I'm listening to the debut album right now which I haven't heard it in the longest time, I'm stunned at how good it is.

What the hell happened to them. I know the follow up tanked and that was it, but how could they have gone from this album to the toilet. Does anyone know what Justine is up to?

yeah, i love their debut album as well. dunno what happened to them though.

they recorded a follow up about 3 years ago that was probably better than how it was reviewed. the s/t is fucking awesome and I don't care if they say it's a wire rip off...
I think it was a time thing. the 1st album was the core of brit pop...they wouldn't be as successful now. which is probably why it took like 6 years to record the 2nd album in the first place

i played "mad dog" on my most recent radio show. they were a good group, but it seemed like they got a lot of hype (wha? hype surrounding a brit pop band in the 90s? i don't believe it!), but then didn't really follow through to keep the momentum going.

bort

The first album smashes, as stated.

The second album is decent and doesn't deserve all the flack it gets.

She was presenting an arts programme on some cable channel, last I heard.

She gave M.I.A her first drum machine and co-wrote "Galang". That's got to count for something.

I'm spinning this today. This is a good reminder from myself.

I just spun this earlier this week.
Listening inspired THIS thread.
Yeah.
I freaking love it.

Yeah, they were imitative, but sure do sound good blasting out of my wife's truck.

(she likes them, so I welcome the chance to hear music we both can listen to)

Too long to get through it all at work.
But what I read is a damn good read with insightful takes on the nature of celebtity.

Very cool.
Seems like a very cool chick, too.

Thanks for the link, that pretty much covers any question as to the whats and whys.

Yeah. I really like that article. I could pretty much relate to it (the parts about being tired of record industry b.s.---not the parts about being an ex-rockstar or ex-junkie).

i vagely remember the single....i basically clumped all those bands together at the time and never checked their discs out - letters to cleo, elastica, veruca salt, luscious jackson, etc, etc.....

anyway, i will check out the disc - thanks.

Its a stand out from the others you mention. You will be pleasantly rewarded.

I do enjoy that song.

And not one Damon Albarn joke. Hmmm....

Amazing first record. Perfect little songs.

I'm shallow enough that my dislike of the second record actually tainted my enjoyment of the first one.

I liked the self titled a lot. Never got into The Menace.

I can see why the Menace doesn't hold up, but I think there are a few solid enough tracks on there. Just...not as tidy as the Wire album.