The Pastels

One of the U.K. indie-rock scene's most beloved cult bands, the Pastels excelled at a carefree style of punky pop that came to typify the so-called "shambling" movement of the mid-1980s U.K. underground. With a focus on energy and fun over technical prowess, the Scottish ensemble were often labeled as amateurish; however, their sizable following and long career, which spanned three decades, prove that more than a few music listeners understood exactly what the band was all about.