Allan’s World of Music

Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha
15 May 2008, Jessica @ 5:00 pm

I grew up with Supergrass’ song, “Pumping on Your Stereo,” which was considered a huge one-hit wonder in the late 90s. That’s pretty much the song that appears when you hear the word “Supergrass” (or more likely, “Alright”). Supergrass are an English powerpop band, who, now in their second decade of existence, released Diamond Hoo Ha this past March. Alongside Sloan, Supergrass were one of my favourite powerpop bands growing up. I think the keyword here is “growing up.” I’m sure it’s because my music tastes have changed, but I do believe the powerpop genre is dwindling as time passes. Like college rock, it died at the start of the millennium.

So…what does this say for Diamond Hoo Ha? Well, they pretty much stuck to their old guns. In 2005 when they released Road to Rouen, there were some mixed reviews; a lot of people were disappointed that the sound was way too different, and not positive and lighthearted like their previous albums (it was generally well-received, and I personally liked it, too). I think Supergrass might have taken those bad reviews to heart, because the tone of Diamond Hoo Ha is very reminiscent of “Alright” and “Pumping on Your Stereo.” They pretty much follow the same two chord progressions, distorted guitars, typical rock drum beats, etc. I also heard some use of synths, which is always nice (incidentally, my faves of the album were ones with synths in ‘em).

But I gotta say, I was pretty bored with this one. I wasn’t too impressed with their album titled track, either. To be honest, I thought they were trying too hard with that one…or maybe not trying hard enough. Meh. It’s not a bad album; I just didn’t find that “umph” I was looking for. It’s cool to think about the band upholding the sound that I originally liked…but I think it might have been the fact that this genre really shone through in the 90s, but almost two decades have passed, and it’s just your regular pop rock music that you hear on some mixed radio station. Overall, it’s not as good as their old material, but it’ll do, I suppose.

And ze obligatory mp3s (Butterfly is pretty good, though):

Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha Man

Supergrass - Butterfly

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4 Comments for “Supergrass - Diamond Hoo Ha”

1. Webmong — May 15, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
   

   If they were a one-hit-wonder band, Pumpin on your Stereo wasn’t it…. Caught by the Fuzz? Alright? Richard III?

2. Allan — May 15, 2008 @ 10:00 pm
   

   Well I recall Pumpin’ on Your Stereo more vividly. I hate the term one-hit one wonder anyway…it’s just used a ton by the mainstream.

3. jason — May 25, 2008 @ 11:08 am
   

   I should coco? In it for the money? you forgot those two albums– HUGE success in the UK with those two.

4. Jessica — May 25, 2008 @ 8:08 pm
   

   hehe, I’m getting in a lot of crap for this one…those albums hit the UK charts, but not really in North America. I just remember (and I really speak for myself being 9 or so, whose only outlet for music was the stuff being played on the radio) “Pumpin’ on Your Stereo” and “Alright” being played on Canadian radio stations all the time at one point. All’s I’m saying is, those two songs were played massively for awhile on some radio stations, and that’s why I would’ve consider them the epitome of “Supergrass.”

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