Songs From Northern Britain

Teenage Fanclub | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 16, 2009)
• Original Release Date: July 29, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: SME UK Limited
• ASIN: B000002BZ6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #143,765 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This CD is an out of print collectible! It is the original 1997 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lost 90's Classic, March 6, 2003

By 

Thomas Shea (Seattle, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Songs From Northern Britain (Audio CD)

Like most Americans, I stopped listening to Teenage Fanclub after Bandwagonesque and forgot about them, assuming that they kept remaking the same album over and over and eventually broke up. Little did I know that while their approach hasn't changed all that much in the last 10 years, their song craft has evolved from being undeniably catchy/saccharine-sweet grunge pop band to purveyors of classic pop songs unencumbered by era or trends.

I actually revisited the Fannies because I heard a few track from this album on the CD included with Nick Hornsby's new book about his favorite songs, Songbook. Hornsby (High Fidelity) described Songs From Northern Britain as one of his favorite albums of all time. After playing only the infectious "Your Love In The Place" five times in a row, I couldn't wait to hear if the rest of the album was that good.

Forget any misgivings or assumption you have about this band and listen with open ears. Songs For Northern Britain is an undiscovered gem on these shores that should have garnered them loads of attention and sold more copies than the derivative retro-pop groups of that day (i.e. Oasis). SFNB is full of unforgettable hooks and harmonies that build on the best of Fanclub's influences (Beatles, Byrds, Big Star). This is no mere copy; it ranks with albums by those artists.

So, thanks Nick for tipping me to one of the best albums of the 1990s. And to the Fannie: sorry I abandon you--it won't happen again. In fact, I'm about to buy the rest of your discography.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No fast-forwarding!, September 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Songs From Northern Britain (Audio CD)

There are bands that give and there are bands that take. Teenage Fanclub has always been a taker. They don't innovate, they borrow. But they do it better than anyone else. SPIN called "Bandwagonesque" the best album of 1991, to the dismay of Nirvana-worshippers -- and it was solid (a little contrived) -- less crafty and innovative but more complete than "Nevermind." Since then the band has dwindled in the used racks, albeit with worthy efforts like "Thirteen" and "Grand Prix." But "Northern Britain" shines. It's pure Fanclub, nothing outrageous, nothing too wild, just good, clean, fun melodies. Unlike "Bandwagonesque," not a single song jumps out, but they definitely flow. It's often hard to resist the urge to fast-forward through certain songs on a disc. Not this one. You will put it on and let it go. This disc is not designed to spawn singles, but to be listened from start to finish. And that's what makes it great.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fanny Magic!, October 19, 2000

By 

Jake Ryan (Nova Scotia, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Songs From Northern Britain (Audio CD)

There is little one can add to the pop clichés surrounding Teenage Fanclub and their impressive musical catalogue. "Power popsters", "pop perfection", "pop masterpiece" -- indeed, these are all fitting sentiments. Following the release of their much-heralded album "Grand Prix", I didn't think the Scottish quartet capable of exploring their retro roots much further. While lyricist/bassist Gerard Love challenged melodic musical conventions with signature tracks like 'Sparky's Dream' and 'Don't Look Back', guitarists Norman Blake and Ray McGinley showcased their writing talents with songs like 'Neil Jung" and 'Verisimilitude'. As a listener, I couldn't have asked for a more pleasurable experience. Then I heard "Songs from Northern Britain".

"Songs from Northern Britain", though humbly titled, is among the finest pop albums ever created. From its beautiful Byrdsian harmonies to its poignant lyrics à la Big Star, the album is a fitting homage to its predecessors. To categorize Teenage Fanclub as a retro act alone does them a terrible injustice. As with all Fanclub recordings, the album, like the band itself, offers the listener much more than a musical history lesson. Teenage Fanclub fuses traditional pop with their own modern sensibilities. The end result is a familiar but surprisingly refreshing sound.

From the opening chords of Norman Blake's 'Start Again' to Gerard Love's inspiring closing track, 'Speed of Light' -- a tribute to a departed friend -- this is as complete an album as you're going to find. When Love is on his game, expect two to three incredibly catchy songs per album. On "Songs from Northern Britain", Love delivers in spades. In addition to the aforementioned track, Love contributes "Take the Long Way Round", a favorite in alternative club circuits. Love again tips his hat to the Byrds with 'Ain't that Enough' and rounds out his contributions with the haunting 'Mount Everest'. Norman Blake is arguably the most whimsical, introspective lyricist of the decade. While the humor is kept closely in check on this album (no 'Metal Baby' here, folks), Blake is clearly in touch with his emotions. 'Start Again' is one of the most listenable songs I have ever happened upon. Lyrically, the song is simple, but it packs a whallop. Everytime I hear the lines, "Even though it's complicated, we've got time to start again" amplified by the track's powerful chord arrangement, I have an irresistable urge to shake my torso in a manner that would make even Beavis and Butthead proud. 'I Don't Want Control of You' captures the spirit and cleverness of 'Neil Jung', but holds its own as a Blake original. 'Winter' is a nice companion piece to Love's 'Mount Everest', and 'Planets', co-written with former drummer (and recently reunited Fanny) Francis MacDonald compliments the Blake catalogue. Lastly are Ray McGinley's compositions. To use a totally inappropriate comparison, McGinley is the George Harrison of the group. He is a budding songwriter sandwiched between two brilliant composers. As a result, his offerings are sometimes overlooked in favor of the other two artists. McGinley's compositions are generally hit and miss efforts. No misses here, folks! "Songs" showcases McGinley at his finest. 'Your Love is the Place Where I Come From' is a pure gem. As the song fades from chorus, you'll find yourself reaching for the rewind button, just to extend the moment a little further. 'Can't Feel My Soul', 'It's a Bad World', and 'I Don't Care' have traces of McGinley cynicism, though the lyrics never leave the listener without hope. All are superior McGinley tracks.

"Songs from Northern Britain" is an incredibly happy album. Like other reviewers, I place this among my favorite albums of all time. Treat yourself to Teenage Fanclub's quiet masterpiece. Also watch for their latest album, "Howdy" ...