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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Nathan Bevan

The story behind Stereophonics' new album title which has left fans baffled

They're the multi-platinum selling Welsh rockers who've scored numerous number one albums and always give the fans what they want.

However, the announcement that Cwmaman's Stereophonics are to release their latest LP next March has been greeted with as much confusion as it has jubilation from the band's followers.

And the reason is the record's odd title - Oochya! - a name which has left many scratching their heads as to how it's pronounced or what it actually means.

Read more: Stereophonics and Sir Tom Jones to play huge Christmas gig at Cardiff's Principality Stadium

In fact, many have taken to social media to discuss what they think the answers might be.

"Perhaps it's an acronym which has a great meaning behind it," posted one person. "But I'm not really feeling the name at the moment."

Another asked, "Is it the noise you make when you stand on a piece of Lego?"

One fan even wondered if the 'Phonics had 'done a Chas 'n' Dave ' - referring to how Oochya! sounded similar to the title of the famous Cockney duo's 1979 hit Gertcha.

However, the band's singer Kelly Jones went on Chris Moyles' morning show on Radio X yesterday to offer a proper explanation.

The Pop Art inspired album cover (Stylus & Ignition Records)

"Oochya is a word I wrote on the mixing desk in the studio when we were recording Dakota in 2004," he said.

"I don't know where it came from - me and recording assistant Brad used to say it to each together - it's a word that means absolutely nothing but makes you feel good saying it.

"It's a bit like 'let's have it' - a blast of energy and optimism."

But there was one connotation on which Jones hadn't counted.

"When I decided to Google it to check no one had used it before I found out that 'Oochya!' is actually listed (according to the Urban Dictionary website) as the sound that's made when you're naked and someone whips you on the backside with a towel."

All of which gave one 'Phonics fan a clever marketing idea.

"Perhaps they can now start selling towels on their merchandise page," he joked.

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