The La’s inspired Oasis, but John Power remembers a “toxic” world behind the music

The La’s’ 1990 self-titled album helped shape the sound of Britpop, inspiring Oasis and a generation of guitar-led songwriters. Bassist John Power says working with songwriter Lee Mavers was formative, though he also remembers the world around the music as toxic.

The album contains 15 songs, including ‘There She Goes’, whose repeated lines and spare structure made it especially distinctive. Its dreamy blend of jangling guitars, layered vocals and older influences helped it feel outside its time, while its limited output left room for later bands to build on its legacy.