Well, it’s Saturday night. It’s also the day that England could make it to the Semi-Finals of the Euro 2020 tournament. But let’s not get carried away just yet. First of all, there’s the matter of Ukraine, and even more important, it’s the last of the Manchester first round qualifiers in the search for the ‘Ultimate’ British band. You really ought to make this part of the build up. Remember that once you’ve listened to the tunes, and made your decision, head over to https://www.facebook.com/specsrugssausagerolls to cast your votes. Their future depends on you!
Inspiral Carpets vs Doves
Formed in 1983 in Oldham, the Inspiral Carpets featured Clint Boon, Tom Hingley, Graham Lambert, Martyn Walsh and Craig Gill. Their debut album ‘Life’ was released in 1990 and peaked at number two in the album charts. They didn’t really break through on the singles front, with only three top twenty singles during their career. They split in 1995 after disappointing commercial experiences saw them dropped by their record label. They reformed in 2003 and after some line-up changes finally wound up after the suicide of drummer Craig Gill.
The Doves came into being in 1998 in Manchester. Originally a dance-orientated group called Sub Sub, a fire at their studio prompted the name and style change. A trio consisting of Andy and Jez Williams and Jimi Goodwin, Doves released their first album ‘Lost Souls’ in 2000. It was the follow up, ‘The Last Broadcast’ that really took the band to new heights as it hit the top of the album charts upon release in 2002. They released four albums before taking a break in 2010 – two of them got to number one, and the other stalled at number two. They were back at the end of 2018, with live gigs prior to releasing their fifth album in 2020, which also reached the top of the album charts.
The Verve vs The Stone Roses
Formed in Wigan in 1990 and led by frontman Richard Ashcroft, the Verve released their debut album in 1993 – ‘A Storm In Heaven’. They split after the release of their second album in 1995 only to return without guitarist Nick McCabe. Eventually Ashcroft persuaded McCabe to return and they recorded and released ‘Urban Hyms’ in 1997. This was the peak of their commercial success as the album reached number one and contained three top ten singles. They split again following more musical differences and came together for the third and final time in 2007 to release their fourth album ‘Forth’. It hit the top of the album charts but the band ended – seemingly for good – in 2009.
Formed in 1983 in Manchester, The Stone Roses featured Ian Brown, John Squire, Gary “Mani” Mounfield and Alan “Reni” Wren in their heyday. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1989 and peaked at number five in the album charts – no mean feat considering the general music scene was heavily skewed towards the Stock, Aitken & Waterman manufactured pop production line. They performed an iconic outdoor gig at Spike Island in 1990 but were prevented from releasing a second album due to a dispute with their record label, Silvertone. Eventually, ‘Second Coming’ saw the light of day on the Geffen label and was a much heavier guitar sounding record. Just before the tour started, drummer Reni left citing disagreement with Brown. By 1996 Squire had also left and six months later, Brown and Mani brought the group to a close. After years of rumour and denials, they reformed in 2011 and toured extensively. The only new music to see the light of day was two singles in 2015. The group was officially put to bed in an interview by John Squire in 2019.
A bit of a battle royale there to finish the Manchester qualifying section! Make your choices and I’ll see you back here shortly for the start of the Liverpool section!
The Verve have seen off some heavyweight opponents to get this far, including Pulp and Blur, and now stand just one step away from the final. Let’s see what happens, shall we?
The second album from British rock behemoths Oasis has reached the final four stage having seen off Elastica, Cast and Suede already. It’s up to you whether it makes the jump to the final…
This era defining album has already seen off Dodgy and Ocean Colour Scene, and as one of the big names of the movement, would expect to be competing for the overall title.
Track Listing: Planet Telex; The Bends; High And Dry; Fake Plastic Trees; Bones; (Nice Dream); Just; My Iron Lung; Bullet Proof… I Wish I Was; Black Star; Sulk; Street Spirit (Fade Out).
Pulp’s fourth album, but the first of the so-called ‘Britpop’ era. Released in April 1994 and having been preceded by three single releases, it was nominated for the 1994 Mercury Music prize for best album which it didn’t win, losing out to M People! There are some stand-out tracks to enjoy, such as ‘Do You Remember The First Time?’ and ‘Lipgloss’ to name but two. It certainly laid the foundation for what was to follow…
Specs, Rugs & Sausage Rolls 