The Blue Aeroplanes – Jacket Hangs

15th September 2024 · 1990, 1990s, Music, Postpunk

The Blue Aeroplanes, led by the Langley brothers from Bristol, emerged in the early 1980s and are still going strong four decades later.

I have to confess The Blue Aeroplanes completely passed me by. Which is odd, as they are exactly the sort of band I would have expected to love.

Ever since they emerged in Bristol in the early 1980s they’ve worn their influences – principally the Velvets and the Byrds – on their sleeves. And yet… I don’t think I’ve ever knowingly heard them.

Until now, when Spotify’s algorithm sent me this tune. And they’re right – I do love it

Released in 1989, Jacket Hangs apparently gave them their first hit single, though I don’t remember that either. It comes from their fourth and by all accounts best album Swagger, and I’m now listening to the whole thing. I like that too.

I’m surprised to learn that the band, led by guitarist and singer Gerard Langley and his brother John on drums, are still going strong, releasing their 13th studio album a couple of years ago.