What is Britpop?

Britpop is most commonly described as a subgenre of alternative rock. This type of music is a fairly recent phenomenon, first emerging in the early 1990s in the United Kingdom. Originating from the British indepedent music scene, the sound is clearly influenced by older pop songs of the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, Many of the songs in the Britpop genre are reactions to cultural trends and happening from the late 1980s. Many of the Britpop bands became sensations in America around the same time, as the bands tended to go on tour around the U.S. to gain awareness of their style as well as their messages.
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Playlist

This is a compilation of songs that represent the genre of Britpop. I chose these particular songs based on their cultural messages and how well they exemplify the traits of this specific kind of music. Enjoy!
1. "Jack Names the Planets" - Ash
2. "Popscene" - Blur
3. "Wonderwall" - Oasis
4. "Country House" - Blur
5. "Cardboy King" - Salad
6. "What do I do now?" - Sleeper
7. "Delicious" - Sleeper
8. "Animal Nitrate" - Suede
9. "Champagne Supernova" - Oasis
10. "All Around the World" - Oasis
11. "Stutter" - Elastica
12. "Jesus Says" - Ash
13. "Life Support Machine" - These Animal Men
14. "All You Good Good People" - Embrace
15. "My weakness is none of your business" - Embrace
16. "Girl A, Girl B, Boy C" - My Life Story
17. "The International Language of Screaming" - Super Furry Animals
18. "For Tomorrow" - Blur
19. "I am the Mob" - Catatonia
20. "I wasn't built to get up" - The Supernaturals
21. "Goodnight" - Babybird
22. "Kids with Guns" - Gorillaz
23. "Bittersweet Symphony" - The Verve
24. "Cathedral Park" - Dubstar
25. "Connection" - Elastica
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"Jack Names the Planets" - Ash


Artist: Ash
Song: "Jack Names the Planets"
Album: Trailer
Record Company: Infectious Records
Release Date: February 1994




This song by Ash portrays the influences of the early guitar pop bands that were of great influence to the genre of Britpop. While this song does not have a particular cultural reaction linked to it, the lyrics themselves are much like an ordinary pop love song. I chose this song for my playlist because Ash plays an important role in the upbringing of Britpop.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pn60qNAiVg

Source for picture: http://www.music-dash.co.uk/ash/ash4.jpg

Source for lyrics: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/a/ash/jack+names+the+planets_20009450.html
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"Popscene" - Blur

Artist: Blur
Song: "Popscene"
Album: Modern Life is Rubbish
Record Company: EMI Records
Release Date: March 30, 1992



This song is a perfect example of the "grunge" factor of the genre Britpop. The lyrics describe an attack on the homogeny of the music industry and how everything is beginning to sound the same. As one of the very first songs considered as BritPop to be released, this song embodies the alternative role that this genre strives to be and the message that it sends.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bwrMwNoDfY

Source for picture:http://www.pressherepresents.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/blur1.jpg

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"Wonderwall" - Oasis

Artist: Oasis
Song: "Wonderwall"
Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Record Company: Creation Records
Release Date: October 30, 1995
This song, plain and simple, is about passion. Said to be the most famous song in all of the Britpop genre, this song rocketed Oasis to number 1. Like other Oasis songs, the instrumental parts of the song are reminiscent of The Beatles, and their songs.
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"Country House" - Blur

Artist: Blur
Song: "Country House"
Album: The Great Escape
Record Company: Food Records
Release Date: August 14, 1995



The song was much talked about after the Record Company of Food Records deliberately moved the release date to the same date as one of Oasis' albums. The Britpop feud between Blur and Oasis was heated because their songs are very similar. This can be compared to some of the competitions that are in the U.S. with other music genres such as pop and rap. The rivalries are important and very telling.


Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2BBfv9WK_w

Source for picture: http://cdinfo.s201.xrea.com/media/1/Blur_TheGreatEscape.jpg
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"Cardboy King" - Salad

Artist: Salad
Song: "Cardboy King"
Album: Ice Cream
Record Company: Island Records
Release Date: April 1997

Salad was a shortlived musical group, often compared to Sleeper and Elastica. They were dropped from their record label after a short 5 years, but they managed to release two full albums. Their songs have a familiar sound, much like Sleeper and Elastica. They are definitely important to put in this playlist because they have a strong and well-known tie with the Britpop genre.
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"What do I do now?" - Sleeper

Artist: Sleeper
Song: "What do I do now?"
Album: The It Girl
Record Company: Indolent
Release Date: September, 1995



Sleeper made its debut in the early 1993, hit its peak, and reached its fallout in 1998. The lead singer of the band, Louise Wener, was arguably the most famous female in all of the Britpop genre. This song is important to put on the playlist because Sleeper was a significant band in the genre of Britpop.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSe3dV7dPYw

Source for picture: http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UXvxYIyNL._SL500_AA240_.jpg
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"Delicious" - Sleeper

Artist: Sleeper
Song: "Delicious"
Album: Smart
Record Company: Indolent
Release Date: May 21, 1994
This song is has incredibly sexual undertones, but it is important to note the guitar that is used in this song. There is hardly any other instrument that is used, and this highlights how much the old alternative rock bands of the U.K. have influenced this Britpop genre. I thought it was important to choose this song in order to emphasize just how influential the independent music scene was to the formation of Britpop.
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"Animal Nitrate" - Suede

Artist: Suede
Song: "Animal Nitrate"
Album: Suede
Record Company: Nude Records
Release Date: Februaru 22, 1993
This song, "Animal Nitrate", highlights the drug amyl nitrate, which can be found in various headshops. Also relevant in this song are the elements of dominance, vulnerability, and submission. Looking at the big picture, this song is about all of the wrong doings that go on during your life. I thought it was important to choose this song for the playlist because it incorporates the message of Britpop, which is to be aware of your life and the things that happen around you.
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"Champagne Supernova" - Oasis

Artist: Oasis
Song: "Champagne Supernova"
Album: (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Record Company: Creation Records
Release Date: May 13, 1996
This song is one of the most famous songs done by Oasis. With a "Beatles feel", this song seems t be about drugs. However, the lyrics are not what is important here. The simple melody of the guitar is reminiscent of The Beatles. It is no wonder they are compared to arguably the most popular band of all time. Watch the music video posted below and look for comparisons to The Beatles.

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"All Around the World" - Oasis

Artist: Oasis
Song: "All Around the World"
Album: Be Here Now
Record Company: Creation Records
Release Date: January 12, 1998


This song, like many others from the band Oasis, has a distinct sound that is influenced by The Beatles. The lyrics in this Oasis song are powerful. The tune has been compared to the tune of The Beatles' single "Hey Jude", and the music video in the link below has been compared to The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine" film. The comparisons between this band and The Beatles are endless, and Oasis is arguably the most popular band in the Britpop genre.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MywWolXGIx8

Source for picture: http://blogs.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/bourne/Oasis.jpg
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"Stutter" - Elastica


Artist: Elastica
Song: "Stutter"
Album: Elastica
Record Company: Geffen Records
Release Date: 1993
This song has obvious physical connotations and the sexual metaphors are clear. But, looking at the deeper meaning, it could be that it is simply about a dying relationship. I chose this song to convey to readers that Britpop is not all about sending the message that the world is going crazy and there is nothing we can do to fix it. Rather, it is about conveying different aspects of life.
Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwNfiB4zBQo

Source for picture: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9y5jVlLtNQo/SB0QAE6Ca0I/AAAAAAAAAHM/yd2VR8degtg/s320/Elastica.jpg
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"Jesus Says" - Ash

Artist: Ash
Song: "Jesus Says"
Album: Nu-Clear Sounds
Record Company: Infectious Records
Release Date: September 21, 1998

This song has an interesting religious aspect to it. The lyrics make it seem that the literal meaning is that Jesus comes down to earth to see how people are getting along and to see how it as changed since he has left. Jesus then realizes that it is very different from how he left it years and years ago. The underlying message is that our society, and the human race in general, has changed so much (for the better and the worse), and the Jesus reference should not be taken so literally. This song was chosen because the message that it sends is something that is clearly related to the Britpop movement: the world has so many things wrong with it right now.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61EXldAwHzw

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"Life Support Machine" - These Animal Men


Artist: These Animal Men
Song: "Life Support Machine"
Album: Accident and Emergency
Record Company: Hut Records
Release Date: 1997




By listening to this song, you can definitely tell that the influences and roots of the Britpop genre is alternative rock. This band started off in the independent music genre, and then quickly moved to the Britpop genre when they realized that it was all the rage. This song imparticular is much darker than many of the other tunes on this playlist, but nevertheless, it is important to note the guitar influences that are evident.


Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fef2Jx0Zv-M

Source for picture: http://static.midomi.com/a/pic200/drP200/P205/294_P20594EO8B9.jpg
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"All You Good Good People" - Embrace


Artist: Embrace
Song: "All You Good Good People"
Album: The Good Will Out
Record Company: Fierce Panda
Release Date: February 17, 1997
Embrace has been compared to the band Oasis as they grew in popularity. This song imparticular gives off the angsty vibe that Britpop is most known for. The lyrics suggest some sort of oppression as a child, as well as personal experiences that the lead singer has possibly gone through. This song was chosen because it was one of the most popular songs by Embrace, and conveys a message that is true to the genre.
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"My weakness is none of your business" - Embrace

Artist: Embrace
Song: "My weakness if none of your business"
Album: The Good Will Out
Record Company: Hut Records
Release Date: January 11, 1999


Many of the bands associated with the Britpop genre are influenced by former U.K. groups. Embrace, making their debut in the later 1990s, were greatly influenced by The Beatles. This song, "My weakness is none of your business", is clearly influenced by the Beatles medley that they made popular. Additionally, the EP that it is found on is entitles "The Abbey Road Sessions EP", all of which was recorded on Abbey Road. This emphasizes the influence that The Beatles had on them, as The Beatles' eleventh released U.K. album and the seventeenth released U.S. album was titled "Abbey Road".


Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSunngmWPyc

Source for picture: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/images/artists/7col_in/77f049ad-f469-4ad1-8283-7a2606a6722e.jpg
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"Girl A, Girl B, Boy C" - My Life Story


Artist: My Life Story
Song: "Girl A, Girl B, Boy C"
Album: Mornington Crescent
Record Company: Mother Tongue Records
Release Date: 1993
The band My Life Story made it's deut in the early 1990s, and peaked in the mid-1990s. Shortlived, they were an intricate part of the Britpop movement. This song was chosen because it was their first single and launched them to popularity. Their use of violin is unique to Britpop, and you can see it demonstrated in the live concert version in the link that I have provided below.
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"The International Language of Screaming" - Super Furry Animals

Artist: Super Furry Animals
Song: "The International Language of Screaming"
Album: Radiator
Record Company: Creation Records
Release Date: July 14, 1997




This song is not being about where you're from, where you're going, or where you've been. This song is simply about a form of speech that everyone understands regardless of their past, present, or future. This band, Super Furry Animals, was not part of the original Britpop culture, but rather alternative rock. They are classified as Britpop for the "grunginess" that their songs possess, as well as the use of guitar. This song was chosen because it transmits an important message that most Britpop songs strive to do. That is, it doesn't matter who you are or what you've done, there is always something that everyone has in common.


Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dmw2S0ACAM

Source for picture: http://images.publicradio.org/content/2008/02/19/20080219_super_furry_animals_33.jpg
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"For Tomorrow" - Blur

Artist: Blur
Song: "For Tomorrow"
Album: Modern Life is Rubbish
Release Date: April 19, 1993
Record Company: EMI, Food Records

Blur is a very significant band when it comes to the Britpop genre. Many of their songs emphasize the "grunginess" of the alternative rock in which Britpop was formed, but this song imparticular embodies the "pop" side of Britpop. After listening to this song, the message that the band is trying to get through to listeners is the debate of modern life. More specifically, how the world as a whole can move quickly while you are stuck standing still.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvw1R1Ykk5Y
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"I am the mob" - Catatonia

Artist: Catatonia
Song: "I am the mob"
Album: International Velvet
Record Company: Blanco y Negro Records
Release Date: 1998

After listening to this song, the lyrics reminded me of the classic movie, "The Godfather" (i.e. "I put horses heads in people's beds). This specific song seems a bit tongue in cheek, but the instruments played are clearly of the Britpop genre.


Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41SkP55Xyjk

Source for picture: http://www.ear.fm/Encyclopedia%20C/catatonia7.jpg
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"I wasn't built to get up" - The Supernaturals

Artist: The Supernaturals
Song: "I wasn't built to get up"
Record Label: Parlophone
Release Date: July 1998




This band imparticular is reminiscent of the 60s rock band culture. Unlike other Britpop sensations, The Supernaturals never really broke into the mainstream music scene. However, a couple of their songs were featured in television advertisements.


Source for picture: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggfBQSDtkddxt7gYjAiV6fbE1hJHMTndsP6cHQ9Tu10ZL1tWeb6gILRfp5Uau9wL-3g8_0EjlFq1wUgLzRagBd7LnCNZUNbH1mgz2PScL-wOomBi6uburwCmUna_AFOhB5_PeDi2xq7Fc/s200/the+supernaturals.jpg

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"Goodnight" - BabyBird

Artist: Babybird
Song: "Goodnight"
Record Company: Echo Records
Release Date: June 1996

This song seems like a typical love song but it more angsty because of the genre of alternative rock, something that Britpop incorporated. When listening to this song, it makes me think of a couple who might be in a quarrel of some sort.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qopbyEjWIAM

Source for picture: http://www.sean.co.uk/photography/rockandpop/gfx/babybrd01.jpg
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"Kids with Guns" - Gorillaz

Song: Kids with Guns
Artist: Gorillaz
Record Company: Parlophone
Release Date: April 10, 2006


The title of this song pretty much speaks for itself. This band is talking about the problem with violence in our society and how it is ruining the lives of a lot of people. Though this is a British band, this song may have something to do with the politics of the United States and the policy on war.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYDgqb7phEQ

Source for picture: http://img.danipage.com/uncategorized/gorillaz.jpg
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"Bittersweet Symphony" - The Verve


Artist: The Verve
Song: Bittersweet Symphony
Record Company:
Release Date: June 16, 1997
When listening to this song, it makes me think of the different stages in life, and more specifically, how they all differ from one another. This song is about life, and the various obstacles that you must hurdle over in order to get by.
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"Cathedral Park" - Dubstar

Artist: Dubstar
Song: "Cathedral Park"
Record Label:
Release Date: 1997

This song has more of "pop" tune to it, and the grunge theme that is prevalent within Britpop is not so much here. Also significant with this band compared to the others is that this band does not seem to have many other instruments other than the guitar and keyboards.

Listen at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS_qCnUjd9Q
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"Connection" - Elastica


Song: "Connection"
Artist: Elastica
Record Company: Geffen Records
Release Date: 1994
This particular song embodies the use of guitar through this Briish genre. When I watched the music video, I realized that this song embodies the alternative motive by this band.
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