Woodbine (1999) Formed in 1995 by ex member of Cornershop, they just about managed to release their eponymous debut album by the close of the decade, then a second one in 2004... and nothing since. Daniel Ek's worst nightmare. I listened to this today and it's aged well. Think Young Marble Giants crossed with Stereolab and a dash of 90s slowcore to take the urgency out.
Made in USA by the Pizzicato Five (1995) was the one that they were most consistent on. They might not be that obscure though. Baby Love Child was featured on an episode of The Simpsons.
Absolutely agree Onionmaster. Personally I think this record is much better than Danielle’s second one, Portable Life. Sonically it sounds just like New Radicals to me, just poppier. It’s also an interesting template for Carly Hennessy’s sadly doomed Ultimate High record, despite being 7 years old by the time Carly released it (or rather it got shelved!).
Yeah, I often see Ultimate High as the third Danielle album as it's dominated by her songwriting and she very much influenced Carly's vocals. Portable Life is a little angry sounding I feel (with the exception of a couple of tracks) but it's grown on me.
Hootie and the Blowfish had this great song called "The Old Man and Me" that seemed to go nowhere on the charts, but I always thought it was an interesting new "more mature" direction for them. Kind of makes me wonder if the album it came from is kind of their "Pet Sounds"
Jill Sobule's s/t from '95? It had her "hit" I Kissed a Girl on it plus was reissued with her other "hit" Supermodel from the Clueless soundtrack. The whole thing is solid and her concerts typically have at least 3 songs played from it. Criminally underrated artist IMO, and that's a good intro album to her as any.
I bought the CD single of California (UK release) and followed it up with her debut LP. Never knew about her second album until years later. Vaguely remember California being played on a UK TV music show, which is where I 'discovered' it. Lovely song.
Heavy Stereo - Deja Voodoo Gem Archer (of Oasis, Beady Eye, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds) band - All songs written by Gem/ vocals & rhythm guitar. Member, Nick Jones, drums/vocals was later in The Jim Jones Revue (2007-2014)
Bob O'Gureck, their singer/guitarist. He mixed the album, too. Ludwig did master the album, which only appeared on CD. You can't even stream these guys now, other than some grainy footage on YouTUbe and maybe a video for "Moon". Great tune, great album!
