The Pop Larkins (1991-94)

In 1991, The Pop Larkins crashed onto the music scene and inevitably burned out circa 1994 amidst a hedonistic absence of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. With a cult following that rarely extended beyond family and friends, The Pop Larkins inflicted their music on audiences in their hometown of Greenock and were also regulars on the Glasgow circuit where they were championed by the likes of 13th Note promoter Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand).

Stealing their cues from Jock ‘n’ Roll idols like Teenage Fanclub and Eugenius, the cheeky boozebags made four EP recordings between 1991 and 1994, which were released on Auntie Mabel No Label. The 'Pops' have re-recorded some tracks to be released on a specially packaged album to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the band's formation. You can listen to a sample of "The Pub Song" if you follow the link to the Music Player.

The Pop Larkins also gave label founder Bobby Mooney the opportunity to cut his teeth in the music business. For the most part, The 'Pops' were a four-piece but underwent several line-up changes in true Spinal Tap style.

Former alumni include:

• Bobby Mooney (guitar / vocals)

• Kenny Dougans (guitar / backing vocals)

• Stuart Whitby (drums)

• John Murray (bass)

• Derek Johnson (bass)

• James McIlroy (drums)

• Hugh Haggerty (vocals)

Unless there is a huge sway of public opinion, it is unlikely that The Pop Larkins will reform for a Farewell Tour. Thanks for all the memories!

 “this really is quite sweet pop… like a cross-fertilization of Gun and Teenage Fanclub, with the riffs and raunch factor of the former and the lingering lilt and drifting melodies of the latter” - isthismusic?
“sound like a ProTools mash-up of Teenage Fanclub, The Jesus And Mary Chain and The Only Ones...  ask yourself how much more fun the rest of the 1990s would have been if Alan McGee had signed this lot instead of Oasis” – Herald Scotland
“The music is of its time and blends Teenage Fanclub and The Stone Roses” – Daily Record  
“For afficionados of the C86 scene, this album feels like a date with an old flame... In an era of piracy, Fourtrak Records has dug out a lost treasure from a golden era” – Sputnik Music
“Scottish purveyors of indie pop chart their rise and fall through the 90s...” – Metro
 “Long-lost west coast indie veterans have been receiving favourable reviews” – Jock Rock
 “Despite the passage of time, this album still manages to sound fresh and invigorating... a ray of sunshine” – Whisperin and Hollern
 “an indispensible guide to the Glaswegian quartet that is buried with indie pop hooks and Ritalin-fuelled riffs” – Music Emissions
“If you like tuneful, melodic and catchy indie guitar pop, then this is for you.” – Amazing Radio