There is something to be said for the artistic impact of a debut LP. For many artists their best release ever is their first.

There is some thought that for many artists (indie or otherwise) the debut captures the freshness of their sound. I can think of a number of LPs that fit this criteria. For a couple I reference “Entertainment” by Gang Of Four (1979/80). While these faves of mine had a long artistically successful career, none of their other releases captured the raw energy and brilliance of this debut.

For an even more genre defining debut I offer you this gem from Manchester.

This debut LP heralded what became known as the “Madchester Scene.” That story will be told more in later posts…

Following the critical and popular success of this debut, The Stone Roses immediately ascended to to the top of the dancefloor scene. However, perhaps fueled by an overdose of hubris and swagger the band wanted to leave their indie label- Silvertone Records for a major label to build on their financial success. Silvertone would not release the band from their contract. Litigation ensued.

By the time the legal machinations ended and the dust cleared the bloom may have come off the Roses.

I would say by the time LP #2 arrived in 1994, the band had lost their mojo.

The clever, but ultimately ironic titled “Second Coming” was not a “bad” record in my opinion. However it just failed to capture the genre- defining magic of the debut.

Shortly thereafter the band split (1996)

Here my favourite track from the failed “Second Coming”

SPOTIFY-

https://open.spotify.com/track/6JvEXmRh3l2acBzvqavgT9?si=uruoVY0dRUKHzhLfTJAbzw

(SONG 910)

Play Loud Or Perish

1/18/2025