About Some Friendly by The Charlatans Album
Some Friendly is the debut studio album of British rock band The Charlatans that was released on 8 October 1990 through Beggars Banquet Records imprint Situation Two. After forming in 1988, the band went through line-up changes before settling on vocalist Tim Burgess, guitarist John Baker, bassist Martin Blunt, keyboardist Rob Collins and drummer Jon Brookes. The band wrote material at a prolific rate and released their debut single "Indian Rope" in early 1990. Soon afterwards, they signed to Beggars Banquet and began recording their debut album. Between March and August 1990, sessions took place with producer Chris Nagle at Strawberry Studios in Stockport and The Windings in Wrexham. Some Friendly is considered an acid-pop, baggy and dance-pop album that draws influence from The Beatles' psychedelic period. In May 1990, "The Only One I Know" was released as the lead single from Some Friendly; it earned the Charlatans their first appearance on the BBC Television music show Top of the Pops and the band embarked on their first headlining tour of the United Kingdom. Following their first overseas show in August 1990, "Then" was released as the album's second single in September 1990. The band played several shows in the United States and were forced to amend "UK" to their name because of an identically named American band. The Charlatans ended 1990 with a tour of the UK and mainland Europe with support from Intastella. In early 1991, they went on their first full US tour, coinciding with the release of "Sproston Green" as a single in February 1991. Some Friendly received mixed reviews from music critics, many of whom noted of the band's influences rather than their sound. Collins' keyboard work was highly praised but Burgess' vocals were negatively received. Retrospective reviews were more favourable, though some still pointed out the influences. The album peaked at number one the UK Albums Chart and the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified it gold three days after its release. It also charted in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and the US. "The Only One I Know" and "Then" both reached the top 20 in the UK and number 11 in Ireland. Both Melody Maker and Sounds included Some Friendly on their lists of the year's best releases, being listed in the top 10 in the former and in the top 30 in the latter. "The Only One I Know" appeared on several singles-of-the-year lists and songs-of-the-decade lists in publications including The Face, Musikexpress and Pitchfork.
