Travis is a 4-piece rock band formed in Glasgow in 1990. While arriving at the tail end of the genre's dominance, Travis is often categorized with Britpop acts (Verve, Supergrass, James), likely due to their indie rock/baroque pop-influenced debut Good Feeling, produced by Steve Lillywhite (U2, Psychedelic Furs, Simple Minds). The Man Who was their second album and features production by Nigel Godrich, leading to a more melancholy sound and effort overall. The album was considered a critical disappointment upon its release, but third single “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?” became a surprise chart success after a performance at Glastonbury 1999, when rain suddenly (and appropriately) began falling as the first lyrics were sung. (The UK Press really loves it when stuff like that happens.) The record eventually spent 11 weeks at the top of the UK albums chart and became one of the best selling albums of the year. “Driftwood” is jangly guitar slowed to ballad tempo, “Luv” has a heartbreaking harmonica solo. The previously mentioned “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?” is an album (and career) highlight, acoustic twang, solemn strings, and taps-on-the-windowsill drums. This record was reissued in deluxe format in Europe in 2018, but sold very quickly. This LP is pressed on black vinyl and includes a printed inner sleeve.

• first domestic LP issue
• black vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve
• music label: Craft Recordings 2019

reviewed by MENSWE@R 07/2019