The La's (album)

Writing and recording

All of the songs on The La's were written by Lee Mavers between 1986 and 1987 and after signing to Go! Discs in 1987 and for the next three years, the La's worked with several producers to record their debut album, including John Porter, Gavin MacKillop, John Leckie, Bob Andrews, Jeremy Allom and Mike Hedges. The final sessions for the album were recorded December 1989 – February 1990 at Eden Studios in London with producers Steve Lillywhite and Mark Wallis. "There She Goes" is a remixed version of the original single recording produced by Bob Andrews in 1988.

Release and reception

The album was released in 1990 on Go! Discs in the United Kingdom and in 1991 on London Records in the United States. The album was praised by critics and embraced by fans. It was the result of nearly three years in the studio with a string of acclaimed producers. Each attempted to capture the sound sought by Lee Mavers, the lead singer and principal songwriter of the band.

Unfortunately, due to Mavers' exacting expectations, the sound eluded each of the producers, and the album eventually released was immediately disowned by the band.

A new version of the album, recorded by Mike Hedges (who has also worked with U2, Manic Street Preachers and the Cure) was found on a cassette, this new version was digitally remastered and released for the first time as part of The La's: Deluxe Edition.

This edition also includes previously unreleased archive recordings and radio sessions by the band, as well as deluxe packaging and expanded sleevenotes. The GLR session is a mono reproduction of the right channel only from the original stereo broadcast.

Legacy

The album was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Track listing

All tracks written by Lee Mavers (except where stated).

Disc 1 tracks 1–12 per original release