April 03, 2023

1990 - May: The Sundays “Reading, Writing and Arithmetic”

40 minutes

The debut album by The Sundays entitled Reading, Writing and Arithmetic introduced the dream pop band to the UK during a time between alternative waves. The Smiths had broken up previously, but it would still be several years before the Manchester sound would take over the indie scene.

Vocalist Harriet Wheeler and guitarist David Gavurin met at Bristol University. The two became a couple, and they formed the band in 1988 after adding bassist Paul Brindley and drummer Patrick Hannan to the group. Neither Wheeler nor Gavurin were pursuing music at the University - Wheeler studied English literature, and Gavurin studied Romance languages.

The Sundays' rise to popularity was quite rapid. Their first single hit number 45 on the UK singles chart a year before the album was released. Since the group had only been around for a year or so before that single was released, they didn't have a lot of material developed. Wheeler and Gavurin were also perfectionists, and so they would not work to a deadline for the album.

The Sundays would produce 3 albums during the 1990s. However, they never embraced the rock lifestyle. The American tour for their second album (released in 1992) was cut short due to exhaustion and homesickness. The third album wasn't released until 1997, by which time Gavurin and Wheeler had children and were beginning to settle down. While they would continue to make songs in their own studio, no further albums would be released.

Bruce brings this group and their debut album to the podcast.

Can't Be Sure

This is the debut single released in England which hit number 45 on the UK singles chart. It is about desire, but not for a specific person or thing, more as a concept. “And did you know desire's a terrible thing, the worst that I could find. And did you know desire's a terrible thing, but I rely on mine.”

You're Not the Only One I Know

This deeper cut is a break-up song. The lyrics seem to reflect a depressed singer who wants the guy to come back, but is too proud to talk to him about it.

Joy

The last song on the album is also one of the last the group wrote for the album. They actually wanted to name the album “Joy,” but someone had already used that title. It is a little heavier than some of the other tracks but keeps the impressionistic feel.

Here's Where the Story Ends

US listeners will recognize this song as the hit, going to number 1 on the US Alternative Rock charts. However, it was not released as a single in the UK because the group's record label was in financial trouble. The lyrics are looking back on a past relationship. "It's that little souvenir of a terrible year which makes my eyes feel sore. Oh, I never should have said the books that you read were all I loved you for."

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

Theme to the from the television series “Newhart”

The second comedy series starring Bob Newhart ended this month with a big reveal that the entire show was a dream of Bob Newhart from the first series.

STAFF PICKS:

What It Takes by Aerosmith

Lynch leads off the staff picks this week. Aerosmith could do no wrong at the start of the 90's. This fast ballad chronicles a guy breaking up with his girlfriend and wondering what it takes to get over their relationship. The electric guitars helped remedy a concern that the original takes made the piece sound like a lovelorn, twangy country song.

Blues Before and After by The Smithereens

Wayne features a song telling about a guy that is in love with a woman who only uses him for her own selfish gain, leaving him with the “blues before and after” their encounters. This is off the Smithereen's album, “11,” which was their third studio album. The name is a nod to a skit in the 80's mock-umentary film, “This Is Spinal Tap,” or perhaps the movie “Oceans 11.”

All For You by David Baerwald

Rob previously brought us “Welcome to the Boomtown” by David and David. This song is from one of the David's after that group split up. It is from Baerwald's debut studio solo album, “Bedtime Stories.” Baerwald is a great storyteller, and most of his songs reflect this. Singer songwriter Joni Mitchell was involved in this album.

Texas Twister by Little Feat

Bruce picks up the pace with this boogie number. Little Feat was formed in 1969, but this 90's iteration of the group is a little different. Founder and front man Lowell George died in 1979, and was largely replaced in this formation of the band by Craig Fuller, founding member of Pure Prairie League. This lead-off track from their ninth studio album is about picking up a girl and wondering if you will survive the evening.

NOVELTY TRACK:

Hanky Panky by Madonna

Madonna's album inspired by the movie "Dick Tracy" (in which she starred) sported this spanking new single.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings