22. His ‘N’ HersPulp
Pulp had been around for over a decade before they broke through with His ‘N’ Hers. Though not as far out as It, His ‘N’ Hers embraced the pop mentality the band began exploring on Separations and began what would be one of Britpop’s most impressive trilogies, bringing Jarvis Cocker’s musings on relationships to a mainstream audience. “Lipgloss,” “Babies,” and “Do You Remember the First Time” remain indie dance floor staples.
[hr]
21. At The Club, Kenickie
Kenickie appealed to the leopard-print wearing, “mess of eyeliner and spray paint” Manic Street Preachers crowd. With bright pop gems like “Come Out 2Nite,” “In Your Car,” and “Nightlife,” Kenickie’s optimistic power-pop gave us the soundtrack for a perfect night out.
[hr]
20. Nuisance, Menswear
The much-maligned Menswear were the best-dressed band in Britpop. Fronted by the impossibly-skinny, perfectly-coiffed Johnny Dean, Nuisance is still a great pop record. From the strings of “Being Brave” to the inane lyrics of “125 West Third Street” to the catchiness of “Daydreamer,” Menswear really weren’t as bad as everyone claimed.
[hr]
19. 1977, Ash
I always fight with myself over including Ash on Britpop lists. Ash hailed from Northern Ireland and were decidedly more punk-influenced than the Britpop bands. But 1977’s teenage anthems share some Britpop style. Check out “Girl From Mars,” “Goldfinger,” and “Angel Interceptor.”
[hr]
18. Smart, Sleeper
Sleeper’s debut Smart contained the hit “Inbetweener” as well as a fair amount of lo-fi goodness. Sleeper received criticism for being “just another female-fronted band,” but the “Sleeperblokes” didn’t care. Frontwoman Louise Wener owned her sexuality on tracks like “Delicious” and “Bedhead.”
[hr]
17. Blur, Blur
By 1997, Britpop was coming to an end. This is evident by the heavy American indie rock influence found on Blur. “Song 2” was the band’s biggest hit in the States, drawing from American influences like Pavement. “Beetlebum” was a distinct jab at Oasis. “On Your Own” saw Damon Albarn experimenting with hip-hop. And while the following year found Pulp eulogizing Britpop in This Is Hardcore, the end was fast approaching.
[hr]
16. I Should Coco, Supergrass
Supergrass represented the kookier side of Britpop. This was most apparent on the group’s 1995 debut. Single “Alright” remains Supergrass’ biggest hit, but its tracks like “Strange Ones” and “Mansize Rooster” that stand as a testament to the band’s talent.
[hr]
15. Coming Up, Suede
I was absolutely gobsmacked that Coming Up wasn’t on Perpetua’s list. Suede’s sun-kissed third studio record featured “Trash” and “Beautiful Ones.” Need I say more?
[hr]
14. Up To Our Hips, The Charlatans
Up To Our Hips is the Charlatans’ transition record. The band’s early, baggy sound is clear on “Come In Number 21” and “I Never Want An Easy Life” while “Can’t Get Out Of Bed” and “Jesus Hairdo” are Britpop hits.
[hr]
13. (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis
Oasis’ sophomore album gave the band their biggest hits both at home and abroad. “Wonderwall,” “Champagne Supernova,” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger” are ’90s anthems both in the UK and the US. And the vinyl still sells like mad.
[hr]
12. This World And Body, Marion
Marion frontman Jaime Harding had arguably the best cheekbones and voice in Britpop. Marion’s darker, Smiths-influenced sound set the band apart from their contemporaries with tunes like “Sleep,” “Time,” and “All For Love.” Britpop in leather and a sinister smile.
[hr]
11. Lovelife, Lush
Lush started transitioning from a shoegaze band into a Britpop band on 1994’s Split, but the transformation wasn’t complete until 1996’s Lovelife. The album is chockfull of hits including “Single Girl,” “500 (Shake Baby Shake),” and “Ladykillers.” Pulp’s Cocker duets with Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi on the break-up anthem “Ciao!”
[hr]