The Woodentops – Giant on vinyl LP. VG+. 1986 Rough Trade indie debut, includes inner sleeve. Ships from Germany.
About Giant
A VG+ vinyl pressing of the widely celebrated 1986 debut from The Woodentops, blending propulsive, Feelies-indebted rhythms with acoustic folk and unusual instrumentation to create a genuine UK indie classic.
Giant is the debut album by The Woodentops, released in June 1986 via Rough Trade Records, produced by Bob Sargeant and recorded at The Roundhouse and Power Plant Studios in London. Led by singer Rolo McGinty, the album reached number 35 on the UK Albums Chart and featured in numerous 1986 critics’ end of year polls, blending frenetic rhythms indebted to The Feelies with acoustic folk instrumentation, marimba, accordion and trumpet. This listing is a VG+ vinyl pressing, including inner sleeve, from a Berlin based eBay seller.
- Who were The Woodentops
- About Giant
- Critical reception
- Pressing details and buying advice
In Brief
- Artist The Woodentops were a British indie rock band led by singer Rolo McGinty, formed in the early 1980s.
- Release Giant came out in June 1986 via Rough Trade Records, produced by Bob Sargeant, reaching #35 on the UK Albums Chart.
- Sound Propulsive, frenetic rhythms indebted to The Feelies, blended with acoustic folk instrumentation, marimba, accordion and trumpet.
- Session guests Featured Chucho Merchan on double bass, Jack Emblow on accordion and Steve Sidwell on trumpet.
- Reception Rated 4/5 by Record Mirror and 9.6/10 by Smash Hits, appearing in numerous 1986 critics’ end of year polls.
The Woodentops – Giant (LP, VG+, Includes Inner Sleeve)
Vinyl LP, Rough Trade Records, includes inner sleeve
Very Good Plus condition vinyl pressing of Giant, includes original inner sleeve, sold by a Berlin based eBay seller with 100% positive feedback.
Pressing Specifications
Who Were The Woodentops?
The Woodentops formed around singer and guitarist Rolo McGinty, building a distinctive sound that drew from Suicide, Talking Heads, XTC and Echo & The Bunnymen, but most notably channelled the frenetic, jittery rhythms of The Feelies, twisted through unexpected acoustic and orchestral instrumentation. The band earned a devoted following through energetic live shows and a string of well received singles before this debut album brought their sound to a wider audience via Rough Trade Records.
About Giant And Its Critical Reception
Recorded at The Roundhouse in Camden and Power Plant Studios in Willesden, and produced by Bob Sargeant, who also contributed marimba to the sessions, Giant paired the band's core lineup with a striking array of guest musicians, including Chucho Merchan on double bass, Jack Emblow on accordion, Steve Sidwell on trumpet and Danny Schogger on strings. Across sixteen tracks including Get It On, Good Thing, Love Train and Hear Me James, the album balances propulsive, driving rhythms with unexpected folk and orchestral textures, earning strong reviews on release, including 4 out of 5 from Record Mirror and an impressive 9.6 out of 10 from Smash Hits. The album reached number 35 on the UK Albums Chart and appeared in numerous critics' end of year polls for 1986, and decades later continues to be rediscovered by listeners as a genuine lost classic of the era, with some longtime fans rating it as highly as landmark albums by The Smiths and R.E.M. from the same period.
Critical Reception
- VG+ condition, a well kept vintage pressing, includes original inner sleeve
- Widely and warmly reviewed on release, appearing in multiple critics’ 1986 polls
- A genuine rediscovered lost classic among UK indie rock fans
- Distinctive blend of frenetic rhythms and unusual acoustic instrumentation
- Not a sealed or mint copy
- The band’s magic largely lasted through this debut alone
- Niche appeal outside UK indie and post-punk collectors
What is Giant by The Woodentops?
It is the band’s 1986 debut album, released via Rough Trade Records, reaching #35 on the UK Albums Chart.
What condition is this vinyl copy in?
The sleeve is graded Very Good Plus (VG+), and the listing includes the original inner sleeve.
Who led The Woodentops?
Singer and guitarist Rolo McGinty led the band, drawing influences from The Feelies, Talking Heads and Suicide.
How was this album reviewed?
It received strong reviews including 4/5 from Record Mirror and 9.6/10 from Smash Hits, and appeared in multiple 1986 critics’ polls.
Does this listing ship outside Germany?
The seller is based in Berlin and lists a fixed shipping cost; check the current listing for up to date international shipping options and rates.
Where To Buy This Pressing
Final Spin
- A genuinely acclaimed, rediscovered lost classic of 1986 UK indie rock
- VG+ condition vinyl including original inner sleeve
- Best suited to fans of The Feelies and mid-80s UK indie rock
Giant stands as a distinctive, warmly rediscovered highlight of 1986 UK indie rock, and this listing offers a VG+ pressing from a highly rated German seller.