Here’s Teenage Fanclub’s formula: Three Scots write their own songs, bring them to the group, and weave them together into a winsome whole. Since 1997, they’ve followed a particularly egalitarian model, splitting up writing duties equally on five consecutive albums—12 tracks per album, four each for band founders Norman Blake, Raymond McGinley, and Gerard Love.
It’s hard to say which is more impressive, that three songwriters have coexisted seemingly peacefully for so long, or that Blake, McGinley, and Love have maintained such a high level of quality over the years.
2016’s Here is just the latest addition to one of the finest musical catalogs ever assembled. It’s achingly beautiful, packed with acoustic jangle, enlightened tales of life and love, and memorable melodies that echo the influence of classic bands like the Byrds, the Beatles, and Big Star. It’s also incredibly cohesive, considering the group’s shared leadership. In an interview, though, McGinley is quick to point out the flecks of individuality in Teenage Fanclub’s songs.