Appreciating The Chills: Or, Alan McGee Has A Point For Once

Former Creation Records boss Alan McGee’s blog the Guardian isn’t what I would describe as a must read, between recent posts calling for a Cult revival and taking time out for an extended appreciation of the Waterboys. But the man did sign Oasis, as he would be happy to remind you–so perhaps he merits a little slack. Especially on days when he wants to champion the Chills.

First of all, it’s important that McGee mentions why you’ve heard of the Chills in the first place.

I didn’t get into the Chills until long after I released Kaleidoscope World on Creation in 1985. That record, and in particular the song Pink Frost, keep giving and grow in iconic status as each year passes, sounding ever fresher than fresh and more relevant.

Regardless of McGee’s rampant self-absorption, “Pink Frost” will always be a great song.

The Chills made a brief return to music in 2004 with an EP, and McGee drops a rumor of new material into the end of his post, but it would be nice (as former Idolator editor Brian Raftery mentioned on this site awhile back) if their albums were actually available here in the States in a non-pricey import way. If the Shins, Grizzly Bear, Peter, Bjorn, and John are all paying tribute to the band, as McGee says, surely someone could get on some Stateside reissues of their albums that were released here on Slash, right?

“Heavenly Pop Hit”

An interview and “I Love My Leather Jacket”

“Wet Blanket”

The Chills: ready for a comeback? [McGee on Music]