TDH Record of the Week:
Supergrass – In It for the Money
In the mid-90s, the “Britpop” label was often a double-edged sword. For many bands, it meant a quick rise followed by an even faster “sophomore slump.” But for Supergrass, their second outing didn’t just avoid the slump—it redefined who they were as musicians.
Two years after their high-energy, punky debut I Should Coco, Gaz Coombes and the boys returned in 1997 with In It for the Money. While the title was a tongue-in-cheek nod to Frank Zappa, the music was anything but a cash grab. It was the sound of a band maturing in leaps and bounds, trading some of their “cheeky chappie” energy for a richer, more psychedelic landscape.
The Evolution of the Sound
Widely considered the absolute peak of their discography, In It for the Money captured a young, inspired band right in the middle of their ascension. The record leans heavily into late 90s psych-rock while keeping its Britpop heart beating.
What makes it stand out is the ambition. They decamped to Sawmills Studio in Cornwall with only two songs fully written, allowing the rest of the album to grow from late-night jams and studio experimentation. The result? A record that feels cohesive, textured, and surprisingly heavy.
The Essential Tracks
The Essential Tracks
“Richard III”: A snarling, riff-heavy monster. It’s arguably one of the best opening salvos of the era, featuring a menacing tone and a soaring falsetto that proved the band had teeth.
“Sun Hits the Sky”: A driving, euphoric anthem that showcases the band’s incredible sense of melody. It’s 50 million watts of pure sunshine filtered through a distorted lens.
“Going Out”: The swingiest moment on the album. With its blaring horns and infectious groove, it’s the bridge between their debut’s fun and this record’s sophistication.
Why It Still Matters
While many albums from 1997 feel like time capsules, In It for the Money still explodes with life today. It wasn’t just a collection of singles; it was a masterclass in British rock history—cramming in elements of The Kinks, The Beatles, and punk-pop into 43 minutes of perfection.
If you haven’t revisited this one lately, turn it up loud. This is Britpop at its most inspired and adventurous.
Listen to the classic: Supergrass – In It for the Money
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