Formed in London, England in 1990, melodic guitar pop band the Bluetones released an EP on the independent Fierce Panda label prior to singing on with the Universal imprint, Superior Quality Records. Their debut single, “Are You Blue Or Are You Blind?,” reached the U.K. Top 40 in June 1995. Their third single, “Slight Return,” shot to number two while the accompanying album, EXPECTING TO FLY, topped the U.K. charts in February 1996. The band’s sophomore album RETURN TO THE LAST CHANCE SALOON was met with an indifferent commercial response; however, SCIENCE & NATURE (2000) and LUXEMBOURG (2003) marked a more successful retooling of their sound. Although the band's popularity had waned somewhat, the band continued to perform for a devoted fanbase.