The La's

When the La's released their debut album in 1990, it made immediate waves in the British pop scene, as well as on American college radio. Drawing from the hook-laden, ringing guitars of mid-'60s British pop as well as the post-punk-pop of the Smiths, the La's' self-titled first album -- heralded by the hit single "There She Goes" -- had a timeless, classic feel. It seemed like effortless music, yet that was not the case. From their inception, lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Lee Mavers was a perfectionist with a nearly obsessive eye for detail. Consequently, the La's were never able to totally fulfill their promise.