Ocean Colour Scene
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 Ocean Colour Scene, the Birmingham band whose soulful melodies and sharp songwriting made them one of Britpop's enduring success stories.
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 signalled 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: Birmingham, England
Active years: 1989–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, indie rock, blues rock, Britpop
Record labels: Fontana / Island / Sanctuary / Moseley Shoals / Cooking Vinyl / Live Here Now
Members: Simon Fowler – lead vocals, guitar / Steve Cradock – guitar, backing vocals / Oscar Harrison – drums, backing vocals / Raymond Meade – bass
Former members: Damon Minchella – bass / Dan Sealey – bass / Andy Bennett – guitar
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1989 from the remnants of two local bands, The Boys and Fanatics.
Released debut single "Sway" in 1990 under Phffft Records.
Early struggles included disputes with their label, which remixed their debut album against the band's wishes.
Gained support from Paul Weller, who invited them to tour and collaborated with guitarist Steve Cradock and singer Simon Fowler on his solo projects.
Rise to Prominence
Signed with MCA Records in 1995 after Noel Gallagher invited them to tour with Oasis.
Released their breakthrough album Moseley Shoals in 1996, featuring hit singles like "The Riverboat Song" and "The Day We Caught the Train."
Supported Oasis at Knebworth in 1996, playing to a record-breaking crowd of 250,000.
Commercial Success and Albums
Moseley Shoals (1996): Reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart and cemented the band’s place in the Britpop era.
Marchin' Already (1997): Debuted at No. 1, knocking Oasis’s Be Here Now off the top spot.
One from the Modern (1999): Continued their chart success with top singles like "Profit in Peace."
Later Activities and Legacy
Continued releasing albums such as Mechanical Wonder (2001) and Painting (2013), maintaining a loyal fanbase.
Celebrated anniversaries of their classic albums with special tours and reissues, including the 20th-anniversary tour of Moseley Shoals in 2016.
Released a career-spanning box set Yesterday, Today 1992–2018 in 2023, compiling all their studio albums and bonus material.
Notable Facts
Played at Oasis’s record-breaking Knebworth shows in 1996, showcasing their live appeal to over 250,000 fans.
Moseley Shoals was named after the Birmingham suburb Moseley, reflecting their roots.
Paul Weller’s collaboration with Steve Cradock helped bring the band’s songwriting to wider attention.
Defining Lyric
"Walking like Groucho, sucking on a number ten" — The Riverboat Song
Discography
Ocean Colour Scene (1992)
Moseley Shoals (1996)
Marchin' Already (1997)
One from the Modern (1999)
Mechanical Wonder (2001)
North Atlantic Drift (2003)
A Hyperactive Workout for the Flying Squad (2005)
On the Leyline (2007)
Saturday (2010)
Painting (2013)
Essential Listening
"The Day We Caught the Train" (1996): A quintessential Britpop anthem of nostalgia and optimism.
"The Riverboat Song" (1996): Defined by its infectious riff and association with TFI Friday.
"Hundred Mile High City" (1997): A driving rock track that captured the energy of Marchin' Already.
Why You Should Be Listening to Ocean Colour Scene Now
Ocean Colour Scene’s timeless melodies, sharp lyrics, and soulful rhythms remain a cornerstone of Britpop’s legacy. Their music is a perfect blend of grit and beauty, steeped in the traditions of rock and roll while capturing the spirit of 90s Britain. Rediscover their classics and let the riverboat take you on a ride.
See you on down the road.
