Travis
Biography
Along with Cast, Ocean Colour Scene, Kula Shaker, and Embrace, Travis was one of the most prominent British trad rock bands in the mid- to late '90s. Following Oasis' lead of crafting down-to-earth, heartfelt songs in the vein of classic British bands from the '60s, Travis was more successful and enduring than some of their peers due to their lively, impassioned songwriting and performances. The group formed in Glasgow around 1990 as something of a lark for its members, singer/songwriter Francis Healy, guitarist Andy Dunlop, drummer Neil Primrose, and bassist Dougie Payne. After finishing their studies at art school a few years later, the foursome became more serious about Travis' potential and moved to London in 1996. Their self-released debut EP, All I Wanna Do Is Rock, came out in the fall of that year; with its earnest vocals and soaring guitars, it captured the spirit of British rock at the time, which was retreating from some of Brit-pop's artiness to a back-to-basics sound. Their second single, 1997's "U16 Girls," was released by Independiente Records, the new label headed by former Go! Discs director Andy MacDonald; a few months later, their critically acclaimed full-length debut, Good Feeling, arrived.
Recorded in a matter of days with top producer Steve Lillywhite, the album included hit singles like "Happy" and "Tied to the '90s" and immediately entered the Top Ten of the U.K. charts. The following year, Travis began sessions with star producer Nigel Godrich for the follow-up to Good Feeling, recording in six studios in as many months. Though it was a slower, darker affair, when The Man Who appeared in 1999 it eclipsed Travis' previous successes, going platinum six times in the U.K. and spawning more hit singles such as "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?" and "Writing to Reach You." Nominated Select Magazine's Album of the Year (and finishing in the Top Ten of many other publication's year-end lists), The Man Who appeared on U.S. shores in early 2000, just in time for a tour with their musical big brothers, Oasis. Debuting at the number one spot on the U.K. album chart, The Invisible Band was issued in June 2001 just prior to stateside summer gigs with Dido. Two years later, the band issued 12 Memories, which was followed in late 2004 with the singles collection Singles. Travis finally returned with an album of all-new material in the spring of 2007 entitled The Boy with No Name, whose arrival was announced by the release of the single "Closer." Travis opted for an edgier sound on Ode to J Smith, which was released in early fall 2008 in the U.K. and later in the season in the U.S. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
I've been a fan since their first album and like them more and more with each album they release. They have serious musical talent. I love their 65-90 bpm vibe. I would like to hear them release an all acoustic album (unplugged style) and also a pure rock album where they get a lil' pissed and rock, more Chinese Blues please.
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You can really see how their sound has become their own from their early to later albums. "Good Feeling" is very rough edged and heavily Oasis-influc e n c e d . Each album becomes smoother and more distinctive as they stand more on their own musical feet. "Invisible Band" and "The Boy with No Name" are my favorites, but each album deserves many listens.
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I'm surprised with how much I like the Boy with No Name. Give it a listen if you haven't gotten over the Man Who and I think you'll like it as well.
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The invisible Band is such a solid album. Totally reminds me of high school.
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A serioulsy underrated band. Each album is worth listening to over and over. Anytime I have a long commute ahead, I make sure I have at least one Travis album with me.
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For a bunch of Glasgowyers, this is bigtime comfort music. I guess if you're from Glasgow, you need comforting.
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Discovered this artist when I created a station around the artist "James". Really like what I have heard from their last two albums released 2007 & 20004 "The Boy with No Name" and "Singles" respectively .
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I have seen them live once and my sister has seen them several times. Next time they are touring near me, I will definitely see them again, and again, and again. When they are on stage, you can tell they love being up there and performing. I wouldn't be surpised if they were still performing when they are 80, jk. They are also pleasant to talk to and very willing to sign autographs. Besides all of the above, I love their songs. I like how they can easily transition from very cheerful songs t
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Another Pandora discovery for me - I love how their songs don't "all sound the same" but still all work for me.
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Love their sound. Can't get enough of them. Feel the same about David Gray. I want to hear all their music.
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Buy one album, you will buy all and await the next. Nothing but love for this band.
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"Know Nothing" just came on one of my stations, and reminds me of Rockpile. Love it.
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Love this band. Very humble and down to earth, when one talks to them you feel like you have known them all your life.
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Very impressed with this Band, just discovered them, only album I own is "Singles" I look foward to buying all. (some day when money falls from the sky)
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