I'm a huge fan of Ned's next album, Are You Normal? I don't know why, but I've not spent much time with God Fodder. I guess that needs to go into my rotation this week.
Great piece. Love this album. Came out toward the end of my freshman year of college. That whole year for music was (among other things) peak Madchester, and it caused the 120 Minutes hype machine to go into overdrive for this band. Thankfully the album delivered.
What a fantastic trip down memory lane, Kevin. 1991 was an absolute peak year for me as well, there was so much incredible music, much of it coming from the UK to be honest, lots of it emanating from the acid house/rave explosion via Madchester & indie dance, techno was taking hold with indie kids, EMF and Jesus Jones were top of the Hot 100 round that time, and the music all sounded so cheerful and optimistic. Godfodder is an incredible example of that, I've just been listening and the exuberance takes me way back.
Qobuz says it was released Jan 1, 91, which may not be right but a couple of extra points here to make: you didn't mention The Wonder Stuff: Neds followed in their footsteps more so than PWEI or Jesus Jones, and probably did so well in part because The Wonder Stuff imploded. Also, their timing was perfect for MTV etc., and I know from being transAtlantic that they were SO MUCH bigger in the US than in their UK homeland.
At the time, that popularity slightly escaped me, because I was running a DJ night where I needed music to have an authentic dance beat - EMF/JJ/Stone Roses yes, Wonder Stuff and NAD no - and was just so busy I didn't live with the band enough. But I had friends adored them and I understand why. Plus, your personal narrative says so mucha bout the power of music to get us through the difficult times and out the other side.
Another thing about 91: just predates the grunge explosion of 92 which killed everything I mentioned above that I loved about 91, though unfortunately it failed to kill television. MTV, on the other hand, ultimately killed itself. CHeers!
I think The Wonder Stuff and Ned's were both from the same area near Birmingham in the West Midlands.
Regarding the list of incredible early '90s Manchester LPs, I will add 'Some Friendly' by The Charlatans to it. They perfectly combined the acid, ecstasy, and dance vibe with psychedelic, swirling keys and killer, funky guitar riffs.
But, by '92, some amazing EPs were coming out by a band from Wigan calling themselves Verve (later changing it to "The Verve"). When their first LP came out, 'A Storm in Heaven', it seemed worlds apart from the Madchester dance vibe. These northern lads were channeling Spacemen 3 and '60s acid-psychedelic rock. Gone were the dance beats and they were also much more organic than the crunching punk/metal of American grunge. My psychedelic-loving mind was blown away by early Verve.
Very much on board with The Charlatans and Verve, you describe the early impact perfectly well. I promoted shows by both bands in NYC in '92. but the Verve one is a head-scratcher, it was not at Limelight where we normally did shows so I am wondering if it was the venue Sybarite as listed on Setlist.fm. It was a long time ago but I remember the actual gig well enough and as it was a one-off promotion that could have been it, in which case it was their first NYC show, tied in with CMJ that year which would make sense. Both bands progressed, but Verve, in becoming The Verve, far more drastically than the equally wonderful Charlatans. CHeers!
Love this. Thank you for the extra context & commentary! As for The Wonder Stuff, I wore out my copy of "Never Loved Elvis" but hadn't drawn a line between the two bands until now. Shame about MTV, really. That era (120 Minutes... right before grunge etc.) was it's heyday; I guess we just didn't know it yet.
I think we ran a parallel high school existence in 1991, Kevin. I was in the same boat and had the same HS experience. My tribe was the music nerds and band geeks and we also discovered NADB's God Fodder. You are correct that the early 90's were an amazing time for music and this album played a key part in my early "music education". Thanks for the reminder of a terrific band and album!
Yes! 1991 was an amazing year for music. It was the year I turned 16 and the year that Out of Time was released as well as Levelling the Land by The Levellers and Billy Bragg’s Don’t Try This At Home. God Fodder was my other favourite album at the time. It has a sound which is very much of its time but I don’t think it has dated at all. I feel like it has a slightly punky edge which I’ve always loved. I didn’t know about the two bass guitars (I never paid much attention to the composition of songs when I was younger) but the bass line is a really important part of a song for me I’ve since realised so this actually makes a lot of sense.
Really enjoyed listening to this again today. I still love it and if forced to choose I’d pick Less Than Useful as my favourite track.
Love Neds so much! Yeah 1991 was amazing for music. God Fodder is one of my all time favorite albums and I even wrote about Grey Cell Green in a Medium piece.
You're right there wasn't any band like them then or ever but if you had to categorize them, the best moniker I've read for that scene was "T-shirt bands" 👕 Carter USM was the other main one and I loved them too. Indeed these bands had iconic logos and great T-shirts. And you had to have the long-sleeve ones. I wish I still kept mine 😭
I love this record. Listened to it a lot the year before I graduated from college when everything felt up in the air, especially with regards to relationship. I listened to it last fall after visiting my daughter during her third year of college and it brought back all the feelings!
Gave a listen and it was fun, but there wasn't a track that grabbed me and said rewind and relisten. My guess is that this album doesn't hit as hard in 2024 as it did in 1991. But if it is your thing then there ain't no shame. Forget about the genre classification. Turn it up and rock on.
I'm a huge fan of Ned's next album, Are You Normal? I don't know why, but I've not spent much time with God Fodder. I guess that needs to go into my rotation this week.
Same! Are You Normal is my fav. I'm going to put it on right now.
Great piece. Love this album. Came out toward the end of my freshman year of college. That whole year for music was (among other things) peak Madchester, and it caused the 120 Minutes hype machine to go into overdrive for this band. Thankfully the album delivered.
Thank you, Brian!
Whooza what now?
Bookmarking for later, color me intrigued.
Thx
Gave this a virtual "spin" today. Good stuff.
I'm glad you liked it!
What a fantastic trip down memory lane, Kevin. 1991 was an absolute peak year for me as well, there was so much incredible music, much of it coming from the UK to be honest, lots of it emanating from the acid house/rave explosion via Madchester & indie dance, techno was taking hold with indie kids, EMF and Jesus Jones were top of the Hot 100 round that time, and the music all sounded so cheerful and optimistic. Godfodder is an incredible example of that, I've just been listening and the exuberance takes me way back.
Qobuz says it was released Jan 1, 91, which may not be right but a couple of extra points here to make: you didn't mention The Wonder Stuff: Neds followed in their footsteps more so than PWEI or Jesus Jones, and probably did so well in part because The Wonder Stuff imploded. Also, their timing was perfect for MTV etc., and I know from being transAtlantic that they were SO MUCH bigger in the US than in their UK homeland.
At the time, that popularity slightly escaped me, because I was running a DJ night where I needed music to have an authentic dance beat - EMF/JJ/Stone Roses yes, Wonder Stuff and NAD no - and was just so busy I didn't live with the band enough. But I had friends adored them and I understand why. Plus, your personal narrative says so mucha bout the power of music to get us through the difficult times and out the other side.
Another thing about 91: just predates the grunge explosion of 92 which killed everything I mentioned above that I loved about 91, though unfortunately it failed to kill television. MTV, on the other hand, ultimately killed itself. CHeers!
I think The Wonder Stuff and Ned's were both from the same area near Birmingham in the West Midlands.
Regarding the list of incredible early '90s Manchester LPs, I will add 'Some Friendly' by The Charlatans to it. They perfectly combined the acid, ecstasy, and dance vibe with psychedelic, swirling keys and killer, funky guitar riffs.
But, by '92, some amazing EPs were coming out by a band from Wigan calling themselves Verve (later changing it to "The Verve"). When their first LP came out, 'A Storm in Heaven', it seemed worlds apart from the Madchester dance vibe. These northern lads were channeling Spacemen 3 and '60s acid-psychedelic rock. Gone were the dance beats and they were also much more organic than the crunching punk/metal of American grunge. My psychedelic-loving mind was blown away by early Verve.
Very much on board with The Charlatans and Verve, you describe the early impact perfectly well. I promoted shows by both bands in NYC in '92. but the Verve one is a head-scratcher, it was not at Limelight where we normally did shows so I am wondering if it was the venue Sybarite as listed on Setlist.fm. It was a long time ago but I remember the actual gig well enough and as it was a one-off promotion that could have been it, in which case it was their first NYC show, tied in with CMJ that year which would make sense. Both bands progressed, but Verve, in becoming The Verve, far more drastically than the equally wonderful Charlatans. CHeers!
Love this. Thank you for the extra context & commentary! As for The Wonder Stuff, I wore out my copy of "Never Loved Elvis" but hadn't drawn a line between the two bands until now. Shame about MTV, really. That era (120 Minutes... right before grunge etc.) was it's heyday; I guess we just didn't know it yet.
I think we ran a parallel high school existence in 1991, Kevin. I was in the same boat and had the same HS experience. My tribe was the music nerds and band geeks and we also discovered NADB's God Fodder. You are correct that the early 90's were an amazing time for music and this album played a key part in my early "music education". Thanks for the reminder of a terrific band and album!
You bet! And thanks for the kind words.
Yes! 1991 was an amazing year for music. It was the year I turned 16 and the year that Out of Time was released as well as Levelling the Land by The Levellers and Billy Bragg’s Don’t Try This At Home. God Fodder was my other favourite album at the time. It has a sound which is very much of its time but I don’t think it has dated at all. I feel like it has a slightly punky edge which I’ve always loved. I didn’t know about the two bass guitars (I never paid much attention to the composition of songs when I was younger) but the bass line is a really important part of a song for me I’ve since realised so this actually makes a lot of sense.
Really enjoyed listening to this again today. I still love it and if forced to choose I’d pick Less Than Useful as my favourite track.
Although, tbf, Happy is a great choice!
A great choice, Lou!
Wow! Another album I need to check out!
I hope you enjoy it!
Love Neds so much! Yeah 1991 was amazing for music. God Fodder is one of my all time favorite albums and I even wrote about Grey Cell Green in a Medium piece.
You're right there wasn't any band like them then or ever but if you had to categorize them, the best moniker I've read for that scene was "T-shirt bands" 👕 Carter USM was the other main one and I loved them too. Indeed these bands had iconic logos and great T-shirts. And you had to have the long-sleeve ones. I wish I still kept mine 😭
Long sleeved for the win! I'll have to go over and read your piece on Medium.
It's here my friend!
https://plethoraofpop.com/let-robeson-sing-girl-from-mars-df847ecdc255
Thank you! That’s a great Top 5, btw! Shoutout for Buffalo Tom and Drop Nineteens.
yes, Yes, "&" More YESSSS! 🫴🏼 #WorldNeeds more dual-bass attacked Ned's Atomic Dustbin p.e.r.i.o.d. 🤘🏼🖤💯
YES!
I love this record. Listened to it a lot the year before I graduated from college when everything felt up in the air, especially with regards to relationship. I listened to it last fall after visiting my daughter during her third year of college and it brought back all the feelings!
Was this when you were still in Arizona?
Nope. Radford, Virginia!
This is great, I don't think I've listened to this record in full, glad to be doing so now.
Big question: IS THIS BRIT POP???
No, this was pre Brit pop. I think, personally, it’s a bit more edgy.
Not in my book, but others might think it is.
Omg thank you for the memories!! I had forgotten about Grey Cell Green!! One of my all time favorites! It was one that made many mixtapes.
Your friend group sounds a lot like mine from high school!
I'm glad I could take you on a trip down memory lane! That friend group was awesome. I miss 'em.
The best is that so many of them are my friends now ❤️❤️
Coming your way sir, will be a Ned's interview I conducted in person during that magical time!
Right on! I’ve been digging all of the ones you’ve posted so far. I’m looking forward to reading it.
This was a favorite. I listened to that CD over and over when I was young and rebellious.
Pre-Polka DJ Shotski!
Wow, this is fantastic! This is a band I’d heard of but never listened to, so thanks for the introduction!
Of course! I'd be curious to hear what you think once you get a chance to listen,.
Gave a listen and it was fun, but there wasn't a track that grabbed me and said rewind and relisten. My guess is that this album doesn't hit as hard in 2024 as it did in 1991. But if it is your thing then there ain't no shame. Forget about the genre classification. Turn it up and rock on.
Indeed! We like what we like, right?