Alisha’s Attic: The Quirky Pop Duo of the 90s

Alisha’s Attic was a British pop duo formed by sisters Shelly and Karen Poole. Hailing from Essex, England, the pair achieved notable success in the late 1990s with their debut album selling over 600,000 copies in the UK.

Early career

The sisters, daughters of 1960s pop star Brian Poole of The Tremeloes, were immersed in music from childhood. They officially formed Alisha’s Attic in 1995 after signing a publishing deal with Warner Chappell and were subsequently picked up by Mercury Records.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough came in 1996 with their debut single "I Am, I Feel". The song peaked at number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, setting the stage for their first album. Their debut album, Alisha Rules the World, was released later that year and reached number 6 on the UK Albums Chart, eventually earning a platinum certification.

Key tracks

I Am, I Feel — This debut single introduced their distinctive ethereal pop sound and secured their first UK top 10 hit.

Alisha Rules the World — The title track from their platinum debut album became an anthem and a staple of their live performances.

The Incidentals — This track showcased their sophisticated songwriting and harmonic depth, becoming a fan favorite.

Barbarella — Released in 1998, this single highlighted their more experimental, guitar-driven side and reached number 13 in the UK.

Push It All Aside — A later single that demonstrated their maturing sound and continued ability to craft melodic pop hooks.

The duo released their second album, Illumina, in 1998, which spawned several singles including "The Incidentals" and "Barbarella". Their final studio album, The House We Built, arrived in 2001, after which they focused on songwriting for other major artists. Shelly and Karen Poole wrote for artists like Kylie Minogue, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, and Diana Vickers, proving their talent extended beyond their own recordings.

Fans of Alisha’s Attic also enjoy the melodic pop of The Corrs for their family harmonies and crossover appeal. The quirky lyrical style resonates with listeners of Texas and their blend of pop and soul. The 90s alternative pop vibe is shared by Garbage, while the sisterly dynamic echoes in the music of First Aid Kit.

The music of Alisha’s Attic maintains a steady presence on radio, particularly on classic pop FM stations and online radio streams dedicated to 90s nostalgia. Their catchy, intelligent songs are regularly featured on independent music radio stations that celebrate the era's alternative pop sound.

Listeners can discover the distinctive catalog of Alisha’s Attic through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear the timeless pop of this inventive British duo.