An Awesome Guy's Guide to Awesome Music: The Charlatans UK, "Wonderland"

Artist: The Charlatans UK
Album Name: Wonderland
Release Date: September 10, 2001
Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wonderland_(The_Charlatans_album)

The Band
The Charlatans UK is an alternative rock band from England that, surprisingly, isn’t more popular in the United States. What separates the Charlatans from their counterparts in the brit alt rock scene is their versatility. The band’s influences range from rock to country to dance to rhythm and blues to soul. I saw the band at the Vic Theater when they were touring in support of the Wonderland album and can say from first-hand experience that they put on a hell of a live show.

Note: When I saw the Charlatans at the Vic Theater on January 22, 2002, they were supported by Starsailor (who will be the subject of another blog post one day). It was one of the best shows I’ve ever seen and included James Walsh of Starsailor doing a solo acoustic rendition of Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” which I’ll never forget. The show ended with the Charlatans closing with their classic “Sproston Green,” which I’ll also never forget.

The Album
What sets Wonderland apart from other Charlatans albums are its dance, groove, and soul music influences. If I remember correctly, the album got decent airplay around the time of its release, though I can’t imagine its sales were anything to write home about. But sales don’t mean shit, right?

The Highlights
“You’re So Pretty - We’re So Pretty” – Track 1
I can’t emphasize it enough. If you want to make an awesome album, it always helps to make the first track one of the best. “You’re So Pretty – We’re So Pretty” starts the album off with a catchy dance beat that serves as a great introduction to a great album.

“A Man Needs To Be Told” – Track 4
Hands down, my favorite track on the album and favorite Charlatans song of all time. Daniel Lanois plays pedal steel on this track and extra percussion is provided by Jim Keltner, a legendary session drummer who’s played with Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, and Ry Cooder.