BBC in Session (Hk) [Import]

The La's | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Universal I.S.
• ASIN: B000HD0Y4C
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,305 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

First time on CD for these rare recordings from the band's BBC sessions spanning the years 1987-90. The La's came out of Liverpool in the midst of the Madchester/Baggy music scene (Happy Mondays, Stone Roses, etc) but their sound was Pop/Rock at it's most basic: good tunes, jangly guitars and no-frills arrangements, In fact, The La's were the first Britpop band of the '90s and were extremely influential to bands like Oasis!. This is a fascinating look into the growth and maturity of the La's and especially singer/songwriter Lee Mavers, since these sessions begin three years before the release of their debut album and end 1990, the year it was finally released. Features classics like 'There She Goes', 'Feeling', 'Timeless Melody', 'I Can't Sleep' and many others. 17 tracks. Polydor.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb retrospective - God Save the BBC, November 28, 2006

By 

Jesse Christopherson "jessesamuel" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: BBC in Session (Hk) (Audio CD)

Why did these performances stay in the BBC vaults for so long? They're brilliant! It's well known that singer Lee Mavers was unsatisfied with the sound of the La's only album. I'd like to know his reaction to this disc: the sound is crisp, the band is tight, the vocals are at least as good as on The La's. This is a great presentation of great songs - this release really breathes new life into tunes that have been on my playlist for fifteen years.

The track selection is a real insight into the band at its most vital. The singles are here, but so are a couple of b-sides and Calling All, which I haven't heard before. I'd go so far as to say that this should be considered a necessary companion to the (import, with bonus tracks) studio album - either one would serve as a compelling introduction to the band.

Now if they'd just tour the States!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally!, February 21, 2007

By 

Thomas Horan (Chapel Hill, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: BBC in Session (Hk) (Audio CD)

The La's always felt that Steve Lillywhite's high gloss, blended production sucked the life out of their Britpop skiffle, and these stunning radio sessions prove them right! Almost every track is superior to the previously released album version, conveying the propulsion and joy of live music with the bell clarity and razor precision of a studio recording. The harmonies are more prominent; the sound of each instrument more distinct; and the overall feel more energetic. For sheer song quality and performance value, The La's lone, self-titled full length will always be a classic, flawed or otherwise. But this new compilation, which includes a few b-sides and rarities, invites you to hear their timeless melodies again for the first time.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can't complain about pure La's, January 1, 2007

By 

Nick Gawriluk "Liam" (Columbia, MO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: BBC in Session (Hk) (Audio CD)

This excellent compilation of BBC sessions shows the varying faces and styles of the La's. From a hard, almost punk version of I Can't Sleep, to an electric version of There She Goes, these cuts give the listener a different take on La's favorites.