Description
Subsumed in myth and hearsay, the backdrop to the making of The Verve’s second album, issued in July 1995, has been thoroughly documented. It is a matter of record that the turbulent chemistry within the band – Richard Ashcroft, Nick McCabe, Simon Jones and Pete Salisbury - during its making forced the first fracturing of their union shortly after its release, but listening now it is also clear that it is one of the finest rock albums of the era.
As such it is a worthy addition to the UK National Album Day 2025 celebration of the genre; a record of towering musicianship on which four lads from Wigan delivered more than an hour of frequently heavy, brooding and confessional grooves, with their trademark psychedelic blooms and affecting melodies in full effect. And it’s worth noting that producer Owen Morris, who was central to the excesses that fuelled the album sessions, made a significant creative contribution. According to guitarist McCabe, he managed to capture the power of the band’s live performances on record better than anyone they have ever worked with.
Though it was largely disregarded by mainstream press and radio outlets when it first appeared, A Northern Soul has deservedly picked up a ‘cult’ following on both sides of the Atlantic, with many of those that missed it first time around becoming converts following the monster success of Urban Hymns.
At its conclusion, Ashcroft announced his departure from the band and the third single, ‘History’, was released after they parted ways. In retrospect it offered a foretaste of Ashcroft’s songwriting direction on Urban Hymns but on its release the idea that another album by The Verve might ever exist appeared fanciful and A Northern Soul was regarded as a worthy full stop to short but incandescent career.
This 30th anniversary pressing, using the acclaimed 2016 remaster, is on ‘red opaque’ vinyl, chosen for its proximity to the colour of the corduroy trousers worn by bassist Jones on the reverse of the sleeve.
Tracklist:
A New Decade
This Is Music
On Your Own
So It Goes
A Northern Soul
Brainstorm Interlude
Drive You Home
History
No Knock On My Door
Life As An Ocean
Stormy Clouds
(Reprise)
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