The High Llamas, the Anglo-Irish group led by Sean O’Hagan, are reissuing their five ’90s albums — 1992’s Santa Barbara, 1994’s Gideon Gaye, 1996’s Hawaii, 1998’s Cold And Bouncy (and remix album Lollo Rosso), and 1999’s Snowbug — on vinyl on November 22 via Drag City. All of these have been out of print for more than 20 years and go for hundreds of dollars on the secondary market. This also marks the first-ever vinyl pressing of Santa Barbara. All the vinyl reissues were pressed from the original masters. Preorders are available.
If you’re unfamiliar, Sean O’Hagan formed The High Llamas after the breakup of his previous band, Microdisney, and he crafted a unique pastoral sound that mixed Beach Boys, Ennio Morricone, tropicalia and Steely Dan. His distinctive string and brass arrangements would lead to a long-running relations with Stereolab (he was a full member for a while) and he continues to be an in-demand arranger. You an hear their influence today in groups like Mild High Club and Peel Dream Magazine. Double album Hawaii is a high water mark but Gideon Gaye isn’t far behind, and the other three are definitely worth hearing too. Check out a few songs below.
The High Llamas are still going — this year’s Hey Panda is one of their (and 2024’s) best.
