Genre Deep Dive: the Britpop revival and its rare records
It’s no secret that 2024 is the year of Britpop’s revival. On 27 August, Oasis announced their reunion, news that fans have anticipated since the band’s split in 2009. But as seasoned vinyl collectors already know, Britpop vinyl is coveted and rare. Sorry new fans – getting your hands on Britpop vinyl isn’t as easy as you might think. Here at Clocktower Records, classic Cool Britannia albums don’t hang around before flying off the shelves. If you’re hoping to be the next lucky shopper to grab a rare Britpop find, here’s everything you need to know about the genre, resurgence, and why the records are so rare.https://clocktowerrecords.co.uk/buy-vinyl-records-at-clocktower-records-your-ultimate-destination-for-music/
Britpop
Most diehard fans agree that Britpop reigned from 1993 to 1997, starting around the time Suede released its self-titled debut and snowballing with Blur’s Parklife and Oasis’ Definitely Maybe. This was post-Thatcher Britain, and for the first time in decades, Britannia was seen as cool again. Rave culture was on its way out, and the Brits were looking for a new party to rival American Grunge. With the likes of Blur, Oasis, and Pulp, here comes a new generation of guitar rockers refusing to be beaten down by the tough realities of 90s Britain.
Compare this backdrop to today’s Britain, and it’s clear why Britpop is making its way back into our culture. https://www.nme.com/news/music/oasis-unveil-exclusive-merchandise-ahead-of-reunion-3789300 Mirroring the rise of Blair in the early ‘90s, Labour has just made its comeback in July’s general election. Young Brits are ready for the messy, playful attitude of their parent’s generation – and they have been for months. Even before Oasis’ monumental announcement, British artists like junglist Nia Archives and pop icon Charlie XCX have been repping the union jack for their 2024 releases. Even the old Oasis vs. Blur debate is back: Blur’s 2023 album went straight the top of the UK Albums Charts, and now Oasis are back to rival their achievement.
If you’ve got some classic Britpop albums lurking in your vinyl collection, make sure to head into Clocktower Records to sell up and pass them onto the next generation of grateful Britpop lovers. We’re open from 10:00 to 4:30 Monday to Saturday – come down and get digging for your collection’s next Britpop gem.
