The La’s
They are best known for their hit single “There She Goes,” which gained significant popularity and has been covered by many artists. Despite releasing only one self-titled album in 1990, which received critical acclaim, the band struggled with internal conflicts and lineup changes. However, their music continues to be influential, particularly within the indie rock genre.
Lee Mavers is the frontman, songwriter, and creative force of The La’s, a British band from the northern city of Liverpool. The La’s only made one album, enjoyed just one hit single and haven’t released a note of new music since 1990. Yet the band’s legacy and place in rock history supersedes their slim output.
These songs showcase "The La's" distinctive sound, blending elements of jangle pop, rock, and British indie music. While they may have had a limited discography, their music continues to resonate with audiences and influence artists to this day.
The La’s” had a relatively short-lived career, but they are remembered for their influential sound and a handful of memorable tracks.
Some interesting facts about The La’s:
1. Mysterious Frontman: Lee Mavers, the lead singer, and songwriter of The La’s, is somewhat of an enigmatic figure. He’s known for his perfectionism and insistence on recording in his preferred manner, which contributed to delays in the release of their music. Mavers’ reluctance to compromise creatively and his perfectionist tendencies became a defining characteristic of the band.
2. Unreleased Album: The La’s are famous for their unreleased second album, often referred to as the “Lost La’s Album.” Despite recording sessions with various producers and multiple versions of the album, it was never officially released. However, bootleg copies and demo recordings of the tracks have circulated among fans, fueling speculation about what could have been.
3. Influence on Britpop: Despite their relatively short career, The La’s had a significant influence on the Britpop movement of the 1990s. Bands like Oasis, Blur, and The Stone Roses have cited The La’s as an influence on their music, particularly in terms of their melodic sensibilities and guitar-driven sound.
4. Cover Versions: “There She Goes” has been covered by numerous artists across different genres since its release. Artists such as The Boo Radleys, Sixpence None The Richer, and Robbie Williams have all recorded their versions of the song, further cementing its status as a timeless classic.
5. Reunion Rumors: Over the years, there have been occasional rumors of The La’s reuniting for live performances or to release new music. However, these rumors have never materialized into a full-fledged reunion. Lee Mavers, in particular, has remained elusive and largely out of the public eye since the band’s dissolution.
6. Cult Following: Despite their limited commercial success, The La’s have developed a dedicated cult following that continues to celebrate their music to this day. Fans appreciate the band’s unique sound, memorable melodies, and the mystique surrounding their unreleased material, keeping their legacy alive long after their disbandment.
Some of their best-known songs include:
The La’s” were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1983. Although they achieved only limited commercial success during their brief existence, they are regarded as one of the most influential bands of their era, particularly within the indie rock genre. The band’s lineup underwent several changes over the years, with Lee Mavers serving as the primary songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist throughout most of their career.
Their self-titled debut album, “The La’s,” was released in 1990 to critical acclaim. The album’s lead single, “There She Goes,” became their most well-known song and received widespread recognition. Known for its catchy melody and jangly guitars, “There She Goes” has since become a classic and has been covered by numerous artists.
Despite the success of their debut album and single, “The La’s” struggled with internal conflicts, creative differences, and issues with their record label. They disbanded in 1992 before they could release a follow-up album. However, various recordings and demos from their unreleased second album, often referred to as the “Lost La’s Album,” have surfaced over the years, maintaining interest in the band among fans and collectors.
“The La’s” legacy lies not only in their brief but impactful career but also in the influence they exerted on subsequent generations of musicians. Their blend of catchy melodies, jangly guitars, and British indie sensibilities continues to inspire bands and artists across genres.
Despite their limited output, “The La’s” remain a beloved and revered band in the annals of indie rock history, with their music standing the test of time and continuing to captivate audiences around the world.
