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Douglas Wolk writes about pop music and comic books for Time, the New York Times, Rolling Stone, Wired and elsewhere. He's the author of Reading Comics: How Gra...more »

10.13.11

Another Sunny Day, London Weekend

1993 | Label: Sarah Records / Virtual

Harvey Williams was arguably Sarah’s MVP — he played in bands including Blueboy, the Field Mice and Northern Picture Library — but Another Sunny Day was his initial solo vehicle, and it’s become a shibboleth for indie-pop enthusiasts. (Belle and Sebastian named a song after them; Fucked Up have covered their statement of purpose “Anorak City.”) London Weekend compiles ASD’s string of 1988-90 singles. “I’m In Love with a Girl Who Doesn’t Know I Exist” is the epitome of twee heartbreak, and “You Should All Be Murdered” is extraordinary — a song that reveals the rage underneath the twee pose of gentility, and cracks open halfway through to unleash a serpentine guitar solo.

Smiths Rip-Off? Hardly

Certainly, one can hear elements of Marr's jangle and Morrissey's mope. Listen a bit closer, however, you'll also find early REM, 14 Iced Bears, Ride, c86. Borrow liberally from divergent influences, make the end result your own. Another Sunny day uses this methodology to achieve a transcendent, timeless sound. London Weekend is worth every download.

I'm in love with a band who doesn't know I exist

who cares if this is a smiths ripoff - the world needs more bands who sound like the smiths and ASD were a great bands with a great album - this one - lovely pop tunes with all the jangly guitar and simplistic drumming you could ask for. lyrics are as twee as can be. perhaps a little more serious in their songwriting than talulah gosh, but at par with field mice. do you like indie pop? stop reading this rubbish and start downloading.

I'm in love

Sarah Records was one of the greatest record indie record labels of the 80's. It was all about the love of the music. The fact that they simply ceased to be rather than sell out was proof of their conviction. Another Sunny Day was one personal highlight for me, especially their 'I'm in love with a girl..' Less then 2 minutes long, it packs everything in that is needed and rather then labour the point and try for a 3 minute single, stops before it meanders away. Sarah records was a strong influence on Belle & Sebastian, and as such a strong influence on any band who followed B&S. Heady music. Wonderful to hear again