Reacharound - Who's Tommy Cooper? | 90s Album Review

In this episode of Dig Me Out: 90s & 00s Rock, hosts Jason Zia and Tim Minnichi welcome back community member Darren Lehman, who brings a deeply obscure 1996 album by the British-American band Reach Around titled *Who's Tommy Cooper?*. The album, the band's only release, features a standout single 'Big Chair' that unexpectedly resurfaced in Darren’s memory after eight months, sparking a nostalgic deep dive. The band, formed in Los Angeles with British roots, was fronted by Matt Kaisley and included guitarist Ted Hutt and drummer Adam Maples. Despite a strong debut with high-energy rockabilly, punk, and power pop influences, the band disbanded after two years due to label indifference, lack of management, and creative conflict—especially over shifting musical direction toward a Verve-inspired sound. The episode explores the album’s stylistic range, from the infectious 'Big Chair' to the bluesy 'Hand in My Pocket' and the Kinks-inspired closer 'Caught Up In Myself', with hosts praising its tight songwriting and cohesive identity. However, they lament the band’s obscurity, attributing it to a confusing band name, a cryptic album title referencing comedian Tommy Cooper’s tragic on-stage death, and poor marketing. The episode ends with a heartfelt appreciation for the album’s quality and a wistful curiosity about what a second album might have been. The hosts and guest agree that *Who's Tommy Cooper?* is a worthy full-length album, despite minor weaknesses in the second half. They highlight its genre-blending prowess, strong performances, and emotional resonance, comparing it favorably to bands like The Living End, Super Drag, and The Kinks. Darren’s journey to rediscover the album mirrors the podcast’s mission: uncovering forgotten gems with enduring craft. The episode concludes with a playful nod to the band’s name and album title, which now dominate search results thanks to the podcast’s coverage—ironically ensuring the band’s legacy lives on, even if their music remains largely unstreamed. The hosts encourage listeners to explore the album via Discogs or YouTube, emphasizing its value as a lost classic of 90s alternative rock.