The Mild Mannered Army

This episode takes a different approach.

No edits. No theme music. No carefully placed clips.

Just a conversation between Paul and Nick—two longtime Britpop obsessives—looking back on the scene that shaped them. Using The Birth and Impact of Britpop as a springboard, we reflect on our personal connections to the music, the myths that fuelled the era, and how our views have evolved over time.

We talk about:

What we still love (and what we don’t)

The bands that meant the most

How Britpop feels now, decades later

Why some things are best left messy

It’s raw, nostalgic, sometimes critical—but always honest.

If Britpop ever meant something to you, this one’s for you.

This week, Paul and Nick dive deep into Morrissey's often-overlooked 1997 album Maladjusted — a record that arrived at a crossroads in the former Smiths frontman's solo career. Misjudged by critics? Overshadowed by his earlier triumphs? Or a hidden gem filled with lyrical intrigue and sonic surprises?

We explore:

The context of Maladjusted in the late-'90s Britpop aftermath

Why this album marked a shift in Morrissey’s public and musical persona

The controversial “Sorrow Will Come in the End” and the spectre of legal battles

Standout tracks and forgotten moments

The legacy of Maladjusted and its place in Moz's discography

Whether you're a devoted Moz disciple or a curious casual, this is the episode to reconsider one of his most enigmatic records.

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, we dive into the music and memories of 1998—a year packed with unforgettable tracks and life-defining moments. From the indie brilliance of Idlewild and the dreamy pop of The Cardigans to the iconic grooves of Jurassic 5 and the genre-defying sounds of Air and Propellerheads, we’ve got something for everyone.

Join us as we reminisce about the Spice Girls' chart-topping reign, Pulp’s reflective storytelling, and the cult magic of Neutral Milk Hotel. Along the way, we share personal stories from our own lives in 1998, taking you on a nostalgic journey through one of the most eclectic years in music history.

Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering these tracks for the first time, this episode is a love letter to a year when music truly meant everything.

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In this special episode, we’re joined by the brilliant Mark E. Nevin for an engaging and insightful conversation. From his time as the driving force behind Fairground Attraction to his collaborations with Sandie Shaw, Kirsty MacColl, and Morrissey, Mark shares candid reflections on his life in music. As a solo artist and collaborator, his work is rich with stories and creative breakthroughs, and his warm humor shines throughout.

We explore Mark's incredible career, touching on the creation of timeless classics, his inspirations, and his unique experiences in the music industry. Whether you're a fan of "Perfect," a lover of Kirsty MacColl's storytelling, or curious about his time with Morrissey, this episode has something for everyone.

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Tune in for a fascinating look behind the curtain of Mark E. Nevin's remarkable career.

Get ready to take a deep dive into one of the most exciting years in music—1994! In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, Paul and Nick revisit the artists and albums that defined a generation, from shoegaze to Britpop, grunge to hip-hop, and everything in between.

We’ll cover the hits, the hidden gems, and the moments that shaped the music scene, featuring:

We’re also thrilled to feature listener memories from Dave, Faye, and Catherine, sharing their personal connections to the music of 1994. It’s always a treat to hear how these songs shaped your lives!

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Tune in for a mix of deep nostalgia, great music, and lively conversation. Whether you lived through 1994 or are discovering it for the first time, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, we take a musical journey through the unforgettable year of 1987, as chosen by our esteemed co-host, Nick Amies. Known for his literary deep dives into Britpop and the cultural phenomena of Oasis (She's Electric and Where Did It All Go Wrong), Nick curates a playlist of tracks that defined a pivotal year in music.

Join us as we explore the sonic landscape of '87, a year that saw post-punk evolve into new, dreamy territories while indie and alternative rock carved out their indelible legacies. Expect stories, insights, and a whole lot of nostalgia as we discuss:

🎵 "Never Let Me Down Again" – Depeche Mode

🎵 "Lips Like Sugar" – Echo and the Bunnymen

🎵 "My Bag" – Lloyd Cole and the Commotions

🎵 "I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish" – The Smiths

🎵 "Gentle Tuesday" – Primal Scream

🎵 "Just Like Heaven" – The Cure

🎵 "Real Animal" – The House of Love

🎵 "When It Rains" – The Jesus and Mary Chain

🎵 "Out of Hand" – The Mighty Lemon Drops

🎵 "Severina" – The Mission

🎵 "Love Removal Machine" – The Cult

🎵 "Where the Streets Have No Name" – U2

From soaring anthems to introspective gems, Nick’s selections showcase the diversity and creativity of 1987’s musical tapestry. Whether you’re reliving the era or discovering these tracks for the first time, this episode is sure to strike a chord.

Tune in, turn it up, and let us take you back to a year when music truly mattered.

Here we go again.  Nick and I are back with another magical, musical, journey through time and space.  Or something.  This year we are looking back on 1991...the calm before the Britpop storm.  One year, twelve tracks, from the sublime to, frankly, the bloody ridiculous.

Note: None of the music in this episode is ours, and we do not own the rights, nor to the songs. Any copyright infringement is not intended, and this episode should be considered as falling under 'fair use' classification.

Here we are again.  Another trip back to a year in pop music history.  This time it is 1991...the calm before the storm of Britpop.  Nick and I each pick six tracks from the year that soundtracked our lives at that point.  From the sublime to the, frankly, ridiculous.  Thanks, as ever, for listening!

Go well.

Episode 30 of the Mild Mannered Army, and this time it's my turn to fly solo through the tracks of my years for 1989.  This is the same year that we discussed with Hadley Freeman in episode 27...and there are some similarities in our list...but I also get to talk about Morrissey, The Kevin McDermott Orchestra, Del Amitri, and Erasure, amongst others.  

Episode: Oasis – A Deep Dive into the Story of the Band That Defined a Generation

In this episode of The Mild Mannered Army, hosts Paul Laird and Nick Amies take a deep dive into the fascinating, chaotic, and polarizing story of Oasis – the band that became synonymous with Britpop and dominated British music in the '90s.

Nick brings his expertise as the author of Where Did It All Go Wrong, an acclaimed book that delves into the highs and lows of the Gallagher brothers and their musical legacy. Paul, known for his sharp critiques of Oasis and their impact on British music and culture, shares his unique perspective as the author of The Birth and Impact of Britpop.

Together, the hosts unpack the myth and reality of Oasis – exploring their meteoric rise, their role in the Britpop movement, and the lasting influence (or damage) they’ve had on British music. Expect strong opinions, spirited debates, and a comprehensive look at the band that defined an era.

Whether you're an Oasis superfan, a Britpop enthusiast, or simply curious about one of the most contentious bands in music history, this episode is for you.

Follow us for more deep dives, long-form conversations, and interviews about music and culture.