Another Girl, Another Planet: The ongoing sound of The Only Ones

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As a long-time rock enthusiast with a penchant for the raw and the melodic, I’ve always found The Only Ones to be a band that truly resonated with me. Their unique blend of punk rock, power pop, and classic rock has been a constant source of inspiration in my music collection.

As a devoted music enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share my admiration for The Only Ones, an English rock band born in London during 1976. They crafted their unique sound by merging punk rock, power pop, and classic rock elements, creating a captivating fusion that resonates with me deeply. Among their many accomplishments, their hit single “Another Girl, Another Planet” stands out as an eternal cult classic. This song shares a certain resemblance to “Ever Fallen in Love” by the Buzzcocks, and it’s frequently hailed as one of the most significant tracks from the punk era.

The initial group featured Peter Perrett on both vocals and guitar. He is recognized for his unique vocal timbre and songwriting skills, particularly the track “Lovers of Today,” which played a significant role in securing a recording contract for the band.

John Perry, distinct from Aerosmith’s Joe Perry, is recognized for his complex and harmonious guitar playing, which significantly shaped the band’s overall sound.

Alan Mair, well-established figure on the Glasgow music scene, was known for his robust and creative bass playing style.

Mike Kellie (on drums) – Previously part of Spooky Tooth and an active session musician, Kellie delivered the powerful beats.

Music and style of The Only Ones

The Only Ones’ music is known for its unique fusion of punk’s intense spirit combined with complex melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. These themes often revolve around love, loneliness, and substance abuse. Critics have compared their sound to a blend of punk, power pop, new wave, and even hints of classic rock and glam rock.

So far, the band has put out three studio albums: “The Only Ones” (1978), “Even Serpents Shine” (1979), and “Baby’s Got a Gun” (1980). The latter was their most successful album on the charts, though it didn’t include their biggest hit song.

Although they received high praise from critics, the band encountered difficulties in gaining broad commercial fame. Following their initial phase, The Only Ones split up in 1982 as members ventured into different musical endeavors. Yet, their reputation continued to grow, significantly boosted by the enduring popularity of “Another Girl, Another Planet.”

Reunited and worth a listen

In the mid-2000s, The Only Ones got back together for a string of concerts and tours, reigniting enthusiasm for their tunes. From 2007 to 2017, they reappeared on stage at various festivals and performances. In 2023, they resumed activities once more, even introducing some fresh songs.

Numerous bands and musicians across diverse genres have acknowledged The Only Ones as a significant influence. Their unique fusion of punk spirit and melodic rock has cemented their position in the chronicles of rock music. Today, they are cherished by fans spanning punk, new wave, and classic rock communities. Therefore, when creating a classic punk playlist, you may wish to incorporate The Only Ones’ rock ‘n roll/power pop/new wave punk sound alongside gems such as Descendents’ “Milo Goes to College.”

Assorted trivia

Based on an article from The Guardian, the song “Another Girl, Another Planet,” as per All Music Guide, is often considered one of the best rock singles ever produced. This Guardian article further delves into the band’s significant struggles with drugs.

In their debut album, Steve Lillywhite served as the producer. Over time, he garnered numerous Grammy Awards for his work and collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including XTC, Big Country, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Simple Minds, Ultravox, The Psychedelic Furs, Toyah, David Byrne, Talking Heads, U2, The Rolling Stones, The Pogues, Peter Gabriel, Morrissey, The Killers, Dave Matthews Band, Phish, Guster, and Counting Crows. Quite a successful career he had!

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2024-08-13 15:01