Endless Arcade

Albumbeschreibung

Released in late 1991, Bandwagonesque is one of the most important rock albums of the 90s. In the midst of the grunge tsunami, Teenage Fanclub offered something a little bit poppier, with fantastic harmonies, as if guided by the ghosts of Big Star and The Byrds. The band’s first album, A Catholic Education, which the band had released a year prior, saw the band demonstrate their ability to blow up their amps by playing around with a whole host of effects pedals. Since those days, the Scots from Bellshill, south of Glasgow, have returned to the studio at regular intervals to lay down some excellent pop songs, full of clear, bright guitars... But this time, one of the historic band members, Gerard Love, has abandoned ship, leaving Norman Blake and Raymond McGinley to write their material alone. Now in their fifties, the Fannies have settled down a little, although without moving all the way over into pastoral rock. The guitars have a little less bite, but the melodies don't lack finesse, with the lyrics hitting the mark just as accurately as before. Blake, beset by marital troubles, has also supplied the songs with a well-measured dose of introspection. Full of the wisdom of age and nostalgia for lost times and loves, Endless Arcade moves between sun and shade. The twelve tracks on this record seem simple enough at first glance, but small instrumental details mean that these dozen miniatures become richer and more charming with every listen. This is a fine new pressing that isn't concerned with passing fashions, but takes aim at the one Holy Grail that Teenage Fanclub have always focussed on: making good songs. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz