Elastica

This just sounds so generic. It sounds like the music a fake band in a movie would play.

I saw "britpop" on the wiki and groaned. Not another britpop album! But whoever wrote that genre classification was either an idiot or a sexist who believed that, if it has a female singer, it's pop. Because this isn't pop. This is post-punk rock. And barely post-punk at that. It was tasty as hell and I loved every single track. Will be listening to this again on the regular.

Its not bad. In fact. Its good. However, its shocking how much Elastica ripped off Wire on quite a few of the songs. Compare I Am The Fly and Line Up or Three Girl Rhumba and Connection.

soft, never here. just like my dad.

Another example, of which I find myself questioning the validity and general reasoning for it to be included in a greatest albums of all time list. ‘All time’ means exactly that and in this instance across all music genres...so it makes me scratch my head even harder when a grungy alt rock band with no distinguishable characteristics like this one is included. Yes, if it was released and universally acknowledged as one of the rock band founders of the grunge movement, by all means I’d sing it’s praises and promote it’s inclusion. But it’s not...actually not even close. For example, a well known band who absolutely should be on this list called Nirvana, were releasing material commercially at least five years before this album dropped and there had also been 100’s of knockoffs since then. Not surprisingly most of these bands music sounded very similar. So the fact this album was released in 1995 toward the actual end of the genres height of popularity makes it’s inclusion here even more perplexing to me. So to sum up. I found this album plain and all too familiar...but not in a good way. 2 Stars!

And the award for the band most brazenly ripping off Wire goes to...

Some really fun femme lead postpunk. A little samey at parts, but tight enough to cover it.

Not particularly exciting. They also plagiarized Wire. I could forgive that if they at least had some solid songs of their own. It's just another meh album that wasn't awful but is far from special. At least it wasn't EDM like I thought it was going to be for some reason.

spirited, but very derivative (Stranglers. Wire. Buzzcocks.)

I figured I would like this album and indeed I loved it from the opening to the first track. Nice mixture of short and interesting songs that never got stale, in fact it just got better and better the more I listened. It's not quite a 5, but seemed closer to a 5 than a 4.

Very catchy overall. An album that ticks all the boxes.

When I saw they were an offshoot of Suede, I was prepared for the worst... but I was pleasantly surprised that this was a fun post-punk flavor of Britpop that didn't make me want to die of boredom.

Elastica I’ve always liked the well known songs off this, Line Up, Connection, Car Song, Waking Up and while the rest of the album doesn’t quite reach the level of those songs it’s still a very enjoyable wiry, post-punk, Britpop adjacent album. The riffs, bass and drums are very good, and I like Justine’s slightly bored sounding vocals, it suits the aesthetic they are going for well. However from time to time I do find their schtick a little bit affected, there’s more than a touch of performative cooler than thou iciness, wearing their obvious influences in a slightly hipster way. Plenty of my favourite bands nick stuff from other bands and rip people off, but if talent borrows but genius steals they are definitely on the talent end of that. Connection, while great, is essentially a rather routine rip off 3 Girl Rhumba by Wire, and you can plainly hear more Wire, The Stranglers, Magazine and Blondie (and Spinal Tap at one point). Having said that, there are no really bad songs, it’s all very listenable (and doesn’t outstay its welcome at 38 minutes), even if it doesn’t linger on the mind too long after listening. I’d happily play it again, although I’m not sure how frequently I’d seek it out, which I think makes it a solid 3. 🚙🎵🎵 Playlist submission: Line Up

Going to take a detour to start this review off, but have you ever heard ”Never Say Never” by the band That Dog.? You probably haven’t and that’s ok, but you should…it’s kind of a perfect song. Sure, it’s got a distinctly 90’s sound: fuzzed out power pop replete with Cars-esque synths, but…it’s perfect and the instrumental bridge with Petra Haden’s layered violin solo is outright beautiful. You’re welcome. Anyway, Elastica. I remember when “Connection” was a hit back in the 90’s, but don’t really remember feeling strongly about it in either direction. It was good to me, not great, but I may not have been the target audience or especially receptive to what it was at that time. I guess that’s the thing about “one hit wonders”, if that hit doesn’t really land with you and you don’t go out of your way to hear anything else by the band, they tend to disappear just as quickly as they came along. Unfortunate, but that’s the reality of our situation. This record is more aggressive and experimental than i expected. It’s a pretty solid 90’s alt rock record from start to finish, even if they do some “borrowing”.

One of the most memorable facial expressions I've seen that didn't involve sex or injury was displayed by a nice young Québécois when I played him Wire's "Three Girl Rhumba" after he told me Elastica were his favourite band. "But this changes everything!" Am I allowed to say I prefer "Connection"? Directly quoting Wire bangers in the opening two songs is too on-the-nose, but I note in both instances the lifted parts aren’t made the main hooks. The argument for homage is stronger than that for straightforward plagiarism. This is a better record than I remembered. There are songs with swerve and guitar work that often puts one off-balance - spiky stuff, to use a journo word. There are more good songs here than I gave credit for - “Waking Up” and “2:1” are a comely pair - but then again there is also “Indian Song”, which raises the grisly spectre of a post-punk Kula Shakur. Will Simon retell his magnificent Elastica answering machine story? I am looking forward to him explaining exactly why I am a grotesquely ugly freak in lofting this up to a THREE.

this is only on this list because of the Trigger Happy theme, otherwise its pretty unremarkable. I've never heard anyway mention this band, i've never heard any of the other songs. It is quite dull and i wont listen to it after today. Its a low to mid 2

Not my thing

Not my thing

Couldn't really get into this. As much as I've tried, I don't think punk rock is for me.

Ok I guess, not my thing really

Godawful rip off of Wire, Buzzcocks and The Stranglers (and contemporary Blur in a Hole/Nirvana sense). Becomes steadily worse as it goes on. Totally creatively bankrupt, so disappointing to see this come up on the list. Utter shite

I haven’t seen any of the Fast and Furious movies but this album feels like it could be the soundtrack for one of them pretty fun rock, not really my style but still enjoyable nonetheless, biggest problem for me is it clearly lacks originality, most of this stuff has already been done before (and better) by more talented bands - 6/10

Probably the first time I've listened to this as I was never a fan. It's not changing my mind any so far. Got to the end of it and probably won't go back. Very derivative.

Actually enjoyed it - couple of really great tracks and the rest was passable but connection, waking up and stutter are all good tunes... tails off a bit after that

It's harsh but has some decent riffs.

Godawful rip off of Wire, Buzzcocks and The Stranglers (and contemporary Blur in a Hole/Nirvana sense). Becomes steadily worse as it goes on. Totally creatively bankrupt, so disappointing to see this come up on the list. Utter shite

Das schlechteste aus den 80ern (kalte New Wave-Ideenlosigkeit). Obwohl aus den 90ern. Der schlechteste Mix der 80er und 90er und leider ganz viel vom schlechten von heute, quasi. Derlei Bedeutungslosigkeit in einem Erstlingswerk ist schon bemerkenswert.

Brit pop itself as a genre is pretty weak and this is a piss poor example. Not entirely without merit, but very nearly. It’s guitar music for people who don’t like guitars.

Poopoo

Más malos que el hambre

Standout Songs: Annie Connection Smile S.O.F.T. Blue Waking Up Never Here Stutter Absolutely incredible album, super fun and upbeat. Just about every song is a pure joy to listen to, gets me pumped up.

really good album, 5*

God made this. Love this album, each and every track.

This is #day273 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… I've seen the album artwork many times, but this was my first time listening to it front to back. I like to think of Elastica as a kind of black sheep within Britpop, but also as a band that coalesced into the scene with one of the fastest-selling UK debuts, holding the record for over a decade. I'm saying "black sheep" because, unlike other Britpop bands' influences, it's fun to observe Elastica's diversity: punk and post-punk abrasiveness, along with that arty, angular new wave energy. No wonder they were dubbed the "New Wave of New Wave." Also, I didn't know that Justine Frischmann dated Brett Anderson, played the guitar for Suede, and then dated Damon Albarn... Or, maybe I just haven't been paying attention. Yeah, definitely maybe. Anyway, this is a fun record, and it still sounds great 30 years on. This is a 5 out of 5. Looking forward to #day274.

After slogging my way through a bunch of folk music, this album was such a breath of fresh air. Fun, female fronted post-punk that I somehow missed in the 90s when it is right in my wheelhouse and should have been the soundtrack to my high school years. Happy to have found it now, even if I am a few decades late to the party.

What a difference getting rid of a shitty singer can do! Goodbye Suede and Brett Anderson’s frog croaking!! Hello Justine Frischmann and Donna Matthews!!! The most ironic part is that Suede could have kicked Brett out, turned the vocals over to Justine, vastly improved, and split their earnings one less way. This album cooks. 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

I am looking forward to listening to this album. Elastica for me are a fun, female-led indie/post-punk band known for their tight musicianship and punchy 2–3 minute tracks so this album should be a belter!! I liked this album, Their sound is aggressive, energetic, and full of attitude. While they might not be reinventing the wheel with theis album, they definitely know how to deliver a good time and fun tracks. Waking Up instantly took me back to my early 2000s indie nightclub days—what a tune! It’s the kind of track that gets you moving and sets the tone for a night out. I’ve always loved that one. Beyond the big hit, there are some absolute belters here—Car Song, Line Up, and Hold Me Now all stand out as highlights. The whole album keeps a strong momentum and delivers consistent energy from start to finish. Favourite songs: Waking Up and Car Song take the top spots, but honestly, I enjoyed every track. Least favourite: None—there’s not a bad song on the album. Album artwork: Pretty standard cover—nothing too exciting visually, but the music more than makes up for it.

Although this is the first time I've heard anything about "Elastica", I have to say that I loved their album. Although released in the 90s, they have a sound that reminds me a lot of "The Last Dinner Party" but with a more rebellious attitude that comes from their more punk-oriented sound.

First time listening to them and I really liked this album. I loved the guitar tone and the vocals. They have an easy intensity where the band sounds completely locked in and relaxed, but at the same time it rocks pretty hard. Good discovery for me.

This took me right back to high school!! Great album!

Ziemlicher Schieber

Re-discovered this over lockdown. It's a really fun listen. Wish the band could have keep it together long enough to put out a good second album instead of what they put out.

I don't give a shit if it rips off Wire. I like these songs better than the Wire originals by a mile. This album is brilliant.

One of my top ten records of the 90’s.

Now my favorite mostly-girls band! How did I miss this album back in the day?? Very effective, confident punk rock. The vibe is strong with this one. Connection is an astonishing piece. 4.55

Gotta admit, I didn't really know this album much outside their hit "Connection," but thoroughly enjoyed it. Holds up super well 30 years later. 90s Britpop at it best

1994 UK. Alternative rock, Britpop, post-punk. BDB

This album caught me off guard. I didn't think I'd heard them before but then Connection and Car Song played back to back and sent me on a hunt to see where I'd heard them only to find it was in an ad or 30 years ago. On that lookup I also found out this band was formed after a couple split from Suede, which was a band I really liked and found from this list, and the singer also dated Damon Albarn too, so she's all over the Britpop scene. Which explains why this album fits into that timeline so well. During the second listen of Connection I watched the video and I'm certain 10 year old me would have had a crush on Justine. If you think she looked boyish, then you get it too. Another fantastic album, further increasing my rating for the Britpop subgenre. Favorite track "Connection" 5/5

solid 4 day, maybe a 5. Reminds me of an angrier version of the lilith music I usually listen to.

The magnum opus of britpop

Really good

Didn't expect to see this album on the list. I loved it as a teen, but not one I thought would be showcased as a must listen before you die, nor do I think it deserves to be, even as much as I love it. I really enjoyed listening through the album again regardless, and it will always be an all time favorite from the 90s.

Fantastic record

Drivel Head wears her glad rags, She's got her keys, money and fags, I know that her mind is made up, To get rocked. Drivel Head needs a new man, As only a drivel head can, He's a hormonal nightmare, So beware. Another victim of line up in line, Line up in line is all I remember. Oh, how their favours change, You could have been kinder. Yes, yes, line up in line, Line up in line is all I remember. Oh, how their favours change, You could have been kinder. Yeah, this is a pretty damn good album. This list has made me resistant to most UK music, because theres been enough mediocre post punk or pop crap on this list to fill a "now thats what I call" CD, but this is an actual good album. 5/5

It's telling that Britpop's most muscular, aggressive, and downright grunty album was recorded be a predominantly female band. Is there something the other bands weren't telling us?

Yes to everything here. The October songs are HITTING so far

Well, this was a surprise! I didn't think I was going to like this but I loved it. I don't usually like just straight rock music but this was awesome. Keeping this one on my phone.

Perfectly situated between 80s girl groups and 00s female-led indie groups, like a stepping stone. Think somewhere between The Bengals and Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

A little britpop a little punk — a lot of cool power chords, melodies and riffs

Grunge punk, great stuff.

Now this is some good shit. I love the female representation in this genre. The baselines all over this album are sick as hell. I will be returning to this album — this is one of my favorite discoveries of this project so far.

Yes! It rocked. It grooved. It boosted my mood. I couldn't ask for more than that. Thanks!

gooooood stuff no notes

I'd listen to this with the windows down any day.

Reminds me of the Pixies and Dischwala !!

The Lovechild of the Pixies and the Ramones. Everything about this wonderful.

Very enjoyable. Pleasantly surprised

A top five britpop album, in my opinion — a wonderful mix of that punchy britpop rock sound with the snarl of the toughest voice in the genre.

Realley good!

Loved it!

more like Fantastica

YASSS HOTGRIL SUMMER

Pocos discos dentro de la ola de Britpop me gustan (personalmente) tanto como este. El debut de Elastica es una fabulosa colección de canciones cortas, sumamente entretenidas y seguras de sí mismas. Si bien Damon Albarn de Blur colaboró en la composición de este disco (quizá razón de la por qué se escucha tan interesante, sobre todo si consideramos que Albarn ya contaba con unos cuantos años de experiencia), Justin Frischmann y compañía demuestran porque merecen ser un acto propio y no algo que debería ser relacionado con otras bandas en este bello LP. Sumamente recomendable.

Rockin post punk indie album

I've never heard of this group but I love this album

This is one of the 90’s best

They got criticized for lifting a riff from Wire, but this album rocks. Gem from the 90s.

One of my favorite punk albums I've listened to so far. It's kind of modern with it's boldness, energy and catchiness, all in that cool 90s style. Love how it strays from the norm with a women majority line up. Overall it's just a nice breath of fresh air. Really liked it and will come back again.

Wow I really dug this album. Definitely going to check out more from them.

Every song was great, but after reading the other reviews, I guess I need to go listen to Wire.

Elastica is, for all intents and purposes, a one hit wonder. The only well known song they ever produced was Connection, off of this album. They didn't produce anything for another five years and then only three albums altogether. That doesn't mean they weren't good. In fact, one listen to this album and you will realize they were great. Falling somewhere between 90s alternative and riot grrls aesthetics, their eponymous debut, is full of fire and energy. Connection is, of course, the highlight, but there is lots of great material here. Elastica the album, only highlights how sad it is that Elastica the band never really thrived beyond it.

I recall listening to Three Girl Rhumba by Wire and the main guitar riff reminding me a lot of Connection by Elastica. Im not sure if I know any other Elastica tracks, but Connection is definitely a banger. Let’s hope here is more of the same here! Songs I already knew: Connection Favourites: Connection, 2:1 This was fantastic, and most certainly to my tastes. It felt raw, but not too raw. It also felt polished, but not too polished. They seem to have landed at the perfect spot for my tastes. The guitars are loud and obnoxious, just how I like them, and the vocals are so very nice. This will most definitely be an album that I’ll be returning to a fair bit.

Very fun album! We can really appreciate all the experience those musicians have here. Rock is not a genre that I peculiarly like usually, but that one is for sure an exception.

Girls who rock are always cool in my book, and this album is no exception. Could listen on loop forever.

Heel fijn plaatje. Helemaal grijsgedraaid destijds, en nog altijd word ik er vrolijk van. Dat heerlijke Engelse accent, en die puntige bas- en gitaarlijntjes. En een leuk feitje: De zangers had destijds een relatie met Damon Albarn, die onder het pseudoniem 'Dan Abnormal' op een paar nummers mee pingelt op de piano.

Really enjoy this one

I was just thinking about this before, so this was interesting to see. Second listen. This album just has so many songs that I like. It’s too bad they don’t have more albums (I haven’t heard The Menace yet). Favorite song: “S.O.F.T.”

Очень хорошо

Every track is a standout.

I loved the micro phase of music they co-led with Garbage, Courtney Love, and others. Harder than the Breeders, more fleeting than Sleater-Kinney. Just a blink of the eye.

Stylish high octane rock/pop, wow this blew me away. Superb in every department, this is a great discovery

My favourite britpop album, cool riffs and quality irreverant lyrics, still very listenable and a couple of killer tracks

There were some good Britpop albums and ge absolute stinkers. This is one of the former, loved it then and loved revisiting it

Superb. Dancing in the kitchen.

Sure, it's "derivative"... Sure, they ripped off Wire... Sure, it's the sort of album that will not be remembered for being groundbreaking or taking any significant risks with its audience... But hell do those songs SLAP you in the face from start to finish. In a year filled with wonders (1995, counting at least *40* essential or absolutely gripping full-length records in my book), this debut manages to end up very high in my own personal ranking. And that is a feat all by itself. Speaking of "years", British post-punk has had a few great ones recently... But I'm pretty sure this poppish version of it here has contributed to keep the flame alive since the subgenre's inception. And even if it didn't, this LP is still a small wonder anyway. Sometimes "essential" doesn't mean "relevant" or "deep" or "sophisticated". Sometimes "essential" means "*Hell, yeah!*" 5/5. Number of albums left to review: 521 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 230 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 110 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 140

Child, please.

Awesome

Connection

Never heard of this band and was unsure when it said britpop. This ain't britpop. This was really good. Other reviews say it is derivative of other bands, but if that is true, I am checking out those other bands as well since this was good shit.

Wonderful album