Ocean Colour Scene

In the mid-’90s, Ocean Colour Scene were one of many rock bands propelled to success by the Britpop movement. It helped that hit singles such as the Beatles-esque “The Day We Caught the Train” and the soul-rock throwback “You’ve Got It Bad” instantly sounded like timeless British rock classics. Formed in Birmingham, Ocean Colour Scene debuted in 1990 with the baggy-pop-leaning “Sway” and released a self-titled album in 1992. The band’s career took off soon after thanks to support from Britrock icon Paul Weller, who tapped OCS for shows and guitarist Steve Cradock for recording and touring work. By the time Ocean Colour Scene returned with their second album, Moseley Shoals, in 1996, Britpop was in full swing and their stirring, ’60s-R&B-influenced sound was in fashion. Moseley Shoals peaked at No. 2 on the albums chart and led to the band opening one of Oasis’ legendary 1996 Knebworth concerts. Success continued for the rest of the decade and beyond: 1997’s Marchin’ Already topped the charts (due in no small part to the blues-scorched hit “Hundred Mile High City”) and both 1999’s One from the Modern and 2001’s Mechanical Wonder reached the Top 10. Ocean Colour Scene continued to record occasionally in the 21st century and remained a popular touring draw, including on 2018 Christmas dates where they were supported by Motown legends Martha Reeves & The Vandellas.