In the 1990s, the musical landscape of Britain was forever transformed by the meteoric rise of Oasis. Emerging from Manchester, this exceptional group left an indelible mark on popular music, inspiring generations of artists and fans alike.
Led by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, the band achieved global acclaim with seminal albums like Definitely Maybe and (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? These masterpieces showcased their ability to craft anthemic, emotionally charged songs that resonated with listeners. From the soaring melody of “Wonderwall” to the defiant swagger of “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” Oasis’ music encapsulated the spirit of youth, rebellion, and unbound creativity.
Their debut album, Definitely Maybe, was hailed as a groundbreaking work, earning them a devoted fan base. The follow-up, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, cemented their status as icons, selling over 22 million copies worldwide and earning them two Brit Awards.
Oasis’ music transcended time and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of popular culture. Their raw energy and unapologetic attitude resonated with audiences worldwide, inspiring generations of musicians and fans to embrace their authenticity and passion. Through their remarkable body of work and enduring legacy, Oasis etched their name among the most iconic and influential bands of our time.
Music in 1997 was a true reflection of the decade’s diversity and boundary-pushing spirit. From the era’s biggest mainstream pop acts to the underground scenes bubbling up, the hits of ’97 showcased an exciting range of styles and genres commingling.
On the one hand, you had the unstoppable rise of wildly popular all-female groups like the Spice Girls with their debut smash “Wannabe” and the soaring vocals of Whitney Houston on “Step by Step.” At the same time, 1997 was also the year that brought the world jarring yet brilliant alt-rock statements like Radiohead’s sci-fi epic “Paranoid Android” and the dark, literary narratives of acts like Nick Cave.
Hip-hop continued evolving in dozens of directions, from the stunning lyricism of Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hypnotize” to the early flashes of what would become the dominant sound of the 2000s with Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).” The year’s electronic/dance highlights came in all tempos and styles, whether the gritty yet blissful big beat of The Prodigy’s “Firestarter” or the sleek Daft Punk groover “Around the World.”
While teenager pop captured the mainstream with acts like Hanson’s “MMMBop,” the alternative/indie realm gifted 1997 with timeless gems spanning rockist earnestness (Ben Folds Five), fuzz-pop dreaminess (The Cardigans’ “Lovefool”), and idiosyncratic lo-fi (Elliot Smith, Yo La Tengo). It was an era of strange but beautiful hybrids, like the trip-hop soul of Erykah Badu’s “On & On.”
Looking back at 1997’s musical landscape, you’re struck by not just the sheer quality of the output, but the vibrant plurality of styles. It was a moment when the underground and the overground were engaged in an intriguing conversation, shaping what came next.
If you’re looking to delve into some classic hip-hop with a sophisticated twist, then look no further than Q-Tip and his legendary group, A Tribe Called Quest. This playlist offers an introduction to their work, blending catchy rhymes with smooth jazz influences that will have you tapping your foot in no time.
Q-Tip, the group’s mastermind, is a true artist. His rapping style is intelligent and witty, avoiding the braggadocio that can sometimes dominate the genre. Tracks like “Can I Kick It?” and “Scenario” showcase his playful wordplay and knack for storytelling. But A Tribe Called Quest is more than just clever lyrics. The production, often featuring jazzy samples and soulful melodies, creates a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day.
This playlist goes beyond just A Tribe Called Quest, though. It highlights Q-Tip’s collaborations with other artists, demonstrating his versatility. Tracks like “Got ‘Til It’s Gone” with Janet Jackson and “Go” with The Chemical Brothers proves his influence extends beyond hip-hop.
So, whether you’re a longtime hip-hop fan or just curious to explore the genre’s more thoughtful side, this playlist is a great place to start. With its infectious grooves and insightful lyrics, A Tribe Called Quest’s music is sure to become a new favorite for listeners of all ages.
Joy Division and New Order are two of the most influential bands in the history of rock music. They emerged from the punk scene of the late 1970s and evolved into different styles and genres, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs and albums.
Joy Division was formed in 1976 by four young men from Manchester, England: Ian Curtis (vocals), Bernard Sumner (guitar), Peter Hook (bass), and Stephen Morris (drums). They were inspired by the energy and attitude of the Sex Pistols, but they soon developed their own distinctive sound and vision. Their music was dark, atmospheric, and haunting, reflecting the bleakness and alienation of their industrial surroundings. Their lyrics were poetic, complex, and literary, dealing with themes such as love, death, isolation, and mental illness. Curtis, who suffered from epilepsy and depression, delivered his vocals with a deep, expressive, and sometimes erratic voice.
Joy Division released two albums in their short career: Unknown Pleasures (1979) and Closer (1980). Both are considered masterpieces of post-punk, a genre that emerged after the initial wave of punk and experimented with new sounds and influences. Joy Division’s songs, such as “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” “Atmosphere,” “Transmission,” and “She’s Lost Control,” are among the most iconic and influential of the era. They also created a distinctive visual identity, with minimalist and abstract album covers designed by Peter Saville.
Joy Division’s career was tragically cut short by the suicide of Curtis on May 18, 1980, the eve of their first American tour. His death shocked and saddened the music world, and also mythologized the band as a symbol of intensity and authenticity. Joy Division’s music has inspired countless artists across genres and generations, from U2 and Radiohead to Nine Inch Nails and The Killers.
After the death of Curtis, the remaining members of Joy Division decided to continue making music under a new name: New Order. They were joined by Gillian Gilbert, a keyboardist and guitarist who added a new dimension to their sound. New Order’s music was a radical departure from Joy Division’s. They embraced synthesizers, drum machines, and dance music influences, creating a fusion of rock and electronic music that was groundbreaking and influential. Their music was also more upbeat, colorful, and optimistic, reflecting their personal and artistic growth.
New Order released several albums throughout the 1980s and 1990s, each one exploring new musical directions and possibilities. Their most famous and successful song is “Blue Monday,” a 1983 single that is the best-selling 12-inch record of all time. The song is a synth-pop masterpiece, with a catchy melody and a pulsating rhythm. Other notable songs by New Order include “True Faith,” “Regret,” “World In Motion,” and “Bizarre Love Triangle.” New Order’s music has influenced many artists in the fields of synth-pop, techno, house, and alternative rock, such as Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, The Chemical Brothers, and LCD Soundsystem.
Besides their musical achievements, Joy Division and New Order have also been involved in various philanthropic efforts. One of their most notable contributions was their participation in the Artists Against Apartheid project, a campaign that aimed to raise awareness and funds for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. In 1986, New Order recorded a song called “State of the Nation,” which denounced the racist regime and expressed solidarity with the oppressed people. The song was released as part of an album called Conspiracy of Hope, which also featured songs by U2, Sting, Peter Gabriel, and others. The album was a benefit for Amnesty International, a human rights organization that works to end injustice and abuse around the world.
Joy Division and New Order also supported the Hacienda, a legendary nightclub in Manchester that was owned by their record label, Factory Records. The Hacienda was a cultural hub that hosted many famous bands and DJs, such as The Smiths, The Stone Roses, Madonna, and Happy Mondays. It was also a place where people of different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations could mingle and enjoy music and dancing. The Hacienda was a pioneer of the rave culture, which promoted peace, love, and unity through electronic music. However, the club also faced financial and legal troubles, and eventually closed in 1997. Joy Division and New Order donated much of their royalties and profits to keep the club running, and also performed there several times.
Joy Division and New Order are two bands that have made a lasting impact on music and culture. If you want to listen to some of their best songs, check out this playlist.
You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby by Fatboy Slim holds the Guinness World Record for the most significant number of samples used on a single album, with more than 60.
FatBoy Slim was born Quentin Cook on this date in 1963. A few of the classics from his You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby album are among the tunes in today’s playlist.
