Continuing the Welsh theme, here we have by far my favourite band to emerge from the detritus that was the late 90's Britpop scene - OK, i've got a fair amount of respect for Radiohead, but they don't really connect with me like these guys. Although many of their albums have been characterised by a breadth of vision and desire to evolve creatively unmatched during their era, all these intrepid adventures would have counted for little without the firm foundation of some of the best classic pop songwriting outside of the 60's. That sure sounds like an overstatement (not like me to get all hyperbolic!), but the lyrical and melodic skill of main man Gruff Rhys will hopefully in the ensuing decades be recognized on the same level as, well, any master of the form you care to think of.
The albums themselves are always great fun, many coming with wonderfully distinctive Pete Fowler sleeve art to boot. Psychedelic pop may be the starting point, but a kaleidoscopic array of styles have all been thrown into the mix over the years - techno, drum and bass, metal, easy listening and Tropicalia to name just five. On top of the exemplary songwriting, the band's amiable, open-minded personality and sense of humour have always been key ingredients in the Super-glue which somehow holds everything together(?).
As should be implied, even the lesser LPs in their back catalogue (there aren't many) are very listenable and expertly constructed. I've seen them live three times (on the Love Kraft, Hey Venus! and Dark Days/Light Years tours) and can confirm that they are a quite brilliant spectacle in the flesh too. If forced to choose, here are my picks for best albums and songs.
TOP 5 ALBUMS
1. Mwng (2000)
It's a shame that this was most noted at the time for the novelty of being the best-selling all-Welsh language album ever (although that's no mean achievement). Beyond the mentions in Parliament etc. lies for me an absolute classic which effortlessly transcends any national barriers on account of its dazzling, heartbreaking melodies and wonderfully simple arrangements. It may be their least extravagant album, but the tunes carried by the pared-down production are astonishing.
The elegant 'Y Gwyneb Iau' (or 'Liverface').
2. Rings Around The World (2001)
At the other end of the scale, this is the band's big-budget, big-statement effort. Some reviewers found the glossier production a bit alienating, but the fearlessly inventive spirit is very much alive underneath.
Early version of 'Presidential Suite' conveniently featuring John Cale on keyboards.
3. Guerrilla (1999)
This was a big leap into foreign territory for the band following the more guitar-based albums that preceded it. It stands as their most varied record, which is saying something! It's so all-over-the-shop that it may not be the best place to start, only because anyone unfamiliar with the band may come away a bit bewildered.
The magnificent video for the 'Do Or Die' single.
4. Radiator (1997)
In a parallel universe, this would be hailed as the finest work of the Britpop era instead of some blokey drivel like Oasis. The 'guitar band' set-up is pushed to its limits here by rampant, imaginative songcraft.
Video for the demented 'Hermann Loves Pauline'.
5. Love Kraft (2005)
Quite an opinion-splitter at the time, this was ostensibly the band's 'lush' album. Not all of it works, but there are some marvellously tuneful peaks to be discovered amidst the luxurious atmosphere.
Fibre optic-clad live version of proggy opener 'Zoom!'.
TOP 10 SONGS
1. Gwreiddiau Dwfn/Mawrth Oer Ar Y Blaned Neifion (from Mwng, 2000)
The title may be a mouthful, but this miraculous track moves gracefully from melancholy acoustic balladry to an intricately beautiful 'motorik' fade.
Outrageously, this doesn't appear to be on HughTube, so here's another Mwng track, 'Nythod Cacwn' (apparently about being attacked by bees).
2. Slow Life (from Phantom Power, 2003)
Although i find the album a bit heavy on filler, this genre-transcending masterpiece has nothing to apologise for - unsung hero Cian Ciaran's finest hour.
The sound's a bit wonky on this live take, but at least you get the Power Rangers helmet!
3. Demons (from Radiator, 1997)
'Forever Changes'-era Love and Burt Bacharach combined to timeless effect.
The video, filmed in Colombia.
4. Northern Lites (from Guerrilla, 1999)
Emerging from that album's electro-chaos comes sunny pop perfection with steel drums and classy vocal harmonies in tow.
A Mwng-era live performance on Later (audio's a bit wobbly again).
5. Receptacle For The Respectable (from Rings Around The World, 2001)
Who else could fit The Beach Boys and Black Sabbath into the same five minutes?
Live from Glastonbury 2007. Should really chew with his mouth closed.
6. Juxtaposed With U (from Rings Around The World, 2001)
The vocoder may have spawned some horrific chart pop in recent years, but this soulful gem almost makes up for it.
A Gail Porter-introduced, mimed performance on TOTP - liking the lectern.
7. Mountain People (from Radiator, 1997)
Affecting protest folk disintegrates into throbbing techno.
Staggering Glastonbury '99 version - the outro's "orangely out of its head"!
8. Ymaelodi A'r Ymylon (from Mwng, 2000)
A seemingly jaunty yet haunting pop melody assisted by more impeccable harmonies.
Another lovely Later performance (wonky audio again).
9. The Very Best Of Neil Diamond (from Dark Days/Light Years, 2009)
The album was an uneven yet admirable attempt to stretch out and jam, but this powerful, electric saz-led groove stands as one of their all-time best.
That artwork is ghastly isn't it?! Bring back the cartoon aliens!
10. Cabin Fever (from Love Kraft, 2005)
Cian demonstrates his hitherto hidden talent for gorgeous Bacharach/Beachies-type euphoniousness - the SFA equivalent of a lost Dennis Wilson classic.
Wonderful sync job with a Max Fleischer cartoon.
11. Run Christian Run (from Rings Around The World, 2001)
As you may be aware by now, 'ten' really means 'eleven' round these 'ere parts, so here's a mesmerising, pedal-steel and melodica-driven bonus track for good behaviour.
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