In an effort to exploit the completely fan-like nature of Saint Etienne followers, SubPop gathers recent b-side-styled dalliances from the lovable trio, adds a couple of previously unavailable moments to sweeten the pot, and strings it out across an album format, resulting in something that sounds rather like an album (and a rather good album) in the process. Amongst the bubble-and-squeak, there's much audio delight to savor, from the slow-burning brush-drummed and piano-stroked Sarah-Cracknell-cooing-in-your-ear fest "Thank You," to the beautifully summery, almost Good Humor-like acousticky pop jaunt "Shoot Out the Lights," to the slinky aquatic beats, reflective piano glitters, windswept hisses, washed-out distant strings, and Cracksie-singing-like-a-siren-on-the-rocks of "Northwestern."
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