The Verve | History of the Band
From Wigan to Worldwide: The Verve's Ascension in Britpop's Golden Era
The Verve, an English rock band formed in Wigan, Greater Manchester, in 1990, stands as an iconic figure in the 1990s music scene. Their journey, marked by both critical acclaim and internal conflicts, reflects a significant era in rock history.
Formation and Early Years
The Verve, originally named simply "Verve", was formed at Winstanley Sixth Form College in Wigan. Richard Ashcroft, Nick McCabe, Simon Jones, and Peter Salisbury were the founding members. Their first gig was on August 15, 1990, at a friend's birthday party. The band quickly gained attention for their captivating performances and avant-garde style. In 1991, they signed with Hut Records and released their first singles, "All in the Mind", "She's a Superstar", and "Gravity Grave", all of which were critically successful, especially in the UK Indie charts.
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Musical Style and Evolution
The Verve's initial style was heavily influenced by psychedelic and experimental rock. Their first album, "A Storm in Heaven" (1993), produced by John Leckie, showcased this style with songs like "Blue" and "Slide Away". The band's music during this period was characterized by McCabe's freeform guitar work and Ashcroft's distinctive vocals. They experimented with various musical elements, blending influences from The Doors, Krautrock, and My Bloody Valentine.
Discography and Notable 90s Albums
"A Storm in Heaven" (1993): This debut album achieved critical success and modest commercial success, reaching No. 27 in the UK album chart. It featured a psychedelic rock sound.
"A Northern Soul" (1995): The album marked a shift towards more conventional alternative rock, with Ashcroft's vocals becoming more prominent. It included tracks like "This Is Music" and "On Your Own", showing a more soulful side of the band.
"Urban Hymns" (1997): This album brought the Verve widespread commercial success, including the hit "Bitter Sweet Symphony". The album won Best British Album at the 1998 Brits and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. It was known for its mix of emotional depth and classic pop melodies.
Influence and Legacy
The Verve's impact in the 1990s was profound, influencing numerous artists and contributing significantly to the rock genre. Richard Ashcroft, as the band's lead, was particularly influential, and his work continued to resonate in his solo career. Their music, especially from the "Urban Hymns" era, is still highly regarded for its emotional depth and innovative style.
Critical Reception
Throughout the 1990s, The Verve's work was met with both critical acclaim and commercial success. Their albums received positive reviews for their innovative approach to rock music, blending psychedelic and alternative elements. "Urban Hymns" remains a highlight, often cited as one of the best albums of the era.
"Bitter Sweet Symphony" Controversy
The song "Bitter Sweet Symphony" became the subject of a significant legal dispute due to its use of a sample from the Andrew Oldham Orchestra's version of The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time". The Verve had initially obtained the rights to use the sample from Decca Records but failed to secure permission from Allen Klein, who owned the copyrights to The Stones' pre-1970 songs. This oversight led to a lawsuit, resulting in The Verve relinquishing all songwriting credits and royalties to Jagger and Richards. In 2019, in a remarkable turn of events, Jagger and Richards returned the songwriting credits and royalties to Richard Ashcroft.
Conclusion
The Verve's journey through the 1990s was marked by both their innovative music and the challenges they faced, including the "Bitter Sweet Symphony" controversy. Their music, particularly the album "Urban Hymns", holds a significant place in the story of 90s music.
Sources
American Songwriter