The High Llamas - Santa Barbara

The High Llamas’ classic 90s output comes back to life available to independent retailers on vinyl for the first time in over twenty years. The vibrant and colourful sweep of this remarkable six-album arc shines in new pressings of the original masters, including the first-ever vinyl pressing for their debut album, ‘Santa Barbara’.

The High Llamas were founded by Sean O’Hagan (emerging from a high-flying eight year run with Microdisney), Jon Fell, Marcus Holdaway and Rob Allum. Special note should be made of the work of Charlie Francis throughout the creation of the first three albums. As engineer / backing vocalist / synth player / and co-producer, his long hours of dedication and commitment earned him the title of honorary High Llama.

For the Llamas’ 1992 debut, Sean O’Hagan, working the sextant to navigate a post-Microdisney course in the musical world, posted them up as a guitar pop band (RIYL:
NRBQ, Big Star, Steely Dan), with nine exquisitely crafted examples of the oft out-of-step sound. Had there been no more after this, ‘Santa Barbara’ would still be sought-after
buried treasure by the perennial waves of voyagers seeking these sweet, jangling spices to this very day. This is the first time ever this album has been pressed on vinyl!

Tracklist

Put Yourself Down
Birdies Sing
Banking on Karma
Market Traders
Travel
The Taximan’s Daughter
Period Music
Holland
Apricots