Salad
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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 Salad, a band whose eclectic sound and sharp lyricism made them a vital component of Britpop's second wave.
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: London, England
Active years: 1992–1998, 2017–present
Associated genres: Britpop
Record labels: Island, Three Bean
Members: Marijne van der Vlugt – vocals, keyboard / Paul Kennedy – guitar, vocals / Donald Ross Skinner – drums / Jon Hunt – bass
Former members: Rob Wakeman – drums / Pete Brown – bass / Charley Stone – guitar
Formation and Early Years
Formed in London in 1992, with former MTV Europe VJ Marijne van der Vlugt and her partner Paul Kennedy forming the core of the band.
Early lineup included Pete Brown on bass and Rob Wakeman on drums.
Released debut EP Kent on their own Waldorf label, followed by Diminished Clothes, gaining critical acclaim.
Supported Blur on their Sugary Tea tour in 1993, building momentum within the Britpop scene.
Rise to Prominence
Signed to Island Records and released Singles Bar (1994), a compilation of their early EPs.
First studio album, Drink Me (1995), reached No. 16 on the UK Albums Chart, with singles like "Motorbike to Heaven" gaining attention.
Known for energetic live shows, bolstered by Charley Stone joining as a live guitarist and keyboardist in 1996.
Commercial Success and Albums
Drink Me established Salad as a mainstay of the Britpop movement, showcasing their wit and eclectic sound.
Follow-up album Ice Cream (1997) failed to achieve the same commercial success, leading to their split in 1998.
Reformed in 2017 with a new lineup and released the critically acclaimed The Salad Way (2019), proving their creative resilience.
Later Activities and Legacy
Marijne van der Vlugt formed Cowboy Racer, whose music featured in the US television show Grey's Anatomy.
Pete Brown co-founded the popular entertainment website BoreMe.
Salad continued as Salad Undressed before returning as a full band in 2017, releasing new material and reconnecting with their loyal fanbase.
Notable Facts
Early Innovators of Sampling: Salad integrated the Kawai K1 synthesizer and advanced sampling techniques into their live performances and recordings, setting a precedent for blending analog and digital sounds in Britpop.
MTV Stardom to Band Frontwoman: Marijne van der Vlugt's transition from MTV Europe VJ to lead vocalist of Salad was groundbreaking, bridging media and music in a way that added global recognition to the Britpop movement.
Cult Revival at Shiiine On Weekender: Their return to the stage in 2017 with a full lineup at the Shiiine On Weekender saw overwhelming fan enthusiasm, showcasing their enduring legacy in the Britpop canon.
Defining Lyric
"I'm gonna slice a lemon in two" - Motorbike to Heaven (1995)
Discography
Drink Me (1995) – UK No. 16
Ice Cream (1997) – UK No. 127
The Salad Way (2019)
Essential Listening
"Motorbike to Heaven" (1995): An upbeat yet introspective track, embodying the wit and energy of Salad's sound.
"Granite Statue" (1995): A poignant ballad showcasing Marijne’s evocative vocals and Salad's knack for vivid storytelling.
"The Selfishness of Love" (2018): A powerful comeback single proving Salad's creative spark was still intact.
Why You Should Be Listening to Salad Now
Salad’s blend of incisive lyrics, eclectic melodies, and enduring creativity remains a vibrant part of Britpop’s legacy. Their comeback has only solidified their place as a band capable of moving with the times while staying true to their roots.
See you on down the road.
