The La's

Subject: The La's & English Beat
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 29 Oct 04 - 03:53 PM

I heard a rumor that The La's were back together. (Talking obsuciryt here, except maybe some of my English friends have heard of them.) The La's produced one truly memorable album several years ago and then disbanded. In fact, the leader of the group was so dissatisfied by the results of the album that I understand he didn't even want to release it.

When my wife and I were in London a few years ago, I looked in vain to see if they'd done another album, but no luck.

I've also heard that The English Beat have gotten back together. I really loved their stuff, too. Any word on that?

One can always hope, canst one?

Jerry

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Ed.
Date: 29 Oct 04 - 04:18 PM

Heard of the La's?

Of course. To my mind "There She Goes" is one the greatest pop songs ever written. The rest of the album is fabulous too (but you know that).

I've not heard any mention of their reforming, but I don't read the right magazines anymore.

I saw them first time around, and they were great. Lee Mavers is something of a maverick, by all accounts, so I wouldn't hold up too much hope for a reunion. You might find this newspaper piece from last December of interest.

I'll buy tickets if it happens!

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 29 Oct 04 - 08:40 PM

Thanks so much for the link, Ed! It sounds like you're right.

When you talk about brilliant, you can also add Bob Mould. He produced some of the greatest rock I've heard and just seemed to self-destruct. He had a band, Sugar, for awhile.. have to check the internet and see if he is recording anymore...

Jerry

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Blissfully Ignorant
Date: 29 Oct 04 - 11:17 PM

NOw i've got 'There She Goes' stuck in my head again. Suppose that's a good thing..,

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 05:07 AM

Folk????

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 05:35 AM

Definitely not folk, Johnny. Jangly British rock, but with some definite folk elements in terms of lyrics, and acoustic guitar leads on some songs.

Jerry

Subject: RE: The La's
From: C-flat
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 05:54 AM

Hi Jerry, I think "The English Beat" are known better here in the UK as simply "The Beat", a Birmingham based "ska" band.
This site should help.

As for the LA's, I think there was some talk of a comeback earlier this year but I haven't heard of any release. I liked the single "There she goes" but not enough to buy the album, so I've always regarded them as a one-hit-wonder. Maybe I shall track the album down and give it a fair listening!

Strollin' Johnny, it certainly isn't "folk" music but I don't think I'm alone in being curious about what other genres of music pricks the interest of some of the characters around here. I've been turned on to lots of artists I wouldn't normally have bought by lurking around Mudcat.

C-flat.

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Jerry Rasmussen
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 06:10 AM

Hey, C-Flat:

The La's may have been a one-HIT-wonder, but their album has a lot of great stuff on it, including some material that is very "folk" in feel. It's well worth checking out.

And, I am very familiar with the Tu-Tone music, the Specials and the rest...

Jerry

Subject: RE: The La's
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 08:45 AM

Strange coincedence I was playing that tune on the old ovation about an hour ago :-) it's a great little song Hmm I haven't heard the album either will have to chase that one up.
~Debs~

Subject: RE: The La's
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Oct 04 - 09:20 AM

Here's a page with a sound file of "There she goes" - and here are the words