With the new that TLC are reforming, it seems like anything is possible. So which bands would we really like to see meet up and make some new music together again?
Fine Young Cannibals
Fine Young Cannibals quit at the height of their success. Their second album ‘The Raw And The Cooked’, released in 1988, was a massive, global success. Unable to follow it up the group split in 1992. Their self-titled 1985 album captured a believably real vision of Thatcher’s Britain on tracks like the single ‘Johnny Come Home’, and even their version of Elvis’ standard ‘Suspicious Mind’ successfully repainted the original as a kitchen sink drama. It seems pertinent to ask what the band would make of Cameron’s Britain in 2012…
Finest Hour: ‘Suspicious Minds’
With the heavyweight vinyl reissues of Talk Talk’s classic ‘Spirit Of Eden’ and ‘The Colour Of Spring’ hot off the press, it’s a perfect to time for the trio to make a comeback. The influence of their intricately layered tunes and detailed sonic landscapes can be seen in loads of modern music, from Wild Beasts’ ‘Smother’ to elements of the new Santigold album. And, of course, No Doubt’s version of ‘It’s My Life’ is an indie disco staple. It would be great to hear how they’ve updated their sound for ’12.
Finest Hour: ‘It’s My Life’
Like FYC, the Fugees veered towards their end point after two albums. Of course the writing was on the wall after ‘The Miseduction Of Lauryn Hill’ exploded (it didn’t help that much of it was inspired by her, then secret, break-up with Wyclef Jean). The band have attempted many mini-reunions (live gigs, one off songs) but never a new album. The trio still appear to be in a war of words and it’s hard to imagine they’ll be in the right space to ever re-connect musically again, but we can hope can’t we?
Finest Hour: ‘Fu-Gee-La’
Much like the Fugees, the massive success of one of Destiny’s Child has seemingly precluded any talk about the original band reforming (and we’re not talking about Michelle, here). Still, after Beyonce’s career besting album ‘4’, what better time to follow up the under-rated ‘Destiny Fufilled’ album with a reunion with Kelly and Michelle? Or, even, more tantalizingly, a reunion with the original quartet of Kelly, LaToya and Latavia? If the Sugababes can do it…
Finest Hour: ‘Get On The Bus’
With the re-issue of their excellent final album ‘The Visitors’ just round the corner, you want to go back to the place where this electro pop gem came in (and not, you know, Mamma Mia). It seems unlikely that the fab four would ever reform for a live show, but why couldn’t they re-create the original magic in their natural habitat: the studio? ABBA’s harmonic and lyrical influence is everywhere you look and it seems a shame if they didn’t come back together for one last punt through the Scandinavian pop wonderland.
Finest Hour: ‘The Day Before You Came’