The La's BBC Sessions

It’s a strange feeling to be holding a new La’s product that is not a bootleg or re-master of previously released work. However here we have 17 tracks from 4 BBC sessions, spanning 3 years and four different band line-ups. Informative liner notes come from fan M W Macefield, who explains the birth of the band and unhappiness within the ranks over their debut album.The first session is from the Janice Long session 2nd September 1987 just after they signed to Go! Discs. The tracks are:DoledrumWay OutFreedom SongCome In Come outThe session version of Doledrum has almost the same structure as the album version, but here the instruments sound more alive. The harmonies throughout the song are superior and you can almost close your eyes and see the band performing in front of you; such is the clarity of the recording and balance. If you didn’t understand why the La’s disliked their one and only album, then this is a good start to appreciate what could have been.Way Out is a far more basic and stripped down version. Really pushing the vocal and rhythm guitar to the fore. Again, it’s the clarity of the recording that is surprising and that it allows you to follow whatever instrument you wish. The same goes for Freedom Song clocks in at just over 2 and a half minutes, and has different backing vocals to the version we’ve come to love.Come In Come Out will be a new song to many La’s fans but has their distinctive sound. It has always been a short and snappy tune with a skittle flavour. Great to have it rounding off a marvellous debut session.The second sessions sees the band return in May 1988, where Liz Kershaw played host to 4 new songs, including some classic La’s material.Son Of A GunThere She GoesI Can’t SleepOverSon of a Gun is as brisk and snappy as ever. It has a real zing and starts the session in an upbeat style. Then we have There She Goes with a more electric opening that continues into the song and beyond. This version really brings back memories of seeing the band perform on stage. I Can’t Sleep is a storming version, with heavy guitars and amplification working in tandem with the vocal harmonies. Frankly a striking alternate version along the lines of what the Pixies did to their own Wave of Mutilation, but in reverse.Over is easily the longest song on the CD, clocking in at just less than 5 minutes – Led Zeppelin sized for the La’s and their 2-minute songs. An ideal song to finish off a rousing session, with Lee and John’s vocals carrying the song (and session) to its conclusion.I’ll summarise the remaining 9 songs (and 2 sessions) later this week.