Bizzaro - The Wedding Present

Now this is what a British indie guitar band should sound like - loud, jangly, jarring and very un-American. No false Californian drawl here. Maybe that's the reason that this album often gets overlook when people compile lists of great British albums. Or maybe it's because it was released in the middle of the baggy scene - in 1989 it was in full swing and that Manchester lot were taking all of the media oxygen.

The two records couldn't sound more different; one is gentle, melodic and laid back whereas the other is .... not. I love Melody Maker's descripton of this album as 'like sandpapering your ears'. Very appropriate, although I cant't claim to have tried it! When their debut album was released, I approached The Wedding Present with some trepidation as it was a country mile away from what I was listening to at the time. Not music to relax to and rather angry sounding. But slowly I came to appreciate it for what it was. Once again, it was The Gemini club in Hartlepool and the persistence of NR that created the tipping point. Just the first few bars of the superb 'Kennedy' were enough to get me thrashing on the dance floor shouting the lyrics "Lost your love of life? Too much apple pie". It's a great song to get lost in - the distorted guitars melding into one and driving the song forward.

And as for 'Bewitched' and 'Take Me' - Epic is the only word that does them justice. Soaring and noisy with fuzz box guitar - an excellent way to start the weekend.

So 'Bizarro' is a true classic British indie album and one that deserves a more prominent place in music history. So let's hear it for the sidelined Leeds pop noise merchants and celebrate a overlooked gem. I'm going to listen to this again - now where did I put that sandpaper?.......