Their 1st 7" single was called "Sway" and was released in the early '90s UK indie era. The band released several other records and enjoyed a loyal local following, although it wasn't until the Britpop scene that their music became nationally and internationally known, with their songs being featured on Chris Evans' TFI Friday and the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Their sound is deliberately retro, and influenced by seventies rock especially. The lack of electronic instruments and new innovations has led to them being criticised as "luddites" and derivative.

Band members

Their traditional line-up has consisted of:

Steve Cradock; (b. 22 August 1969); guitars, piano, mandolin, E-bow, autoharp, organs and backing vocals Simon Fowler, (b. 25 May 1965); vocals, harmonica and acoustic guitar Oscar Harrison (b. 15 April 1965); drums, piano and backing vocals. Damon Minchella (b. 1 June 1969); bass guitar

Damon Minchella was fired by the band in 2003, temporarily replaced by Gary "Mani" Mounfield for a support slot with Oasis and then was permanently replaced by Dan Sealey on bass. Another guitarist, Andy Bennett was also added, making them a five-piece.

Other contributing musicians

Alison Moyet; backing vocals. Tony Hinnegan; cello. Paul Weller; electric guitar, organ, piano, backing vocals. P.P. Arnold; vocals. Rico Rodriguez; trombone. Tony Griffiths, Chris Griffiths; backing vocals. Brendan Lynch; mellotron. Steve White; tabla, timpani, percussion. Bryan Travers; saxophone. Mick Talbot; keyboards. Edgar Summertyme; backing vocals. Mark Feltham; harmonica. Kevin Rowe; electric guitar. Linda Thompson; vocals. Dalbir Singh Rattan; tabla. Duncan Mackay; trumpet. James Hunt; saxophone. Nichol Thompson; trombone.

Discography
Studio albums

released	Title	Highest chart position
1992	Ocean Colour Scene	54 (upon 1996 re-release)
April 1996	Moseley Shoals	2
September 1997	Marchin' Already	1
September 1999	One from the Modern	4
April 2001	Mechanical Wonder	7
July 2003	North Atlantic Drift	14
March 2005	A Hyperactive Workout For The Flying Squad	30

B-sides, Compilations and Lives

March 1997	B-sides, Seasides and Freerides	14	B-sides compilation of material from the "Moseley Shoals" era.
??	Live on the Riverboat	N/A/	Live recording of an acoustic concert by Simon Fowler and Oscar Harrison and released via their website in limited edition run.
July 2001	Songs for the Front Row	16	Compilation of mainly singles up to 2001 with some other tracks. Also a limited edition was released with bonus live cd.
July 2003	Anthology	50	A complete collection of Ocean Colour Scene's material from their debut album up to 2001. Including singles and b-sides. A limited edition cd was released with bonus disc featuring alternative mixes, b-sides and live songs.
September 2004	One For The Road (sic)	75	A live album taken from their 2004 summer festival tour.

UK Singles

1996 "A Riverboat Song" #15 1996 "We've Had It Bad" #7 1996 "A Day I personally Caught a Train" #4 1996 "A Circle" #6 1997 "Hundred Mile High City" #4 1997 "Traveler Tune" #5 1997 "Better Day" #9 1998 "It's the Beautiful Tool" #12 1999 "Profits around Peace" #13 1999 "Then On line" #34 2000 "July / We are a News" #31 2001 "Abreast the Down Side" #19 2001 "Mechanical Question" #49 2001 "Crazy Lowdown Ways" #64 2003 "We Good Require Myself" #13 2003 "Produce a Treat" #35 2004 "Golden Gate Bridge" #40 2005 "Free Our Title" #23 2005 "This Day Should Endure Forever" #53