The La's: The Jangle-Pop Enigma of Liverpool

The La's are an English rock band from Liverpool, best known for their enduring 1990 single "There She Goes." Despite a minimal official discography, the band, led by the enigmatic songwriter Lee Mavers, crafted a body of work that has influenced the indie and Britpop scenes for decades, with their self-titled debut album attaining cult classic status.

Early Career

Formed in the mid-1980s in Liverpool, The La's coalesced around the singular vision of singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter Lee Mavers. The band's early lineup, which included bassist John Power and drummer Chris Sharrock, honed a sound steeped in 1960s British Invasion pop and folk, filtered through a post-punk energy. Their early independent singles, such as "Way Out" released in 1987, attracted critical attention and led to a contract with the Go! Discs label.

Breakthrough

The La's' breakthrough arrived in 1990 with the re-release of "There She Goes." Originally issued in 1988 to little fanfare, the song's chiming guitar riff and effortless melody became a hit upon its reissue, reaching the UK Top 20 and becoming a staple on alternative radio. This success propelled their self-titled debut album, The La's, released later that same year, which was met with critical acclaim for its timeless, melodic songcraft.

Key Tracks

There She Goes - The band's defining moment, a perfect piece of jangle-pop that became a worldwide alternative anthem.

Timeless Melody - A track that encapsulates the band's harmonic sophistication and Mavers' yearning lyrical style.

Feelin' - Showcases the band's rougher, more driving side rooted in 1960s rhythm and blues.

Son of a Gun - A fan favorite that highlights the band's knack for concise, hook-laden songwriting.

Despite the album's reception, internal tensions, particularly Mavers' notorious perfectionism and dissatisfaction with the recorded versions of the songs, prevented any immediate follow-up. The La's entered a long period of inactivity, with members departing; John Power found significant success forming the Britpop-era band Cast. Rumors of endless re-recording sessions and elusive new material from Mavers have persisted, adding to the band's mythic status. The original album, however, has only grown in stature, consistently appearing on lists of great British albums and influencing a generation of guitar-based indie bands.

Artists with a similar melodic, guitar-driven sensibility from the UK include Cast, formed by La's bassist John Power. The jangling, melodic sound is also heard in the work of The Housemartins. Later, the Britpop sound of The Lightning Seeds shared a similar pop craftsmanship.