Teenage Fanclub

Teenage Fanclub formed in Bellshill, Scotland in 1989, Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, and Gerard Love developing a sound rooted in Big Star, the Byrds, and classic pop melody. They signed to Creation Records and released 'A Catholic Education' (1990) — a rough, energetic debut that showed the melodic potential without fully realising it.

'Bandwagonesque' (1991) was the breakthrough — Spin magazine named it album of the year, ahead of Nirvana's 'Nevermind'. The songs were melodic, harmonious, and possessed of a warmth that felt genuinely comforting. 'The Concept', 'Star Sign', 'What You Do to Me' — the singles were among the finest of the year. Kurt Cobain cited Teenage Fanclub as one of his favourite bands.

'Grand Prix' (1995) and 'Songs from Northern Britain' (1997) were both excellent — the latter in particular, with its warm, autumnal sound, is one of the great Scottish albums of the decade. Teenage Fanclub have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. Their live shows are among the most joyful in British music — a band who clearly love what they do and communicate that love to their audience.