Toronto – As we approach our 90s party on Saturday, it is only natural for us to reflect on the decade that was the 90s. One of the things that I miss the most about the 90s was quality b-sides. B-sides were those other songs off a single, the ones on the other side of the vinyl that too often than not, were afterthoughts for most bands – crappy songs to be released just for the hell of it. However, the 90s was such a high time for musical creativity that many bands had so many quality songs that even the b-sides became quality. Bands such as Suede, Oasis, Gene and Pulp easily produced singles where the b-sides were exceptional.
Here are some of my favorite b-sides
Suede – Europe is Our Playground
Suede – Killing of a Flashboy
Suede – My Dark Star
Suede – Where the Pig’s Don’t Fly
Yes, I am a Suede fan boy, but simply put, they put out some of the best B-sides in the 90s. In fact, their b-sides were so good they got away with issuing a double disc release of their b-sides, a compilation most fans would put as their third best album. It is also completely awesome that everyone’s favorite indie hipster journal Pitchfork gave Suede raving reviews for their recent reissues.
Oasis – Acquiesce
Oasis – Stay Young
I can’t believe Acquiesce was a b-side to Some May Say. It’s such an amazing track, probably would have been a #1 single if released at the height of the britpop era. Sadly it’s mostly a footnote now for the once proud band.
Mansun – Ski Jump Nose
Mansun – An Open Letter to a Lyrical Trainspotter
A late comer to the world of britpop, Mansun’s literary prog rock sound might not have appealed to everyone, but it certainly appealed to me. Any band that starts off their career with two concept albums is good to me.
Gene – I Can’t Decide If She Really Loves me
Probably my favorite Gene song, and it’s a b-side.
Pulp – His N Hers
Pulp – Mile End
Pulp – Born to Cry
Pulp – Disco 2000 (cover by Nick Cave)
Another decidedly English band with an amazing amount of quality b-sides, Pulp’s b-sides are bit different since it featured two songs that were on soundtracks (Born to Cry and Mile End) as well as a cover, but quality is quality.
There you have it, some b-sides I enjoyed by some of my favorite bands. Obviously there are a bunch I missed, but that’s life. What are your favorites?
