The Charlatans

The Profile

English rock band formed in 1988, emerging from the Madchester/baggy scene with the debut Some Friendly (1990) and its hit The Only One I Know. Led by Tim Burgess, their Hammond-driven sound was defined early on by Rob Collins (who died in 1996 during Tellin' Stories), and they later endured the loss of drummer Jon Brookes (2013). They achieved major success with Tellin' Stories and continued with Modern Nature and Different Days.

Part of the Madchester and Britpop eras; commercial peak with Tellin' Stories; Rob Collins (keyboards) died in a 1996 car crash; Jon Brookes (drums) died in 2013; released You Cross My Path as a free download via XFM; collaborated with Johnny Marr and Paul Weller on Different Days.

DeBaser’s reviews track The Charlatans from the Madchester-charged debut Some Friendly to the commercial peak of Tellin' Stories and the later resurgence of Modern Nature and Different Days. The pieces revisit their tragedies (Rob Collins, Jon Brookes) and their knack for staying “100% Charlatans.” You’ll find notes on the free-download era (You Cross My Path), stylistic detours (Simpatico), and organ-driven hooks. Overall sentiment: respectful and upbeat.