'A Catholic Education' was their debut album, released in 1990. The album received positive reviews from English music journalists and critics. In contrast to the group's later work, the album has a very dark, abrasive, and cynical tone and incorporated a grunge and heavy metal influenced sound. As well, the album's two title tracks are direct attacks on the Catholic Church, which are unique for an otherwise apolitical band. The opening track, "Everything Flows", is a mellow powerpop-influenced song (unlike the rest of the album) that provides a sort of blueprint for their later work.
"Everything Flows" was later included in the compilation albums 'Deep Fried Fanclub' and 'Four Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Six Seconds – A Short Cut to Teenage Fanclub'. Those were released in 1995 and 2003, respectively. Teenage Fanclub's second album, 1991's 'The King', went for a shambolic, alternative rock edge that left many fans and critics cold, though the release also had strong defenders. It took their third album to kick things into high gear.
'Bandwagonesque', released in November 1991 on Creation Records, became famous by beating Nirvana's landmark album 'Nevermind' to be voted "album of the year" by popular American music magazine Spin. It also gave the band substantial U.S. success when the single "Star Sign" reached #4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart, becoming their biggest hit in that country. "What You Do to Me" and "The Concept" were also Top 20 hits on that chart. Fans greatly enjoyed the melodic yet melancholy feel of the album.
Although later works have led the group through various highs and lows throughout the 90s and 00s, they're still going strong as of 2014. Tours have been widely successful. Their latest album, 'Shadows', was their ninth studio release. They made it available on 31 May 2010 on the band's own PeMa label in Europe and on Merge Records in North America, the group promoting the single "Baby Lee". Said track shows the band still in touch with the chiming, emotional sounds of their 90s heyday.
There have been a succession of drummers, including:
- Francis MacDonald (a prime-mover in the C86 scene, later of the BMX Bandits), the drummer in the original lineup, and in a later period
- Brendan O’Hare (later of Telstar Ponies, Thrapple , Mogwai and Macrocosmica)
and
- Paul Quinn (later of The Primary 5), who was later replaced by the returning Francis MacDonald.
Keyboardist Finlay MacDonald (no relation to Francis MacDonald) has also been a member.
Start Again
Teenage Fanclub Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm feeling down and can't think clearly
Even though it's complicated
We've got time to start again
I don't know if you can hear me
Some things I'd change, but it's too late
I'd take the past and make it straight
We've got time to start again
I don't know if you can hear me
I'm sorry for the things I've said
But some thoughts just won't leave my head
Even though it's complicated
We've got time to start again
I don't know if you can hear me
Even though it's complicated
We've got time to start again
I don't know if you can hear me
The song "Start Again" by Teenage Fanclub speaks to the idea of redemption and starting over again. The lyrics are directed towards someone who may not be listening or understanding the singer's grief or regret. The singer is feeling down and cannot think clearly, but knows that they cannot change the past. Despite this, they recognize that there is still time to start again.
The lyrics show a sense of urgency and determination to make things right again. The singer acknowledges their mistakes and apologizes for things they have said. They seem to want to take responsibility for their actions and start fresh with a clean slate. The singer realizes that even though the situation is complicated, there is still time to fix things.
The song's message is a powerful one, as it reminds us that it is never too late to start over again. While the past cannot be undone, we can move forward and make positive changes. This message is relatable to anyone who has experienced regret or is struggling to move on from a difficult situation.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know if you can hear me
Uncertainty of whether the other person can hear and comprehend the message being conveyed
I'm feeling down and can't think clearly
In a state of emotional distress and mental cloudiness, making it difficult to make decisions or think logically
Some things I'd change, but it's too late
Regret for past actions and desires to make things right, but understanding that it cannot be undone
I'd take the past and make it straight
Desire to fix the mistakes of the past and make them right
I'm sorry for the things I've said
Acknowledgment of the negative impact of words spoken in the past
But some thoughts just won't leave my head
Inability to rid oneself of certain memories or regrets that continue to linger in the mind
Even though it's complicated
Acknowledgment of the complexity of the situation or relationship
We've got time to start again
Belief that there is still an opportunity to make things right and begin anew
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Norman George Blake
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Smith
A consistently underrated band. The vocals are simply amazing on this record; I would put them up against the best Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young or Byrds song. To John O'Shea, this album is much more along the lines of Rubber Soul than Revolver. Saw them in 96 with Weezer; everyone was there for Weezer and yet Teenage Fanclub (as the opener) blew them out of the damn water.
rafael rubio diaz
I think exactly the same as you about this band. Too good for the music market
N T
Underrated? Kurt Cobain considered TF the best band in the world.
Scott Bayley
The structure of this song is sublime.
1) First line "I don't know if you can hear me."
2) Everytime they sing the words "Start again" (which is the song title) they repeat the first line. (They start again).
3) Last line "I don't know if you can hear me."
I meditate on this.
dab
Beautiful!
rafael rubio diaz
these guys have a stratospheric level making melodies that stick to your skin like a tattoo impossible to erase
nightporter
TEENAGE FANCLUB are one of the best bands ever
Michael Seelinger
So, so underrated. Best band to chill and have a few.
John O'Shea
This is probably the closest the alternative rock or grunge generation has come to making a "Rubber Soul" or "Revolver"-like album. It's really that great.
cinnamonlimpet
Such an amazing album. Every song is a winner and full of different emotions. Love it