The La’s were a British rock band formed in 1983 in Liverpool. The band was led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Lee Mavers, who was known for his distinctive vocal style and jangly guitar sound. The La’s gained a cult following for their unique sound, but only released one self-titled album in 1990 before disbanding.
Discography:
Albums:
- The La’s (1990)
Singles:
- “Way Out” (1987)
- “There She Goes” (1988)
- “Timeless Melody” (1990)
- “Feelin'” (1991)
- “Looking Glass” (1991)
The La’s self-titled album, released in 1990, is widely regarded as a classic of British rock. It features 12 tracks, all of which were written by Mavers. The album was produced by Steve Lillywhite, who had previously worked with U2 and The Rolling Stones, and it was recorded at various studios in London and Liverpool.
The La’s album was praised for its stripped-down sound and catchy melodies, which drew influences from 1960s pop and rock. The album’s lead single, “There She Goes,” became a hit in the UK and was later covered by several other artists, including Sixpence None The Richer and The Boo Radleys.
Despite the success of “There She Goes,” The La’s album did not sell as well as expected and the band soon began to fall apart. Mavers became increasingly reclusive and began to distance himself from the rest of the band. The La’s continued to play live shows sporadically, but never released another album.
In 1999, a compilation album titled “Callin’ All” was released, which featured various demo recordings and live tracks from The La’s. This album provided fans with a glimpse into the band’s creative process and showed the potential for what could have been if The La’s had stayed together and continued to make music.
Despite only releasing one album, The La’s legacy has lived on through their influence on other bands and musicians. Lee Mavers’ unique songwriting style and jangly guitar sound has been cited as an influence by artists such as Oasis, The Coral, and The Zutons.
The La’s were a band that made a significant impact on British rock music with their unique sound and catchy melodies. While they only released one album, that album has gone on to become a classic and has influenced countless other artists. The La’s may have been short-lived, but their legacy lives on.