Just as famous for their tongue-in-cheek debut album cover as their music, Yorkshire three-piece Dubstar were undoubtedly one of the most quintessentially British bands of the '90s. With vocalist Sarah Blackwood's deadpan delivery, humorous and sometimes twisted observational lyrics, and an electro/Brit-pop sound that appealed equally to both the NME and Smash Hits audience, it's easy to see why they were hailed as the North's answer to Saint Etienne. And like Saint Etienne, despite a few...   [ read more ]

CD $12.33

CD $12.33

Somewhat of a triumph, especially for a British band of the '90s with no hint of Beatles influence or tortured vocals. Instead we are treated to a smorgasbord of nifty melodies, some very good lyrics and Sarah Blackwood's lovely vocals. For the most part, the sound (led by Stephen Hague's glossy production) is layered synths, sometimes Erasuresque (as on "Anywhere"), with programmed beats and, here or there, the odd jangly guitar a la the Sundays ("St. Swithins Day," written by {$Billy...   [ read more ]

CD $18.98