Cornershop
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Cornershop, a pioneering blend of British indie rock and South Asian sounds that broke barriers and redefined Britpop’s boundaries.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Leicester, England
Active years: 1991–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, indie rock, alternative dance, Britpop
Record labels: Wiiija, Rough Trade, Ample Play, Luaka Bop, Warner Bros.
Members: Tjinder Singh (vocals, guitars, bass, dholki)/Ben Ayres (guitars, keyboards, tamboura)/Nick Simms (drums)/Peter Bengry (percussion) /Adam Blake (sitar, guitars)/Pete Downing (guitars)/James Milne (bass)
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1991 by Tjinder Singh, his brother Avtar Singh, David Chambers, and Ben Ayres.
Named after the stereotype of South Asians owning corner shops, reflecting Singh's identity as a British-born Sikh.
Early releases like In the Days of Ford Cortina EP (1993) combined Indian music with British indie rock, gaining attention for their political edge.
Debut album Hold On It Hurts (1994) was praised for its noisy, socially charged pop.
Rise to Prominence
Woman’s Gotta Have It (1995) saw the band experimenting with a more melodic sound.
They toured with Beck, Oasis, and Stereolab, building a strong following.
Breakthrough came with When I Was Born for the 7th Time (1997), featuring the hit single "Brimful of Asha."
Commercial Success and Albums
When I Was Born for the 7th Time received international acclaim, blending genres like hip-hop, electronic, and Punjabi music.
"Brimful of Asha," remixed by Fatboy Slim, topped the UK Singles Chart in 1998.
Subsequent albums like Handcream for a Generation (2002) showcased collaborations with Noel Gallagher and explored disco and reggae influences.
They released Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast (2009), Urban Turban (2012), and England Is a Garden (2020), continuing to innovate and challenge conventions.
Later Activities and Legacy
Collaborated with Punjabi folk singer Bubbley Kaur for Cornershop and the Double 'O' Groove Of (2011), which was critically acclaimed.
Launched the “Singhles Club,” releasing collaborations as part of a subscription service.
Known for their anti-Brexit stance, their music remains politically charged.
Notable Facts
Their name reflects a reclaiming of South Asian identity in Britain.
They recorded a Punjabi cover of The Beatles' "Norwegian Wood."
The iconic "Brimful of Asha" is a tribute to Indian playback singers and vinyl culture.
Defining Lyric
"She's the one that keeps the dream alive." - Brimful of Asha
Discography
Hold On It Hurts (1994)
Woman's Gotta Have It (1995)
When I Was Born for the 7th Time (1997)
Handcream for a Generation (2002)
Judy Sucks a Lemon for Breakfast (2009)
Cornershop and the Double 'O' Groove Of (2011)
Urban Turban (2012)
Hold On It's Easy (2015)
England Is a Garden (2020)
Essential Listening
"Brimful of Asha" (1997): A joyful tribute to South Asian music and vinyl culture.
"Good to Be on the Road Back Home" (1997): A hauntingly beautiful duet with Paula Frazer.
"Lessons Learned from Rocky I to Rocky III" (2002): Funky and introspective, showcasing the band's range.
Why You Should Be Listening to Cornershop Now
Cornershop’s music is a masterclass in blending cultures, genres, and eras. Their groundbreaking work challenges stereotypes and embraces global sounds with wit and warmth. With themes of identity and inclusivity, their songs remain relevant and essential today.
See you on down the road.
