Joe Greatorex's work in bringing The Supernaturals' early adventures pre the big It Doesn't Matter Anymore 1997 release is more than admirable. It allows fans who joined in the Brit Pop days to get their hands on what were holy grail self released recordings sold largely at gigs.
It also allows the new generation of fans to learn about the band's history and realise that there are even more recordings to enjoy. Sitting In The Sun is the last of these, originally released in 1994 and the only one on CD at the time. The re-release is also available now on CD.
The signs are really apparent at what was to come in the Food days. James McColl's lyrics are as essential as they ever were and are. Stories of everyday life's banality are delivered with a self depreciating wit and weariness in jaunty fashion.
The Supernaturals were one of the great Guitar Pop bands of Britpop and there are great examples of that here, particularly on Slab, I Don't Think It's Over and Deep In My Heart I Know I'm A Slob all including wonderful turns of phrase.
But there are also more stripped down moments delivering an Indie Pop feel at times. That is when the comparison of MCColl's vocal with Paul Heaton is more apparent. A song like There Must Be More To Life Than This is great Piano Pop.
People will tell you that Brit Pop was about all the big names and neglect the rest. To me it was more about the stretch from the middle to the outer edges when the Great Melodic Pop shone through. I could name you at least a dozen bands that proved this, but The Supernaturals were the best. Oh and the title track here is still a fantastic song.
You can buy and listen to the album here. It is available on CD and as a download.
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What do you reckon would be included on their, 'Best of'?
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