Only Three Lads: Top 5 Shoegaze Albums of the '90s (with Alan D. Boyd from Movieland)

Yeah, we'll make the same disclaimer we made the last time we talked about shoegaze. We know the term is polarizing. We realize that it was coined by the press as a term of derision for what had previously been known as "the scene that celebrates itself." Legend has it that writer Andy Ross first used it in a Sounds review to describe how Moose singer/guitarist Russell Yates was constantly looking down at the lyrics he had taped to the floor and/or his guitar pedals. But, face it, you hear the term and you know exactly what it is...ethereal vocals, woozy melodies, ear-piercingly loud, effects-laden guitars, all awash in a psychedelic haze. Nowadays, the bands that play this kind of music wear the "shoegaze" badge with pride. But the O.G.s had to walk so you could run, kids.

Hence, this week we are celebrating some of the great shoegaze albums of the 1990s. Joining us is the singer/songwriter/guitarist of '90s Vancouver cult shoegazers Movieland, Alan D. Boyd. Movieland has been honored with the first installment of an archival series from 604 Decades that takes a look back at Vancouver's rich, if unexplored arts history. This rarities and demos collection, Then & Now, proves that they should have been at the top of the marquee during their time. ⁠https://movieland1990.bandcamp.com/album/then-now⁠

After Movieland disbanded in 1994, Alan moved to the UK, and has enjoyed a long career as an acclaimed composer for TV ("Day of the Triffids") and film ("Four Strings Good"), as well performing in the folk trio Little Sparta (also featuring Susie Honeyman from the Mekons).

As you would expect during an episode on shoegaze, we divert our attention to Canadian pop stars, the other Movielands, and have a rare (maybe the first time?) double Triple Crossover!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices