What is Britpop and what groups are included in the "big four" of Britpop

At the end of the last century, a spiritual the crisis. The country was mired in American values, and the British themselves were ready to obediently bend before Western idols.

There were a lot of people who didn't like it. They wanted to express protest in any possible way: with your art, creativity, work. At that time, English musicians became the brightest symbol this riot.

The birth of Britpop culture

At first things didn't go well for British music: broke up The Stone Roses gain popularity and begin to dominate the Nirvana music space. For a while, the Cobain band conquered minds of the British, but soon the tired British youth of the 90s got tired of it.

The world at that time was popular grunge, and most of the bands that played this style of music were out of competition. But the young Englishmen were not afraid of high-profile experiments: they risked playing something that no one had played before. Rock bands from the kingdom didn't want follow the "American" path and eventually became what is commonly called Britpop.

The style was based on British music of the 60s and 70s, on which the new trend was built. Because of this, Britpop quickly became popular, and later the most influential groups would be respectfully nicknamed the "Big Four". Let's talk in more detail about each of the groups that are included in four.

Oasis

Oasis is an iconic rock band founded in 1991 by two Gallagher brothers, Liam and Noel. When listening to the first albums, one feels a strong influence on the musicians of such popular British bands as The Beatles, The Stone Roses, The Kinks.

Speaking of the latter, it is worth mentioning that the Kinks are considered progenitors britpop. Although the phrase "british pop" (Britpop) was first said in relation to "The Stone Roses".

Returning to Oasis, we note the album "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?", after which the group acquires international fame and begins the "invasion" of the musical field of the United States. The album was notable for long choruses and high-quality elaboration of lyrics. The emphasis was on rock ballads with a guitar sound.

The album was released in the midst of the "Battle of Britpop" - during rivalry for the popularity of "Oasis" and "Blur". The album allowed "Oasis" to start dominate over Blur. The rivalry was fueled by the media and fans and brought the bands a lot of publicity.

Blur

The London rock band, whose work, like Oasis, was under great influence The Beatles and The Kinks. The band consisted of vocalist Damon Albarn, guitarist Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and Dave Rowntree on drums.

The group becomes the most important popularizer britpop. It has also become one of the most famous bands in the UK. Blur has been around for a long time, and with the help of Battle of Britpop, they have sold over 50 million records worldwide.

During the heyday of Britpop every knew the group's hits: "For Tomorrow", "Parklife", "Girls and Boys" and others. "Girls and Boys" was ranked #20 on New Musical Express's 2014 list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

The band's vocalist Damon Albarn once said that at some point he became be surprisedhow much English music has become like American - all this grunge. He promised to return Britain to majestic self-sufficiency. And to him it succeeded.

Pulp

Sheffield band formed in 1978 by Jarvis Cocker. The group's music remained in the shadows for a long time. popular the team becomes in the mid-90s, during the heyday of Britpop.

In 1995, the group released the studio album "Different Class", which led the British charts and at the same time brought the group wide popularity both in the UK and around the world. Before this group suppressed by more popular British bands and did not top the charts.

After their resounding success, Pulp is considered one of the most important Britpop bands of the time. And the permanent leader of the group, Jarvis Cocker, is still authoritative musician.

Suede

London-based band formed in 1989 by two friends Brett Lewis Anderson and Mat David Osman. Later they were joined by guitarist Bernard Butler, considered one of the most the best guitarists England, and Simon Gilbert.

For a long time the group played in clubs, trying to attract the attention of the public. By 1992, the group manages to loudly declare about himself - the first single "Suede" called "The Drowners" flies into the British charts and takes place on the 49th line.

Melody Maker magazine featured the band on the cover in April 1992 with the caption "Best New Band in the UK". This was success. The singles following "The Drowned" consistently took places in the top twenty of the British hit parade.

Then comes recession the popularity of the group, associated with the departure of Butler from the group and the rivalry between Oasis and Blur.