The MG Album Club #14: Supergrass - In It For the Money

Zeeba Neighba

Staff member
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Over the past 10 years my appreciation for Britpop (admittedly an all-encompassing term for mid-90s British indie with 60s influences that given groups as diverse as Oasis, Pulp, and Blur tells you nothing) has only gotten stronger with perhaps 15 albums from the era that get regular plays by myself. With time, this one has bounded into the top 5 of those 15 amidst well-known and critically-respected albums by the above big three groups. While not as well known (though certainly most here have heard this group if not this album) as say Oasis and Blur, Supergrass has had a solid career with some consistent albums. Of course, their debut is the gold standard, a wonderful album of quick pulses melodic punkish joy, but (though I love I Should Coco), I find myself listening more to this album which, like many sophomore attempts, adds some interesting diversity - tempo shifts, horns, etc. ....fun album worth revisiting if you know it already (and oh that wonderful cover so different from those of their contemporaries - did they want to sell albums ;))
Highlights: the title track; "Late In the Day"
 
With a strong debut like "I Should Coco", the pressure was really on Supergrass for their next release. They didn't disappoint. The brash, punky sensibilities of their debut persist, but with a fuller, less stripped down feel and more complex construction in the tracks. I listen to this a few times a year. Definitely worth more airtime than I have been giving it. 4/5 stars.
 
I remember listening to this a long time ago and not liking it, but I think I didn't give it a chance. The vocals turned me off a little.

This time, I'm finding it pretty good. Nothing I would buy, but I'll keep it in my Spotify library.

I rate it: :3.5:
 
Yet again I find that, thanks to MG, my ears have been opening up without my even realizing it. I recall listening to this in the 1001 Albums project on the old board without being too impressed. Since then, I have played a lot more 80's music from the UK. More importantly, I just finished the mind-expanding Children Of Nuggets box set.

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IIFTM is a joy from start to finish. The psychedelic hooks draw you in and the wry humor keeps your attention.

:4.5: on the Sam-O-Meter. Great choice, Zeeb! :thumbsup:
 
I can say one thing about this album. I can't listen to it and concentrate on my work. (I don't mean this as a negative.) Putting a bookmark in it for later.
 
It's a grower. I give it :3.0: to :3.5: .

I have to be in the mood for listening to it, and that may happen more often, now that I've heard it a couple of times.

These guys are a trio? Great cover, though.
 
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