The Charlatans

Though they were among the bands who put the “mad” in “Madchester” at the turn of the ‘90s, The Charlatans’ career has been defined by a level-headed steadiness that’s seen them outlive the baggy trend by several decades.

Formed in 1988, The Charlatans became instant UK icons two years later with “The Only One I Know,” a rave-era update of Deep Purple’s late-’60s organ grinder “Hush” (with lyrics poached from The Byrds) that epitomized Madchester’s acidic dance/rock symbiosis.

But thanks to frontman Tim Burgess’ Jagger-esque presence and Lennon-like charms, The Charlatans were positioned to weather the scene’s gradual surrender to Britpop, with more classically styled albums like 1995’s self-titled release and 1997’s Tellin’ Stories proving that Oasis weren’t the only skilled melody-makers in town.