Reviews (page 2 of 7)
I really enjoyed this! The part in Girl VII where it says a whole bunch of place names was a highlight, and Nothing Can Stop Us was my favourite track
I had never heard of this album but it’s great! The dance/house elements combined with the 60s influences make for a very interesting and enjoyable trip-hoppy album. Only Love Can Break Your Heart is a great cover, Girl VII is super catchy and I liked the bass in People Get Real. The instrumentals Stoned to Say the Least and Like the Swallow stayed interesting all the way through, but Nothing Can Stop Us is probably my favourite song on here.
Beautiful slice of the 90s
"Girl VII" is one of my favourite songs ever, so I might be a little bit biased. That track is a haunting eulogy to a life that never was. The rest of the album is great, too, a precursor to both Britpop and house, but also existing in its own time and space, somewhere between Ealing comedies and the swinging sixties.
straight back to the nineties. Love her voice and the spirt of the tunes
Loved. Very 70s and totally a gem.
This album was great. Do I think that it is one of the 1001 albums that I must listen to before I died? Yes. It was a great album.
i really really fuck with this album, i like the genre-bending sound a lot. Will definitely listen to more of her at a later date
Chill AF
What a surprise! It was so good! This album is awesome!
she has a sexy voice
What a great album. Loved it
my first impression of this band is that they have a very interesting composition and that sarah cracknell has a beautiful voice. while some songs, such as wilson, weren’t my jam, i found the way layering they vocals and instruments, yet still keep the music sounding simple and calm very interesting. honestly reminded me of something they’d play in that cool underground bar that my dad takes me to. loved this album.
65 degrees in NYC with the windows open and a cold brew, this is album couldn't sound better than it does right now
Dreamy. Love it.
Chill pop I enjoyed
Absolutely amazing phenomenal i love this so much. Psychadellic chilllll realness
Hey!!! I never thought I'd see St. Etienne on here! This is a treat! First album I had of these guys was Tiger Bay 1994. Pretty sure I got it at Rockin Rudy's or from Columbia House. I don't think I've listened to this whole album. But I have heard at least one song from it. Man her voice is so pretty. I've really liked this so far. It's light and airy. St. Etienne holds a special place in my heart so 5 stars
Geggjað
Wow.... This hit me like a truck, talk about good timing. Had no idea bout any of this band and music, but I'm hooked. Transportative and stimulating in all the ways. I will be re-visiting this artist and album for sure
Five whole stars for this slice of early 90s indie house. Just sublime in places, with Sarah's voice bringing a whole load of sunshine. The standout for me is London Belongs To Me, which could easily have been on an early Belle and Seb album and not looked out of place, albeit with some amazing house beat behind it. When this finished, their mix of Jackie Collins Existential Question Time came on, and that was quite a way to carry on the fun. A big find, and one I want on vinyl ASAP.
Det her er virkelig lækkert, specielt "I carnt sleep", "Girl VII"
Groovy morning music
I loved it, never heard it before at all. Just fantastic, absolutely will circle back in this again.
It is a very interesting album actually.
9/10
St etienne are one of those bands i never got round to actually listening to so this is the impetus to go and do that as this is pretty bloody good.
Hört bara lite sporadiskt tidigare. Många vassa spår.
This is short, but brilliant. I'd not have guessed that this would have gone back as far as 1991 - it's doing things that I'd assumed would have been a few years (at least) later, and it does them well. Top notch.
just lovely
Loved this.
an old and forgotten favorite
really enjoyed this - didnt think I would but right up my alley
4.5 pretty
I didn't know this group and I really enjoyed it.
A fun sexy time. New contender for “just play it on loop”
The 2k French triphop sound this album has is soooo dope. I live for "Kiss and Make Up". Gonna make that my alarm for a while, actually ;3;
Normally music from this era sounds to me like it is missing soemthing, but this was qctually great. Fun beats, just the right track length, interesting all the way through
Where have you been all my life? Music to soothe the savage beast.
Way better than expected. Great production, lots of color.
What a treat. I have to admit I was a fan, mostly stemming from this, their best album. Just a bunch of well-worn, perfect vibes.
New to me. Enjoying this
Me gustó bastante. La combinación del house con influencias del pop retro resulta tanto etérea como fácilmente consumible. Un disco conciliador entre los sonidos mainstream de épocas pasadas y la integración de los sonidos populares en la EDM noventera del rave. Tiene un buen balance entre las composiciones minimalistas y algunas más robustas con vocales incluso. Disfruté sobre todo la ondita techno-house de Stoned to say the Least y la vibra etérea de cualquier pop indie posterior a los 2000 meets 80s Madonna en Girl VII. Mood: Un día de buen humor y parsimonia.
Muy bonito álbum, siento que desde que empezó la primera canción, tras el intro radiofónico, supe que esto era para mí. No conocía a Saint Etienne o al menos no consciente y este es un disco debut buenazo. También suena mucho a los 90 y de repente es ternura, de repente es etéreo, de repente es tranquilizante. Eso de poner canciones instrumentales por ahí intercaladas es un recurso que me gusta y "Stoned to Say the Least" me gustó, si bien creo que se descoloca un poco respecto al resto. Canciones fav: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", "Wilson", "Girl VII", "Nothing Can Stop Us" y "Kiss and Make Up" <3. 9.5/10
Never heard this artist. Loved it. Great electronic/ambient sound with just the right balance of vocals. Surprised I'm just now finding out about this album.
Had never heard of these guys - fun, cool album.
Absolute great album, great vocals and mixes club music with shoegazy elements, only criticism is that it feels slightly dated
I will probably need to listen to it again as it was on in the background and so didn’t really concentrate on it… but just based on vibes it seemed pretty good and sounded like it was a bit ahead of its time…
Pretty nice and chill I like yes
This is a funny coincidence: I've just been listening to this CD (in my car), in recent days. I was actually considering giving it away (trying to decide whether to give it away), but had just decided (a day or two ago) to keep it. I actually prefer the CD that came after this one ("So Tough," from 1993). But listening to this one again, now, a bit more carefully, I'm glad (relieved) that I decided to keep it, as I do like it quite a bit; indeed, I give it a solid 4 stars. Somewhat surprisingly, both of those Saint Etienne CDs remind me of a particular visit to your grandparents, in Winona. I think I must have brought them along on a trip there, one time, and for some reason that's stayed with me. Does it sound at all familiar to you guys? Probably not, though I might have played it once or twice over the years when you could have heard it. Back to "Brit Bias" -- I agree this 1001 Albums thing has it, and that it can be annoying, but the funny thing is that I would say that, compared to many people (in the US, anyway), *I* have a Brit bias, liking musicians/groups like Saint Etienne and Paul Weller (etc., etc.). Just not the *crappy* 90s/early 2000s Brit groups, lol. Ok, back to this album: it reminds me a little of Fat Boy Slim, in the sense of creating a soundscape/atmosphere through carefully curated and evocative samples, and layered electronics and so forth. Good variety of sounds and styles, too, from track to track (even though they blend seamlessly), and some (quite a bit, actually) retro 60s-style stuff, too. It's an album that rewards repeat listens, as well as careful, immersive listening.
I saw someone comment that it's like a late-night radio show, and I agree. It's a nice listen because it's relaxed and there are surprises along the way. I like the trancey, bass-driven "Stoned..." I like the poppy "Nothing Can Stop Us" with that euphoric flute part And I like the ethereal interludes such as "Like the Swallow"
Very electronic and experimental. It sounds a bit like pop music, which when combined with the electronic, experimental sound, makes this interesting, unique sound that isn't like Any other. Overall it's a pretty good album.
I really enjoyed the chill vibe this album threw at me. This was surprisingly enjoyable.
Kind of a meandering, soft album. Proto-Radiohead soundscapes. This was a cool one. Definitely going to spin this later on.
London Belongs to Me is good
Good stuff here, music I was not into at the time it was being released but have come to appreciate. Electronic, down-tempo, lo-fi, trip hop, call it what you will. Morcheeba, Massive Attack - this isn’t exactly those things, but I'd group it with them and I like it!
At first I wasn't sure what to make of it, but about half way in I was into it. It's pretty quirky and I like the blend of different styles. My 5 year old even liked it, he made us listen to Girl VII like 4 times lol.
Reminds me of the Avalanches before the Avalanches. Stereolab before Stereolab. This is cool as piss. Fave Tracks: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Girl VII, Spring 4.3/5
Ret fedt og halvskørt! Sjove soundscapes
Excellent find. I'll be adding these songs to many of my playlists.
I'm a fan of all the alternative dance music that was coming out around this time, so I've already heard this one once or twice. I think this album had a lot of potential; spring and only love can break your heart are great, but the rest felt pretty boring
i think these people helped get belle and sebastian started. thats a win for me. i like the sample based experimentation. i like that she almost cant hit the notes. i like that its french and english. i like it.
Saint Etienne pierced the protective shell of this punk back then, and they do it again. While I might prefer Good Humor, Foxbase Alpha charms its way in and smartly pulls sounds both old and new together that it still sounds fresh.
dit klinkt echt alsof het nu zou uitgebracht kunnen zijn... een tijdloze album fr ik vibe hier echt mee
At the first notes, I thought, "This is going to be nothing." However, it is a surprisingly nice album.
The vibe of this album is "the 90's" which is impressive given this came out in 1991, but damn are the vibes good. This one grows on you, because on its surface it feels like any other chillout, vibe dance record, but there's currents of old music, jazz, dream pop, and other things going on. It ebbs and flows for sure and there's times where it feels like white noise but it's a surprising album that feels ahead of its time despite the genre feeling dated.
I thought I knew this album but clearly not, as it deviates from my expectation of a collection of retro-ish analogue electronic pop with a heavy nod to the 1960s. Lots more interesting sampling, etc going on here. I'd also completely forgotten that Sarah Cracknell isn't the only singer on the album. Some of the beats are highly redolent of Britain in the 90s - shuffly baggy beats as exampled on Nothing Can Stop Us Now - but tying with paisley-ish other instrumentation and so on makes it a bit more timeless. Like The Swallow is a great way to round it out. Not quite a 5, but not far off.
Well, that was a revelation. Being such a fan of Portishead, I should've known this record. 4/5
An interesting an ethereal 90s album. The entire thing feels like it could be the soundtrack to Cruel Intentions without needing the change a thing. Enjoyable and melodic with decent beats and mesmerizing vocals.
A very pleasant surprise. A lush and beautiful record that is very spring-feeling (luckily it's spring for me at the minute). Will be checking out more Saint Etienne.
Expected this to be dated house music. It was anything but.
Ok, I'm really into this. It sounds so dreamy and beautiful. Favorite track: Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Este álbum destaca por su capacidad de construir un mundo propio a través de un collage sonoro único. La utilización de interludios y sonidos ambientales no interrumpe la experiencia, sino que sumerge al oyente en una atmósfera muy particular. La presencia de una vocalista femenina con un estilo etéreo resulta sumamente agradable, aportando una calidez que equilibra los elementos electrónicos del disco. Es una obra ideal para la escucha relajada, funcionando perfectamente como fondo para trabajar, estudiar, leer o disfrutar de una reunión tranquila. Aunque se percibe claramente como música de época debido a su estilo de producción y el uso de samplers característicos de principios de los 90, esa misma cualidad le otorga un encanto nostálgico. Es un pop inteligente y sutil que prefiere la reflexión y la textura por encima del impacto inmediato.
I love it. Such a great infusion of dreamy pop and house music. Must have been wildly influential. SO much was happening at the start of this decade that I didn't know about.
Some of these tracks are super fun little Indy pop hip hop mashups. They are British and not French - if you are looking for striped boatneck shirts, look elsewhere.
#99/1001 🇬🇧 I don't know just how to feel about this record. Its pretty ambitous as far as debuts go straddling a number of genres with elements of pop, folk and house. Sometimes pulling off a 60s French pop style before moving to lengthy electro tracks. The samples from old tv shows and Richard Whiteley from countdown bug me a bit and would normally have lost this a star but i'm adding one back on for the fact that Bob Stanley is a regular visitor to my favourite football club Emley AFC and a thoroughly nice bloke. Best Tracks: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Girl IV, Stoned To Say The Least, Nothing Can Stop Us, Like The Swallow.
This was suitably vibey and I am feeling generous today, so take my 4.
I like this. Crafted but a bit edgy. What I have liked about this list is listening to albums I hadn’t got around to.
While the more experimental or danceable songs weren't really my thing, there's quite a lot of catchy stuff (including the great Neil Young cover). There's something unique about the vocals that I can't put my finger on. It sounds like a voice I wouldn't normally like, but here, it's usually one of the coolest parts of any song.
Lovely pleasant things
This was pretty cool!! Definitely going to relisten to this on a summer beach day!
Some absolute bops on this.
I generally don't like electronic music, this one was good
++: This Is Radio Etienne, Wilson, Carnt Sleep, Girl VII, Stoned to Say the Least, Nothing Can Stop Us, Etienne Gonna Die, London Belongs to Me, Like the Swallow +: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Spring, She's the One +-: Dilworth's Theme 8,5/10
Pretty sweet dreamy dance music.
I don't know if there's any existential realizations one might have by hearing this, but I def vibe with it. Solid 4.
strange and funky, i dig it!
I love this album, the mixes and samples blend very well, catchy songs all throughout and fun to listen to. 100% recommended.
Too cute but not unfun.
super cool, not quite 5 stars though
I had apparently listened to this album before but hadn't left any distinct impact on me. Again I listened to it in the background of my day. Enjoyed it but no don't was overly memorable
Saint Etienne's debut record 'Foxbase Alpha' is an interesting mix of trip-hop, dream pop and dance music, with plenty of appreciation for the atmospheric soundscapes of the late 1960s. Written primarily by producers Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, 'Foxbase Alpha' is in tune with the direction electronic music was taking in the 1990s, especially in Britain where rave culture was really starting to take off, but the big point of difference here is the ethereal vocals of Sarah Cracknell, which provided a very dreamy flavour to the songs, not unlike Cocteau Twins or Bilinda Butcher-sung My Bloody Valentine songs. Listening to this record is ideal for those who want to drift away into a trance-like state, as Cracknell's soothing vocals paired with the harmonious synths makes this perfect music to relax to, especially if life seems heavy. Having just had a busy day of chores, 'Foxbase Alpha' is a soothing and re-energizing experience. I don't mind it at all! Best songs: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Carnt Sleep, Spring, People Get Real, Nothing Can Stop Us
This album is so strange but I dig it, mostly. Some tracks are a little on the boring side and are skippable, but it's got such a neat energy. I've definitely heard Only Love Can Break Your Heart somewhere before but without really focusing on it until now. Some of the hip-hop sounds thrown in here feel very out of place, but I also don't hate it? I think Stoned to Say the Least is my favorite track here though.
cool
Listening session: march 11th, while commuting to internship Listened to before: no Thoughts: weirdly enough this album combines 90s dance and dreamy 60s pop quite well so I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy this as much as I did Favourite tracks: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Spring & Nothing Can Stop Us
This is why I’m really enjoying this project. I get an album assigned, I have some pre-conceived idea that I don’t know whether I’m going to like what I’m about to listen to, and I’m pleasantly surprised. Or in this case, I enjoy it immensely. This record makes me feel like I should be driving on a cool summer evening with the windows down and a coastal wind blowing through the car, with this playing loudly through the stereo. It is very well produced, great vocals. And I even enjoy the filler tracks with samples from various 60’s films/shows. All in all, this will definitely be listened to again. Quite possibly in July/August on a drive along the coast. Standout track - Spring
This is a band that never made it to my radar despite being in the 90s british/indie zone I have an affinity for. I also learned they're currently opening some shows for my all time favorite band Belle and Sebastian. So it is not surprising that I enjoyed it! I love the how eclectic it was from the Neil Young cover "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" to the instrumental epic "Stoned to Say the Least."
8.7/10
Never heard of them but so 90s house. Very easy listening
It was nice! Based on the cover I didn't expect it to be even slightly as good as it was Not perfect, but very enjoyable
Cute. I relistened to it after writing that first part. Really cute, actually
Issa vibe for sure
Perfectly pleasant and engaging soft electronically. Plenty of people doing this sort of thing, some (Everything but the Girl for example) probably doing it better. Is this an album I liked? Yes. Is it an album I'll play again? No. Is it an album I had to hear before I die? I doubt it.
Interesante, primera escucha 4.1
Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. Reminds me of an earlier version of the avalanches
Easy listening in a good way. Feels dreamy, and each track fits well into the whole project without feeling too much replicas of the other.
Very pretty dream pop.
I know nothing about this era of dance music but this feels like a shibuya-kei album and I like that.
Hadn’t heard of her before and really kind of liked some of the stuff
not what i expected. Really cool some tracks at the end Chill and fruitful
Enjoyed the ambience of this one!
mera chimba de álbum, tiene ahí como sus cosas raritas pero la real si me lo disfruté, y pues me pareció bacano
I liked a lot of the songs on it
Etienne Gonna Die is interesting enough alone on an album, this was sweet and flowing with enough florality of a nice wine and synthy enough to be a cotton candy cloud in the park during a nap in the grass.
оч вайбово, но без бенгеров..
So happy that I discovered this one, I love the vibes of this album ! Favorite tracks : Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Girl VII, and She’s the One.
I really need to check out more Saint Etienne albums after this one.
це дивно, як цей альбом одночасно звучить як японський сіті-поп, дрім-поп та мадонна початку 90-х. додано в плейлист✅️
Pretty good. Neat little electronic joint
great, trancey album with dashes of spoken word, loved!
Some great songs, a few I don’t care about but will relisten 4/5
so fun
Always have had a soft spot for this album.
Indie classic
I enjoyed this one - definitely nice to listen to. Kind of mellow and dancy.
Really really like this and could see it growing on me even more. Kind of reminds me of Bjork, a little poppier. Big fan!
Sweet
I really liked the album. I'll definitely listen to it again when I have more time. 4/5
Some great dance songs with hypnotic beats and sampling, and enticing and fun vocals from front woman
Liked this, great commuting music.
I almost never listen an album twice on this challenge, but I did so today with Foxbase Alpha. It was a good idea because the more I listen to this album the more I like it, it's early 90s dance music with 60s pop vibes and a lo-fi production. It is different than most dance albums from that era. I was convinced that this band is French given Saint Etienne is a French city and the album opens with a French intro. But after 2-3 songs I remembered they were an English band. They are really pretty unique and I will come back to this album more. Initially a strong 3 star, rounded up to 4 stars.
I enjoy the twee/ indie pop leanings more than I do the dub touches, but overall, it's a smooth hybrid and the vocals are always fetching.
Don't think I'd heard this artist before and liked it well enough on my morning drive in to work
Really enjoyed this album! Not my usual genre but still liked it. I found the lofi production really enjoyable and I loved the samples from movies, gave it a super nostalgic feel. Some parts were super repetitive however and I did feel myself wanting to skip… but other songs really stood out such as Carnt sleep!
4.5 - This is a good example of something I wouldn't have given 2 minutes to in the early 90s, but 30 years later, I'm here for the relaxed, downtempo sound. The bass lines, the dreamy vocals, the samples -- all of it. I favorited at least 3 or 4 tracks on my way through. Only Love Can Break Your Heart (thanks, Neil Young), Girl VII, People Get Real were standouts for me. Rounding down to 4, because I might change my mind on it.
There’s some great tracks on here, and overall it’s enjoyable enough background music, but it goes on way too long and I’m having a hard time believing I needed to hear it before I die. 4/5 Highlights: Only Love Can Break Your Heart People Get Real Nothing Can Stop Us Kiss and Make Up
I had never heard of these folks before, but enjoyed this album quite a bit. Lots of interesting melodies and beats, interesting vocalizations and effects.
Один з небагатьох прикладів бритнаської поп-музики на межі 80-90, яка мені по справжньому подобається. Клубний поп, створений щоб під нього рухатися. Топове інтро, є супер хіти, дабовий бас, стилістично різні треки. Далі гурт трохи змінить звучання своє, але й далі теж хороші альбоми будуть.
Really enjoyed it, a fun listen 4.25/5
DO YOU WANT SOME. SWEETS WILLY? what a funny little album.
Wonderful album that was off of my radar. A touch BritPop, a touch Twee, a touch Serge Gainsbourg. Really surprised this wasn’t on my radar before now.
Standouts are Only Love Can Break Your Heart and People Get Real. It’s like a whole album of Vogue.
I love the positivity that radiates from this album. I can imagine the leaves rustling and the birds chirping, with the sun brighter than ever and hoping every minute lasts. I also like the way they incorporate sampling into the album. Highlight Song/s: Only Love Can Break You and Wilson
This had some really good moments but also some weaker songs. But it’s nice to let it play in the background.
8/10… indie pop / 90s dance / trip hop / *1991
This album was fun. Way more fun than I thought it would be. Grabbed me track one and kept my attention coming back while I cooked. Background music in the best way. Interesting themes, great influences, and a lush backing to fall into and explore.
Painfully French. But actually so good. And catchy as well. I’m a bit turned on as well??
Fun french electro poppy
A bit twee. But enjoyable nonetheless. A minor 4 stars
The best of this album was some really dreamy electronica. The worst of it were stretched out sequences that lingered on for way too long and overstayed their welcome. I enjoyed the vocals because they really add to the atmosphere, but some of the instrumentals got to be too much. I'm increasing my initial score from a 3 to a 4 after doing a relisten just over half a year after my first listen. I really liked those instrumentals and sequences this time around. I think I'm just enjoying electronic music more than I used to, which I can attribute to doing this project. Great album!
Such a great album. Falls a bit in the same category as Massive Attack's first two records, Suba's Sâo Paolo confessions and Malcolm McLaren's Duck Rock. I love the use of real life recordings, chatter, radio shows in music, especially for albums that are worth listening to from start to end. It just gives them this narrative context which makes them very compelling. Really enjoyed both the instrumental and sung tracks on this one. A great one to listen from start to end.
Very Strong 4
Musically, it wasn't my favorite. Getting a higher score for resolving some trauma from my childhood.
Being in my twenties in the '90s, this is another album I loved revisiting. Those happy tunes, uplifting beats, trip-hop elements, and fragments of movies, it was all so new, and such a joy to listen to during those sunny, drug-filled, post-rave hangouts in the park or wherever. Classic! Just like Massive Attack, Underworld, or Björk in the nineties, those were the days :-)
Bardzo ciekawe, warto wrocic
This is a hard album for me to rate because it’s one of my mainstay college albums. I think I listened to this album on repeat while playing Battlefield 1 and Minecraft. I really love the sound and beats on this album- it’s this hypnotic mix of house beats and mellifluous singing. However, this album never made it to my main rotation of albums the same way some others from that period did. I’m not going to call it filler, but there’s a lot of songs off this album that break the flow from the singing and beats I mentioned above to dip its toe into some heavier sampling from movies and television that kinda brings the sound to a screeching halt. I still really like this album, but I won’t let my nostalgia blind me to some of its flaws. 4 stars.
Pretty impressed with the talented grooviness of this album, especially as I place it in its 1991 context. (Release year in the UK.) Not quite my type but you don’t choose all your friends. Sometimes they choose you. Sometimes, they rescue you from the algorithm’s other cruel offerings - like that scene in the movie where the hand reaches down to pull our hero out of certain doom. Ok, that got melodramatic. Which is exactly what this album isn’t. It’s nice. Enjoy.
When the music kicked in on Only Love Can Break Your Heart, I turned the volume way up. Never heard of the album or band before, but it’s really good. Carnt Sleep and Nothing Can Stop Us were my other favorite tracks. I think some Jay Z might sample the piano in Carnt Sleep. I’m a fan.
This was a good album. I liked the variety of songs and musical arrangements.
Pure vibes I guess
Non è un 4 pieno. Alcune canzoni mi sono piaciute molto, altre meno. La voce di lei purtroppo mi ha irritato un po’, mi dava troppo la vibe da hippie nel pulmino Volkswagen.
vibes molto belle mi so divertita ho anche sorriso un po' a qualche pezzo, non lo conoscevo proprio ma bella scoperta un 4 se lo merita tutto ma forse se lo riascolto con calma raggiunge anche un 5
Pretty neat
### 🎵 **Overview** *Foxbase Alpha* is the debut studio album by English band Saint Etienne, released on September 16, 1991, by Heavenly Recordings. Formed by music journalists and avid record collectors Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs, the band initially envisioned a rotating vocalist setup before settling on Sarah Cracknell as the primary singer. The album blends house, pop, indie, dub, and 1960s influences, creating a genre-bending tapestry that bewildered and impressed critics upon its release . --- ### 📝 **Lyrics** The lyrics on *Foxbase Alpha* were primarily written by Bob Stanley, with contributions from Pete Wiggs and occasional input from vocalists. Themes include urban life, love, nostalgia, and British cultural references. Tracks like "London Belongs to Me" romanticize the city ("Close our eyes, breathe out slowly / Today London loves us only"), while "Spring" explores unrequited love with a conversational, heartfelt tone. The use of sampled dialogue (e.g., film snippets in "Etienne Gonna Die") and folk-inspired lyrics ("Like the Swallow") adds layers of intertextuality. However, some lyrics verge on cliché (e.g., "Nothing Can Stop Us" leans into overly optimistic platitudes) . --- ### 🎶 **Music** The album’s music is a kaleidoscopic fusion of: - **House and Dance Rhythms**: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" transforms Neil Young’s folk ballad into a 4/4 dance track with piano loops and dub basslines. - **Dub and Reggae Influences**: "Carnt Sleep" uses the Youthman riddim, a reggae staple. - **60s Pop and Soul**: "Nothing Can Stop Us" samples Dusty Springfield, while "She’s the One" references Motown. - **Experimental Instrumentals**: Tracks like "Stoned to Say the Least" and "Wilson" incorporate sound collages and psychedelic textures. The diversity is both a strength and weakness: it showcases creativity but occasionally feels disjointed . --- ### 🎛️ **Production** Produced by the band with engineer Ian Catt, the production is DIY and resourceful. Recorded in a home studio and even a bathroom for vocal acoustics, it has a lo-fi charm. Sampling technology is used extensively, from film dialogues to pop snippets, creating a "scrapbook" aesthetic. However, the production varies in polish: some tracks sound crisp and innovative (e.g., the Weatherall mix of "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"), while others feel rudimentary (e.g., the flat vocals on "Kiss and Make Up") . --- ### 🧠 **Themes** Key themes include: - **Nostalgia and Pop Culture**: References to 60s icons, football, and London evoke a sense of curated nostalgia. - **Urban Romanticism**: The album paints London as a mythical, beloved space. - **Hybrid Identity**: The band’s scholarly eclecticism mirrors the UK’s cultural melting pot of the early 90s. These themes reflect Stanley and Wiggs’ backgrounds as music journalists and fanzine writers, though they sometimes prioritize style over substance . --- ### 📊 **Influence** *Foxbase Alpha* was: - Shortlisted for the inaugural 1992 Mercury Prize, losing to Primal Scream’s *Screamadelica* . - A precursor to the Britpop movement, influencing bands like Pulp and Blur with its pop-conscious experimentation. - Celebrated for bridging indie and dance music, akin to contemporaries like Massive Attack and The Orb . Its sampling techniques and genre-blending inspired later electronic and pop acts. --- ### ✅ **Pros** 1. **Innovative Genre Fusion**: Seamlessly blends house, dub, pop, and indie . 2. **Cultural Time Capsule**: Captures the early-90s UK vibe where acid house, indie, and retro nostalgia coexisted . 3. **Standout Tracks**: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Nothing Can Stop Us," and "London Belongs to Me" remain iconic . 4. **Sampling Creativity**: Clever use of samples adds depth and wit . --- ### ❌ **Cons** 1. **Inconsistent Vocals**: Moira Lambert’s flat delivery on "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" contrasts poorly with Cracknell’s later contributions . 2. **Lack of Cohesion**: The album feels like a "melting pot" without a unified direction, jumping between genres abruptly . 3. **Dated Production**: Some tracks suffer from thin sounds and overly repetitive loops . 4. **Lyrical Shallowness**: Some lines feel more like pastiche than profound commentary . --- ### 🎧 **Conclusion** *Foxbase Alpha* is a flawed but groundbreaking debut that reflects the creative ambition of its makers. Its fusion of dance and pop, coupled with its nostalgic themes, paved the way for Saint Etienne’s future work and influenced 90s alternative music. While uneven, its best moments are timeless, and its cultural significance remains undeniable . **Key Tracks**: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Nothing Can Stop Us," "London Belongs to Me," "Like the Swallow."
It's pretty good. Strange that I missed this one in the 90s
Bit on the random side, but must say I enjoyed it. Similar to The Avalanches.
This album hit me perfectly. Of the early 90s UK-based techno albums we've hears here, this might be the most concise. 3.5
Mixing down tempo house beats and eclectic samples, with some gorgeous vocals this album hits all the right notes for me. Their most famous track is a cover of Neil Young’s Only Love Can Break Your Heart which is in strong contention for one of my favourite covers of all time. This track was recorded in two hours, featuring Moria Lambert on vocals and earned the band a recording deal and a respectable hit in the process. Lambert was later replaced by Sarah Cracknell who performed the rest of the tracks on this debut album. I’m not sure why I missed this album first time around, but I’m glad I’ve found it now and I’ll certainly be listening to more of their work.
I'm not a huge fan of electronic music, but this is in the range I can appreciate. To be honest, I originally thought that this album was released 5 to 10 years later than its original release, when I started listening to it. It's well built, chill enough without being boring, the voice is a nice addition even though I'd be curious to listen to an instrumental version of this album.
On Foxbase Alpha, Saint Etienne manage to walk the fine line between pleasant, house-based sound washes and carefully orchestrated bliss. Don’t mistake it for mere easy listening, though — it’s not. Whether you fall for its modest, 60’s-tinged pop approach is a question of perspective. It’s club-rooted music for the after-hours and the comedowns; music for those who find beauty in the cracks of society at dawn, when most of us are still asleep. Best digested while waiting at rural bus stations in the wee hours of the morning, as dust slowly drifts in the shy sunlight across fields waiting to be plowed. But there is more than just a soft indie music/alternative dance element to it. Saint Etienne know how to write an instantly memorable melody and a catchy hook — and this is why it stands out from the pack. What’s truly engrossing about the album, however, is Saint Etienne’s playful handling of their source material. Be it the profound re-arrangement of the Neil Young classic Only Love Can Break Your Heart (ever wondered how it would sound in 4/4 with a dubby backbeat?), the looping of a Hey Jude cover (Wilson), or the Dusty Springfield sample in Nothing Can Stop Us. The scatter of odd and brief movie or audio samples strewn across the release only adds to its timeless yet melancholic feel. I was sad to learn that, after more than three decades, Saint Etienne have announced that their upcoming release will be their final studio album. They’ve been around so long that I’ve somehow taken new music from them for granted. While certainly not reinventing the wheel on their latest records, they have always managed to refine the formula they crafted on Foxbase Alpha. And that’s a feat far from common.
Enjoyable and relaxing! A bit proggy, very abstract, but not life-changing :)
V nostalgic album for me as my mum is a big fan and played SE a lot
Hate myself for saying this but pure vibes. Just a really nice chill dance/indie record. Great range of influences went into this thing, really satisfying use of samples and some great basslines. Vocals are dreamlike. Really reminds me of The Radio Dept who I guess must have been heavily influenced by this. Favourites - Carnt Sleep, Girl VII, Spring, Nothing Can Stop Us, London Belongs to Me
Beautiful, and a lovely trip down memory lane
Cool stuff! House music you could have on when people are visiting
Me gusto bastante, a diferencia de otros experimentales, la armonía estuvo bien y tenía cierta cohesión pero cayendo en la repitencia en varios temas. Otros temas podían ser el soundtrack de algun jueguito de investigación de Play 2
Early 90s electronic house/art-pop, an absolute treat and wonderful discovery. IDK what it is about vibey/downtempo house music with silky female vocals, but goddamn it always just does it for me.
Listened to B4? No Tracks Already Saved on Spotify: 1 - Only Love Can Break Your Heart Standout Tracks: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Carnt Sleep, Stoned to Say the Least, Nothing Can Stop Us (80/100)
Some songs were good some great a couple songs not for me
I thought this was pretty cool. Not something I ever would have listened to otherwise.
much better than it should be
Enjoyable easy listening and not in that 70's category it's just a pleasurable listen.
Honestly that was kinda fun. I THINK i've heard of them before - not entirely sure. But i do know. Something i've learned in this project - I like the 80's wayyyyyy more than I thought I did. Just had to find my niche in the heavy metal and hairspray
Never listened to St Ettienne before. "Only love can break your heart" is ponderous. 'Carnt Sleep' (sic) is like elevator music tier music. 'Girl VII' is enjoyable. 'spring' too. There's a few hiccups along the way, but overall I am definitely enjoying this album.
I also thought this was quite fun
Wonderfully summery, trippy and dancey like any good british downtempo album from the 90s should be, I think it has both the right variety of sounds of the era to sound interesting while also just being pretty consistent. It's just my kinda thing and I can see myself coming back to it for this kind of relaxed summery vibe. Definetely a new favorite
Pleasant listen. Kind of like a soft Portishead at times. Only Love was fantastic. Carnt Sleep, Girl VII, Nothing Can Stop Us too. Definitely would return to, low 4*
I liked this more than I thought I would. I thought some of the samples especially were fun. A high 3.5
Fun and creative album
Another European trip-hop-esque 90s electronic/dance/club album of MANY on this list. I gotta say, this is my favorite sub-genre I’ve discovered through this list. A wonderful mix of all kinds of musical elements creatively mashed together for a trippy and rhythmic ride. Aka the type of music that would hit different if you smoke some weed first
I enjoyed this album listen! I always enjoy listening to new artists so this was a fun new album to listen to. I liked how they used sampling and a blend of genres together to create a catchy sound and beat within their songs. This music would be so much fun to dance to! I see myself listening to this album and more from St. Etienne in the future!
Great vibe! Precursor to the avalanches. Got that same nostalgia mixed with contemporary beat music. Only heard the fantastic ”only love…” before.
HOUSE 😝
The combination of dance music and whimsy is under explored so it’s nice to hear it on Fox Base Alpha. They clearly like a 60s reference or two and at the same time they love the club music which is swirling around them in 1991. This kind of unusual combination of influences needs some confidence to pull it off and Saint Etienne clearly believe in what they’re doing. As a result this album manages to be odd, experimental, approachable, fascinating and endearing all at the same time. A major achievement.
The older I get, the less I vibe with the chaotic energy of rock music. I just want to chill now. Downtempo house is where my soul thrives at this moment in time. I love the deep bass grooves that I can feel shaking my bones, the chill vocal delivery, the images in my head of the colorful nighttime, the stoned blissfulness of it all. While this album is not perfect as the spoken word parts aren’t necessary, some of the songs are: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Spring, Stoned To Say The Least, Nothing Can Stop Us, London Belongs To Me, and Kiss and Make Up.
I really liked this! It grooves so smoothly. Loved the variety of songs and sounds too...some dancy, some chill, some in between, and all very ethereal feeling. Fave track was Stoned to Say the Least, and Only Love Can Break Your Heart was a close second. She needs to lose that dude though!
Literally had no idea what to expect. Love the samples and vocalist adds a great touch to some of these beats. I like that they incorporated instrumental tracks. This definitely gives 90s/early 2000s pop, these songs make me feel like I’m in a game or a movie. Very vibey. Songs I liked: This Is Radio Etienne, Wilson, Girl VII, Spring, She’s the One, Stoned to Say the Least
Love this. It’s not my favourite St Etienne album, that’s ‘So Tough’, but I really enjoyed it. A playful blend of samples, 60s style and infectious pop hooks, this manages that delicate balancing act of coolness/self awareness with heart on sleeve fun. I’m particularly fond of Nothing Can Stop Us Now.
Nice relaxing ambient jazzy stuff
Pretty fun record. Their new stuff is great too.
Used to love St Etienne - and still have soft spot for them - although was never that big fan of this album - preferring So Tough and Tiger Bay as peak St Etienne. Had massive crush on Sarah Cracknell for long time. Should really give this a 3 as whilst it has some great moments ( Only Love can break your heart) its a bit weak and light weight in others. But am rounding up to a 4 for nostalgia.
Heerlijke auto muziek, luistert lekker weg en vraagt niet te veel van de luisteraar. Ik heb wel het gevoel dat als bepaalde nummers ietsje korter waren het een betere ervaring is, Alhoewel dat vaak een probleem van dit genre is
Long interludes don't belong in house music. Otherwise, very nice.
Pretty good early 90's dance and trip hop tracks; not much else to say here. 4.5 bumped down to 4.
Decent pop record with 90s trip hop influence
Good
Their cover of Neil Young is a satisfying and exciting take on that classic, while their sampling verges on MF Doomian peculiarity and creativity. The sweetness of the 60s - not The Beatles but Petula Clark, Lulu, The Crystals ('He hit me / and it felt like a kiss') - gets a house makeover that culminates on tracks like 'Girl VII,' 'Spring,' 'People Get Real,' 'Nothing Can Stop Us Now,' 'London Belongs to Me.' More coherent than The Cocteau Twins and more persuasive than Portishead, Saint Etienne is an imperfect act w/ a whole lot of heart and a talented cast that has engendered enduring songs. A bit long for what it is, no matter, it gives me a pleasure I don't often know where to go to possess. And if you didn't know, 'Carrie's got a boyfriend.'
A little weird at the end, but overall I really liked it
Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Spring, Nothing Can Stop Us
Musica elettronica/ pop molto chill, piaciuto
4. wouldve never listened to this otherwise.
Nice discovery, a downtempo electronic album that I will listen to again.
Really enjoyed this one. Will listen again
Really dreamy and nice with some cool concepts. 4 stars
Sarah Cracknell was the rightful Holder to the title ‘Come Down Queen’ and not Beth Orton. And Bob Stanley is a brilliant writer. You know, St Etienne are probably the most underrated band of their generation.
Enjoyed this far more than I expected. Great vibe. 4/5
Very good. Surprisingly psychedelic, if only mildly so. Low-key electronica with a slight undertone of strangeness.
I didn't know what to expect going in. I thought this was going to be singer-songwriter, but it turned out to be mellow vocal house. It was pretty enjoyable and a very enjoyable listen. I preferred this slightly over the Everything But The Girl album I had yesterday. 3.5/5
Nice
I did not know them. New delightful discovery. 90s dance music with a touch of the 60’s.
Quite an interesting album that blends disco-era pop music with electronic and hip hop influences, definitely an album that requires a few more listens to properly digest
This electronics had a human feel to it. I enjoyed it.
Incredible vocals with some interesting mixes between trip Hop and IDM beats. It starts as a more dance focused record but it gradually gets more and more atmospheric
I’ve never heard of Saint Etienne before, but I’ve seen this album cover on the online checklist, and I’m really curious to see what this album is like. I don’t know why, but this album cover is giving me Sleater-Kinney vibes (I don’t know much about Sleater-Kinney, so I’m not sure why my brain is making the association). I’m excited to fire up this album and see what it’s like! Foxbase Alpha was a really nice surprise. I didn’t fall in love with this album, but there are quite a few gems on it, and it was very enjoyable to listen to. The electronic elements were really interesting and well made, and I thought the vocals were excellent throughout the album. There’s a nice variety of sounds on this album too, but everything still feels really cohesive. It’s kind of a bummer though that two of the best tracks on the American release, “People Get Real” and “Kiss and Make Up” weren’t even on the original UK edition, but even without those songs, this is still a solid and fun album. Saint Etienne know their way around arranging nice melodies, and I’m sure they had a hand in influencing the deluge of electronica music that was about to come pouring out of the UK. Foxbase Alpha is a great album, and I’d be down to revisit it soon.
This album is a standout example of UK electronic pop at its best. I played it at home, in the car, and even at work—it’s truly an album for all occasions. It’s a fun, effortless listen, packed with well-chosen samples that add to its charm and energy. The production feels fresh, making it an engaging experience from start to finish. Favorite track: A tough choice, as I loved Girl VII, Nothing can stop us now and Stoned to say the least, but I have to go with Only Love Can Break Your Heart. It’s one of those rare cases where a cover surpasses the original—sorry, Neil Young, but this version is incredible. Least favorite aspect: The album has a few too many short filler tracks, some barely over a minute long, which disrupts the flow for me. Album artwork: A sleek, visually striking cover that perfectly complements the music.
This album was great. Super chill and atmospheric. This is an ideal album to put on while working or cleaning cause it’s super relaxing. It’s not a perfect album. It doesn’t have a lot of variety and sonically it’s very specific and doesn’t deviate from its sound. Also there’s a few skips so not a perfect give unfortunately. I think if it had a little more variety or if it had one really adventurous, out of the box song that really deviated from the norm it n this album it could’ve easily been a five. But I think this album is totally worth your time, and I’ll be on the lookout for this album on vinyl.
This album is a lot of fun, a great little dose of pop mixed with electronic music that still feels pretty fresh. Favorite track: "Nothing Can Stop Us"
Nice background music. I may check out more of their stuff.
Oh man what a treat hearing this again, this has two extremely memorable songs from this time period - only love can break your heart and nothing can stop us. Really enjoyed this trip.
Only love...
Лондон. Начало девяностых. Воздух дрожит от модных электронных битов, улицы пропитаны эхом рейвов и хаус-вечеринок. Но в узких переулках старого города, нет-нет, да всё ещё можно уловить призрак ушедших солнечных дней — виниловых хитов и юности, что казалась вечной. «Foxbase Alpha» — как раз и проложил такой мостик между психоделической мечтательностью прошлого и механическим пульсом будущего. Saint Etienne смешивают несмешиваемое: сладкий, лёгкий поп 60-х, будто звенящий от наивных грёз, и прохладные клубные ритмы 90-х, где уже нет места иллюзиям, но есть безупречная стилистика. Гулкие реверберации, ленивые синтезаторы, виниловые потрескивания — всё это создаёт ощущение, что ты едешь в ночном автобусе, глядя в мутное стекло, а за ним проносятся неоновые вывески и лица, растворённые во тьме. Альбом слушается и ощущается очень легко — словно скользит по прозрачному чистому льду. Лёгкий, воздушный, но при этом — с едва уловимой горчинкой ностальгии.
This is an old fave. I’ve listened to it loads. I love the aesthetic and it’s so well put togethrrr. Sarah’s voice isn’t great but it really works with what they do. Doesn’t quite make a 5 for me though
01) This Is Radio Etienne - / 02) Only Love Can Break Your Heart - 10,0 03) Wilson - 7,0 04) Carnt Sleep - 7,5 05) Girl VII - 7,5 06) Spring - 7,5 07) She's the One - 7,5 08) People Get Real - 7,5 09) Stoned to Say the Least - 7,5 10) Nothing Can Stop Us - 8,0 11) Etienne Gonna Die - / 12) London Belongs to Me - 7,5 13) Kiss And Make Up - 8,0 14) Like the Swallow - 7,0 15) Dilworth's Theme - / TOTAL: 7,71 (77/100) Current ranking: 181/429
Dreamy pop, beautiful album!
Never heard of the band so I went into this not knowing what to expect. Wikipedia had the album listed as alternate dance, so I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. The singer has a unique voice and the music felt almost ethereal at times. They almost lost me at the first 7 minute (mostly instrumental) track ... Does any album really need two 7 minute long (again, mostly instrumental and repetitive) tracks?? Idk but I liked the second one better than the first for sure. Overall it was a great album
obviously it has a banger on here which automatically made me happy and nostalgic to listen to. I also love the name ‘Saint’ and ‘Etienne’. it is actually an ok album to have on in the background and also most of the songs work to be on a movie soundtrack - it’s cool, it’s nostalgic, i like the samples and adlibs and beats, i can see why it’s on here.
Makes me feel kind of eurotrashy...I like it
Definitely not like anything I listen to regularly, but I liked it.
The kind of music I’d Shazam in a bar while I’m really stoned, but then Shazam another song afterwards and not know how to find my history to see this song again. I played this album while in a 110° steam-room shower in Chicago smoking herb and it was ethereal.
Fun and poppy. It’s very 90s but they did some interesting things on the album and I think they married straight electronica with classic pop pretty effectively. Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Stoned to Say the Least, and Like the Swallow are standouts for me. But an honorable mention to Wilson for being batshit.
I wasn't convinced at first. Ended up being pretty vibey
прик почему то у меня уже были 2 альбома добавленны и так…. чисто прик
i love this a lot
General impression: now this is some good pop. Detailed review: This strikes me as landing somewhere between Beck and Air. It’s mostly breezy dance-pop, with a sort of minimalist bent, and samples of dialogue and spoken-word adding to a collage-like feel. It’s right up my alley for pop, and I’m definitely interested in diving into their whole discography. Also, it’s really cool that I got this album assigned just a few days before they release a new album. Deeper thoughts (context): They must be underrated. In my world, they’d have become a bigger influence on other musicians. Score: 4.3 Number of albums left to review: 930 Number of albums from the list I’d consider “must-listens”: 42 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine: 29
Nice breezy indie clubland listen that has two absolutely groovalicious choice cuts with the acid house cover of Only Love Can Break Your Heart and the resplendent pop euphoria of Nothing Can Stop Us Now. Plus also some more slender beautiful highlights with Spring and London Belongs To Me Now and the female vocals throughout the album tend to be pretty delish. It’s a bit fragmented by frequent TV and movie snippets as well as sudden bursts of ambient and the weaker tracks do feel a little too random and sketchy. Either a strong 3.5 or a low 4.0.
It was very delightful
Not really my type of music, but i enjoyed the album!
Listened Before? N This took several songs to grow on me, but in the end I really enjoyed it enough to go back and revisit a few songs immediately. Feels very 90s, and that's a very good thing. Trip-hop is what they called this style I think and it's pretty groovy. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: She's the One, Only Love Can Break Your Heart
So many vibes on this project, I’m not sure how I feel about it. But it captured my attention enough to keep me listening for an hour so I’m thinking that’s positive. Definitely will have to run this one back because I’m truly perplexed by it.
genre tags on rym look very me-core it is very me-core. excellent blend old pop and breakbeats / house. i really like this album. Like a less french dots and loops by stereolab (idk what that means it just reminds me of that album for whatever reason)
Ah it's lovely
Sweet indie pop classic. That Neil Young cover though.
A fun listen, best song comes right at the start which is always a little annoying though.
Feelin very indie
This was interesting and will listen again with a sober head
very chill
# Playlist Track - People Get Real # Notes - Ended up listening to the whole thing a bunch of times in the past few days. It's definitely an *intriguing* album. Not an excellent one, but intriguing, for sure. - I did enjoy some of the tracks, but was frequently distracted by weird interruptions.
I like this better now. The hits still hit. 4/5
Interesting, different French nostalgia vibe
Easy listening Indie Pop with a faible for the 60's.
4 stars just cause the second track is so fuckin bangin
nice background music for when you go on a walk in the woods when it’s sunny
Thought they would be French, very English, I liked the sort of early house electronic vibes, thought it was very chill and nice easy listening
So quirky, joyful and upbeat, such intelligent use of the most obscure samples.
20240905 Saint Etienne – Foxbase Alpha 3.5/5 Now this is an “old sounding” album that I can get around (knowing that it is a 90’s album, but it has aged quite a bit). This electro pop album sounds exactly like its time, similar to other artists like Portishead or Massive Attack; and on the trend of sample-driven music, probably influencing other bands like The Avalanches. I’m a big fan of these musicians, so that is a big start for liking Saint Etienne’s record. Despite its aged production and other flaws like too long songs, I have enjoyed it quite a bit. Favourite songs: Only Love Can Break Your Heart, Spring, She's the One. Least favourite songs: Carnt Sleep, Stoned to Say the Least, Like the Swallow.
Easy listen electronica. Experimental at times. Some of the tracks I would have preferred as instrumental even though her voice is pleasant.
Very different! Really enjoyed this one.
Enjoyed more than I expected to, elements of Brit pop and trip hop throughout this one. Fun
Only Love Can Save Your Heart is a great cover.
I really enjoyed the ambient sound of this album. I feel like I could hear the first inklings of the tropes and techniques that are fundamental to later genres like lo-fi and hauntology
I respect the thematic thread beginning from the intro to the album. I’m not typically invested in albums like this one but I did like the quirkiness paired with the mellow vibe. It surprised me and I would listen again.
fab summer vibes
Pleasantly surprised by the album, it released in 1992 but it could've been released last year. Every track is perfectly chill, very listenable (not super memorable though).
Pretty enjoyable album. I really liked the mellow vocals. I would probably check out the rest of their catalog.
3.5/5
bella mina
The shit
twee
Pretty good album considering the genre. Never heard of it before.
Very catchy and groovy songs. "Only Live Can Break a Heart," "Spring," "nothing Can Stop Us," and"Kids and Make Up" are favorites. The interstitial of guys at a poker game was ... a bit too long for me.
I actually kind of like this album and have absolutely no idea how to classify it. There is sampling and rhythmic and melodic repetition, but not to the point of being overdone. I suppose it is Indie in spirit but not in musicality.
Great
Alternative dancetrip hop. Francesa. Está chulo.
Honestly super enjoyed this. Felt like Massive Attack met Dream Pop
Only Love Can Break Your Heart reminds me of something that I cannot put my finger on. Downtempo, dusty electro-pop built around a wandering piano melody -- feels distinctly 90s and I dig it. Did not connect that this is a cover of a Neil Young song... Love the sample looping around which Wilson is built. Makes for a surreal atmosphere with the fuzzy electronic "presence" and overlaid echo effects. The vocal effects and electronic style on Girl VII reminds me a lot of Park Hye Jin's early work fused with Peggy Gou. Stoned to Say the Least is a straight up groove. Cyclical bassline with standard high-hat propulsion and some synth plonk. I have a soft spot for trip hop and early 90s electronic in general, and this album has plenty along those lines to please. This was a pleasant surprise. Strong 4 / 5.
Wow this is so good
Pretty good album from a band that I have never heard of before. It reminds me slightly of the early Chemical Brothers, similar, chilled style, cool beats, really nice vocals, just an above average package. I think this is the best hotel lounge music on this lost so far.
Goddamn, it’s been a long time! I like this better now. The hits still hit.
Perfect summer time listening that, just as the weather decided to play nicely. Such a fantastic mellow trip-hop style. 4 stars!
Neil Young - that is how your song should be sung! But its not just a better cover than the original, OLWBYH was one of those songs that make up the soundtrack to my life in 1990. The other single, 'Nothing Can Stop Us' proved to me this lot werent one track wonders. The rest of the album is equally mellow and a nice summery set of tracks. A 4.
This is pretty nifty. Not sure 1,001 albums material, but I do dig it a lot.
Chill, fakker med d
Bardzo fajny edm z dawnych lat. Dobre brzmienie w tle.
💖 nothing can stop us 🗣️ 8️⃣
I liked this more than I thought I would.
Love the instrumentation
Fun poppy dance music.
Album was good, but would have benefitted from a cutback on time.
The best song on here turned out to be a Neil Young cover, but otherwise pretty decent trip hop stuff
Paar lekkere nummers, leuke stijl