a sound that transcends time. In this extensive exploration, we delve into the history and development of The La’s, their distinctive type of music, key personnel, essential albums and tracks, their discography, their enduring legacy, and significant reviews that have shaped their reputation.
History and Development
The story of The La’s is a captivating one, filled with the intrigue of a band that could have reached unimaginable heights but chose a different path. Formed in Liverpool in 1983 by guitarist and songwriter Lee Mavers, The La’s initially went through several lineup changes before settling on a stable configuration. Mavers was joined by Mike Badger, John Power, and Chris Sharrock, with Mavers taking on the role of lead vocalist and primary songwriter.
The band’s early years were marked by a relentless pursuit of their musical vision, blending elements of rock, pop, and folk into a distinctive sound that would become their signature. Mavers’ songwriting prowess was evident from the start, as he crafted melodies and lyrics that resonated with audiences and hinted at the band’s potential.
The La’s signed with Go! Discs, a subsidiary of the Go! Discs label, in 1987, and their journey towards musical greatness truly began. Under the guidance of producer John Porter, the band released their eponymous debut album, “The La’s,” in 1990. This album would go on to become a seminal piece of British rock history, despite the band’s internal struggles and setbacks.
Type of Music
The La’s can be best described as purveyors of jangly, melodic guitar-driven rock infused with elements of pop and folk. Their music exudes a sense of timelessness, as it draws inspiration from the musical traditions of the 1960s, echoing the harmonious sounds of bands like The Beatles and The Byrds. The band’s distinctive sound features clean, chiming guitars, catchy melodies, and Mavers’ distinctive Scouse accent delivering heartfelt lyrics.
One of the defining characteristics of The La’s’ music is its simplicity. They eschewed elaborate production techniques and intricate arrangements in favor of a raw, unadulterated sound that allowed the essence of their songs to shine through. This stripped-down approach set them apart from many of their contemporaries, emphasizing the purity of their songwriting.
Why did The La’s break up?
The breakup of The La’s is shrouded in mystery and remains a subject of speculation and debate among fans and music historians. While there is no definitive explanation for their dissolution, several factors likely contributed to the band’s breakup:
- Artistic Differences: One of the most commonly cited reasons for the breakup of The La’s is artistic differences among the band members. Lee Mavers, the band’s primary songwriter and frontman, was known for his uncompromising vision and perfectionism when it came to their music. This led to tensions within the band, as other members may have had different ideas about the direction they should take or the pace at which they should release new material.
- Record Label Pressure: The La’s signed with Go! Discs, a subsidiary of the Go! Discs label, and released their debut album in 1990. There were reportedly disagreements between the band and the record label regarding the production and promotion of the album. This friction with their label might have added stress to the band’s dynamics.
- Lee Mavers’ Perfectionism: Lee Mavers was notorious for his meticulous approach to recording and songwriting. He reportedly re-recorded songs multiple times and was known for scrapping entire recording sessions if they didn’t meet his high standards. This perfectionism may have caused delays and frustration within the band.
- Personal Issues: Like many bands, The La’s were not immune to personal issues among the members. These could have included disagreements, clashes of personalities, or external pressures that took a toll on their working relationships.
- Limited Output: The La’s released only one studio album during their active years, which was a self-titled debut in 1990. Despite their early promise and the critical acclaim they received, the lack of new material may have left fans and the music industry wanting more, leading to a sense of frustration or stagnation within the band.
- Pressure from Success: The success of their single “There She Goes” brought significant attention to the band and may have led to increased expectations and pressure to produce more hits. This kind of pressure can be overwhelming for any young band trying to establish their identity.
- Elusiveness of Lee Mavers: Lee Mavers’ elusive nature and reluctance to embrace the trappings of fame have added to the band’s mystique. His behavior, including canceling shows and interviews, made it difficult for the band to maintain a consistent presence in the music industry.
Ultimately, the combination of these factors likely played a role in The La’s’ breakup. While they left behind a limited but influential body of work, their story remains one of unfulfilled potential and a band that chose artistic integrity over commercial success. Despite the breakup, their music continues to inspire and resonate with fans around the world, further cementing their status as cult legends in the world of rock music.
Key Personnel
The La’s were fronted by the enigmatic and highly talented Lee Mavers. Mavers’ songwriting abilities and distinctive voice were central to the band’s identity. His penchant for crafting timeless melodies and poetic lyrics drew comparisons to songwriting legends like Bob Dylan and Ray Davies.
Alongside Mavers, the original lineup of The La’s included:
- Mike Badger: Badger contributed to the early development of the band and played a significant role in shaping their sound during their formative years.
- John Power: Power, known for his role as the bassist and backing vocalist, added depth to The La’s’ harmonies and played a crucial part in the band’s sound.
- Chris Sharrock: Sharrock provided the band’s solid rhythmic foundation as the drummer, ensuring that their songs had the right groove and tempo.
While the band saw a few lineup changes over the years, it was Mavers who remained the driving force behind their music and vision.
Essential Albums
The La’s’ discography may be relatively small, but it contains gems that have left an enduring mark on the music world. Two albums, in particular, stand out as essential in the band’s catalog:
“The La’s” (1990)
The band’s self-titled debut album, “The La’s,” is a masterpiece of British rock. Featuring iconic tracks like “There She Goes” and “Timeless Melody,” this album showcases the band’s signature sound at its purest form. Mavers’ songwriting brilliance is on full display here, with every track bearing his unmistakable stamp.
- “There She Goes”: Perhaps The La’s’ most famous track, “There She Goes” is a timeless classic that has transcended generations. Its infectious melody and lyrics have made it a staple of radio playlists and a symbol of indie rock excellence.
- “Timeless Melody”: As the title suggests, “Timeless Melody” is a testament to The La’s’ ability to craft music that defies the constraints of time. It’s a song that feels both nostalgic and fresh, a quality that characterizes much of their work.
“Lost La’s 1984-1986: Breakloose” (1999)
While not a traditional studio album, “Lost La’s 1984-1986: Breakloose” is a compilation of early recordings and demos that offers a unique glimpse into the band’s evolution. These tracks capture the raw energy and potential of The La’s before they reached wider recognition.
Essential Tracks
Beyond their albums, The La’s have a repertoire of essential tracks that capture the essence of their musical brilliance. Here are a few standout examples:
- “Feelin'”: This upbeat and infectious track showcases The La’s’ ability to create songs that make you want to move. With its catchy guitar hooks and Mavers’ charismatic vocals, it’s a true gem.
- “Way Out”: “Way Out” is a prime example of the band’s ability to infuse their music with a sense of melancholy and introspection. The lyrics are contemplative, and Mavers’ delivery is emotionally charged.
- “I Can’t Sleep”: Another testament to Mavers’ songwriting prowess, “I Can’t Sleep” is a hauntingly beautiful track that lingers in your mind long after the music has faded.
Discography
While The La’s’ discography may be modest in terms of studio albums, it is still a testament to their enduring influence on the music scene. Here is a comprehensive list of their major releases:
- Albums:
- “The La’s” (1990)
- “Lost La’s 1984-1986: Breakloose” (1999) – Compilation
- “BBC In Session” (2006) – Live recordings
- “Callin’ All” (2011) – Compilation
- Singles:
- “Way Out” (1987)
- “There She Goes” (1988)
- “Timeless Melody” (1990)
- “Feelin'” (1990)
Legacy
The La’s’ legacy in the world of music is profound and enduring, even though their time in the limelight was relatively short-lived. Their self-titled debut album, “The La’s,” has earned a revered place in the annals of indie rock history. The album’s timeless melodies and Mavers’ songwriting genius have influenced countless musicians and bands that followed in their footsteps.
“There She Goes” remains a ubiquitous presence on radio airwaves and in popular culture, solidifying The La’s’ status as one of the quintessential bands of the ’90s alternative rock scene. Its usage in films, television shows, and commercials continues to introduce new generations to the band’s music.
The band’s mystique and enigmatic nature have only added to their allure. Lee Mavers’ reluctance to embrace the trappings of fame and his uncompromising commitment to his artistic vision have elevated The La’s to cult status. Their music continues to resonate with fans old and new, as it embodies the spirit of timeless rock ‘n’ roll.
Significant Reviews
Throughout their career and in the years that followed, The La’s received critical acclaim for their music. Reviews of their work praised their songwriting, melodies, and the enduring quality of their sound. Here are a few noteworthy reviews that have shaped their reputation:
- NME’s review of “The La’s” (1990): NME hailed the band’s debut album as a “timeless classic” and praised Lee Mavers’ songwriting as “poetic and evocative.” The review noted the album’s enduring appeal and the band’s ability to capture the spirit of the ’60s.
- Pitchfork’s retrospective review of “The La’s” (2011): Pitchfork revisited the band’s debut album and described it as a “near-perfect collection of pop songs.” The review emphasized the simplicity and purity of The La’s’ sound, which had lost none of its charm over the years.
- Rolling Stone’s profile of The La’s (2006): Rolling Stone featured the band in a retrospective piece, highlighting their influence on subsequent generations of indie rock musicians. The article emphasized the band’s iconic status and Lee Mavers’ unique songwriting talent.
If you like The La’s……
If you’re a fan of The La’s, you might also enjoy the music of similar bands and their standout albums. Here are some recommendations:
1. The Stone Roses
- Album: “The Stone Roses” (1989)
- Why: This iconic Manchester band shares a love for jangly guitars and catchy melodies. Their debut album is a masterpiece of British rock.
2. The Charlatans
- Album: “Tellin’ Stories” (1997)
- Why: The Charlatans blend indie rock with psychedelic influences. “Tellin’ Stories” is a standout album in their discography.
3. The Verve
- Album: “Urban Hymns” (1997)
- Why: Known for their anthemic sound, The Verve’s “Urban Hymns” is a defining album of the Britpop era, featuring hits like “Bitter Sweet Symphony.”
4. Oasis
- Album: “What’s the Story Morning Glory” (1995)
- Why: Oasis is a Britpop powerhouse, and this album is a must-listen, filled with memorable tracks like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.”
5. The Smiths
- Album: “The Queen Is Dead” (1986)
- Why: If you appreciate thoughtful lyrics and indie rock, The Smiths’ album “The Queen Is Dead” is a classic choice.
6. Blur
- Album: “Parklife” (1994)
- Why: Blur’s “Parklife” album captures the essence of ’90s Britpop with its wit and catchy tunes.
7. Ocean Colour Scene
- Album: “Moseley Shoals” (1996)
- Why: Known for their Britpop sound, Ocean Colour Scene’s “Moseley Shoals” is a fan favorite with hits like “The Riverboat Song.”
These bands and albums share a kinship with The La’s in their commitment to crafting timeless melodies and contributing to the rich tapestry of British rock music
In conclusion, The La’s are a band that defies easy categorization and continues to captivate audiences with their timeless music. Their history and development are marked by artistic integrity and a commitment to crafting music that stands the test of time. With their distinctive type of music, key personnel, essential albums and tracks, and enduring legacy, The La’s remain a cherished part of British rock history, celebrated by fans and critics alike.