It’s hard not to like Supergrass. Unless you happen to despise mutton sideburns that is. On a less hairy level, there is nothing to hate. I mean really? They’re a lovable trio, bit of cheek, bit of charm, the sort of band you could go for a day in the park with. We all remember ‘Alright’. Anthem for an optimistic youth, bubbling with happiness and yet oh so simple. ‘We have teeth nice and clean’. Indeed. Then the reality hits home, they’ve been around for a decade, are they still alright? So scan their back catalogue and you’ll find a worthy 10 years work. As best ofs go, there are no real surprises, just an album that rolls into one long pop jaunt. All the under valued classics are there: ‘Pumping on your stereo’, ‘Alright’, ‘Richard III’, ‘Moving’, ‘Late In The Day’ and they still sound as fresh as ever. A bit of sunshine and ‘Supergrass is 10’ is the perfect requisite for summer. ‘Mansize Rooster’ tempts the sunshine out with the beach boys bounding around on a grand piano whereas ‘Rush Hour Soul’ is an attempt to get dirty in their old age, but you’d still help them across the road. An offering of 21 songs including new material is a more than respectable return for your coin too.
If Kula Shaker can release a greatest hits, the floodgates should be opening for everyone. Bored of the tired offerings of Oasis and a Coxon-less Blur who wilt like old carnations everyday, Supergrass are waiting in the wings, as they have done for so long already. Find that carnation, sing the national anthem in the shower, and get yourself down Carnaby Street for some over priced Ben Sherman. Go on relive the Wonder Years.