The La's — The La's

The La's

The La's
Pop 1990

Emerging from the vibrant Liverpool music scene of the late 1980s, this self-titled debut album from The La's captures the essence of British pop with a distinctive blend of jangly guitars and melodic hooks. The record features a tight, energetic sound, characterized by the crisp, chiming guitar work of Lee Mavers, layered over driving rhythms that often evoke an upbeat, carefree atmosphere. The production is clean yet raw, allowing the band’s youthful exuberance to shine through while retaining an edge that sets them apart from their contemporaries. Key tracks like “There She Goes” highlight the band's knack for crafting catchy choruses and infectious melodies, enriched by a touch of psychedelia and a nod to the Merseybeat legacy. The song’s brisk tempo and shimmering instrumentation create an irresistible charm, making it a touchstone in the genre. Meanwhile, “Timeless Melody” showcases a more reflective side, with its introspective lyrics and lush harmonies, revealing the band’s ability to balance exuberance with depth. The La's stands out not just for its sound but also for its cultural significance, encapsulating the spirit of a time when British pop was on the cusp of a revival. The Deluxe Edition further enriches the experience with previously unreleased tracks and demos, offering a glimpse into the band’s creative process. This album serves as a captivating snapshot of a pivotal moment in pop history, where simplicity and sincerity reign supreme amidst the shifting musical landscape of the era.

Picked by

Tracklist

38 tracks · 108:19 · click to preview
Disc 1
1
Son of a Gun
1:56
2
I Can't Sleep
2:37
3
Timeless Melody
3:01
4
Liberty Ship
2:30
5
There She Goes
2:42
6
Doledrum
2:51
7
Feelin'
1:44
8
Way Out
2:32
9
I.O.U.
2:08
10
Freedom Song
2:23
11
Failure
2:54
12
Looking Glass
7:50
13
Son of a Gun (Gary Crowley, GLR Session Dec '88)
1:53
14
Doledrum (Gary Crowley, GLR Session Dec '88)
2:59
15
I Can't Sleep (Gary Crowley, GLR Session Dec '88)
2:32
16
Way Out (Key 103, Jan '89)
2:40
17
I Am the Key (Key 103, Jan '89)
3:04
18
That'll Be the Day (BBC2 "The Late Show" 2/2/89)
2:06
Disc 2
1
I.O.U. (Mike Hedges Version)
2:04
2
I Can't Sleep (Mike Hedges Version)
2:42
3
Knock Me Down (Mike Hedges Version)
2:54
4
Way Out (Mike Hedges Version)
2:45
5
Doledrum (Mike Hedges Version)
2:55
6
There She Goes (Mike Hedges Version)
2:47
7
Feelin' (Mike Hedges Version)
1:46
8
Timeless Melody (Mike Hedges Version)
3:06
9
Son of a Gun (Mike Hedges Version)
2:04
10
Clean Prophet (Mike Hedges Version)
2:08
11
Come In Come Out (Mike Hedges Version)
2:15
12
Failure (Mike Hedges Version)
3:07
13
Looking Glass (Mike Hedges Version)
7:23
14
Doledrum (John Porter Mix Version)
2:51
15
Way Out (Andy MacDonald Version)
2:38
16
There She Goes (John Leckie Version)
2:43
17
Man I'm Only Human (John Leckie Version)
4:59
18
Feelin' (Bob Andrews Version)
1:52
19
Clean Prophet (Bob Andrews Version)
2:01
20
I Can't Sleep (Jeremy Allom Version)
2:41
Continue in the archive

Keep digging.

The La's is one of 6,155 records logged here. Walk the canon, find a curator, or stumble into something new.

The La's
The La's · The La's
0:00
0:30
Apple Music · 30s preview