Supergrass

In 1995, filmmaker Steven Spielberg approached young Supergrass -- who had just released debut album I Should Coco -- about creating a Monkees-esque TV series based on the British trio. While the group turned him down, preferring to work on eventual second album In It For The Money, the gesture says a lot about the band's personality -- one which has stuck with the group throughout its career -- which is basically that of a fun-loving rock group whose undeniable musical talent is sometimes overshadowed by the sheer ebullience of its music.

I Should Coco instantly endeared the band to listeners in the U.K., but it was follow-up In It For The Money that really marked a creative leap forward, meshing wild guitar riffs and soulful keyboard melodies with the group's impassioned vocal harmonies. 1999's self-titled third set was not quite as inventive as its predecessor, but saw the band expand its mastery of soul and rock motifs. 2002's Life On Other Planets simply ingrained the fact that Supergrass could continue to ply its effervescent musical outlook over an extended career. "La Song" and "Run" in particular showed the group still finding new ways to express itself.

While Supergrass isn't by any means the most groundbreaking or innovative rock group of its time, it's one of those bands you love to have around, because they keep things fresh and exciting.

Album reviews

Road To Rouen
Parlophone (2005)
Though it's short on flash, this record is a welcome respite for our jaded ears and a reminder that some things and some bands only get better with time.

Life On Other Planets
Parlophone (2002)
Ten years on, they still like to wake up, go out, smoke a fag, put it out, see their friends, and rock out in the living room.

Supergrass
Parlophone (1999)
On its third album, Supergrass has found its soul.

In It For The Money (Recommended)
Capitol (1997)
Those boyish, talented lads from London somehow came up with a genius sophomore album that transcends any sort of niche critics might have imagined them in following 1995's I Should Coco.

I Should Coco
Capitol (1995)
This manic pop gem is one of the defining Britpop statements of the '90s.

Interviews

Prawns, Pranks, And Pop Songs
March 14, 2001
NATN Associate Editor Jonathan Cohen catches up with the sufficiently thawed threesome of Gaz Coombes, Mick Quinn, and Danny Goffey for a hearty lunch and witty banter on the life and times of the U.K. rock scene’s shining lights.