A Maximum High - Shed Seven

At the height of Britpop (TM) there seemed to be so many bands coming out of cities and towns around the UK; London, Birmingham, Leeds, Carlisle, (Dublin), Dundee and Humberside, that it was difficult to keep track of them all. Some had more success than others and some floated around the fringes and then disappeared without a trace.

Obviously it helped if you were based in one of the official government registered Centres of Excellence for Britpop. Under Tony Blair's guidance he single handedly rejuvenated the UK music scene, increased imports of CDs to the US, coined the phrase 'Cool Britannia' and basically saved the entire populace from tedious rock music. Or at least that is how I imagine his biography might have recorded this period in history. I've not read it but I have looked at the cover so I think I am more than qualified to pass comment. Not one to overstate things our 'Tone'......

Where was I? Oh, yes Britpop. So with all of these bands stumbling into the light from the dim studios, practice rooms and bedsits of our gritty cities, how could you separate the wheat from the chaff? I think I might've inadvertently used a rural metaphor there but I think you know what I mean. Anyway it was a tough time for the average music listener - so much new music and precious little time. Thankfully there was always the NME on hand to help filter, select and critisise. Phew! Thank you NME.

And what a crucial guide it was - it was always ahead of the curve and made sure that you knew what you liked before you had even heard it. How much time did that save? Lots - you could now declare a love for a particular band, wear the t-shirt all without  having to bother even buying any of their music, safe in the knowledge that you were cool. But their service went even further - and this is where the NME researchers really came into their own - they would then tell you when you had heard enough of a particular band or artist. I know what you are thinking - WOW! They did this by pointing out when they were no longer cool or fashionable and then sneered at you for even daring to still like it. Weren't you taking notice? The curve was moving. So with the threat of being ostracised into the bargain bins, along with your once favourite band, there was no option. Change allegiances and find a new favourite. But let us not lose sight of what was important - being trendy and cool. NME was an essential service and just what we needed. Blimey that was a close one, thank you again NME.

Without this valuable service where would we have been? It doesn't bear thinking about. We might've been left to our own devices and been forced to form our own opinions on what we liked, didn't like, should buy or not. Quite literally anarchy in the UK.

Shed Seven were one of those fringe Britpop bands that promised a great deal but never quite met the NME specification. Being from York was definitely a poor start. If only they had the foresight to have been from London or Manchester things might have been different. Lack of attention to detail there I feel. So they were doomed to languish in the Championship of the Britpop league for the rest of their career. But the game was rigged from the start - to get maximum coverage you had to be called Oasis or Blur. Pulp at a push.

'A Maximum High' is a great album. Sure it was never going to set the music world alight but it contains solid, well written and superbly played guitar pop. 'Going For Gold' is a classic single and would've given any of the Premiership Britpop bands a run for their money. If only the NME had allowed it. Shame.