Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley who was born on Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas

The Bee Gees

Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley has a book on the Bee Gees scheduled to be published in June 2023. More info forthcoming.

In 2012, Bob wrote the foreward for Andrew Sandoval's book Bee Gees: The Day-By-Day Story, 1945-1972.

Check out the Saint Etienne Book Discography for more info.

Lauren Laverne's 6 Music's Breakfast Christmas Party (7:30 AM)

Lauren gets you into the festive spirit with Christmas songs all show long and has a very special live session from Sarah Cracknell & Tim Burgess at the BBC's Maida Vale studios.

Sarah Cracknell drops news about the new album. Click on the link to read what went down.

Debsey Wykes

Thirty Years ago today Saint Etienne's Debsey Wykes took the stage for the first time with the band at their Xmas experience Night Of Fear December 15, 1992.

Book Launch

Celebrating the publication of Ramzy Alwakeel’s How We Used Saint Etienne To Live

Rose And Crown, London, England

Lieutenant Pigeon

Bob Stanley has written the liner notes for Lieutenant Pigeon: The Decca Years which will be released on January 20, 2023 on Cherry Red Records. A 2 CD 48-track set rounding up all of the releases on Decca Records by Lieutenant Pigeon.

The Character Of Saint Etienne

This Year's Christmas Fanclub Release Number 2 (Foreign Office 19)

Fairfax High

This Year's Christmas Fanclub Release Number 1 (Foreign Office 18)

So Tough 30

Timewarp back to 1992

The Character Of Saint Etienne

The band had quite a few requests for a CD release of 'The Character Of Saint Etienne' and are looking into a special pressing of that in the new year. As they're unsure of CD demand these days they'll likely put this on pre-sale for a couple of weeks in January (TBC) so you can order as many as you like and they'll ship finished stock in March.

A Glimpse Of Stocking

Limited edition 2015 pressing - new old stock

Originally released in 2010 as Fanclub only CD 'A Glimpse Of Stocking' gathered together 15 festive Saint Etienne songs on one Christmasy compilation.

In 2015 the album was released on black vinyl housed in a beautiful retro style "flip back" sleeve with notes by Bob Stanley. We thought these had sold out but whilst switching stock over to our new Sandbag shop this summer we found 190 copies still shrink wrapped in brand spanking new condition.

For those of you who missed out on grabbing one of these back in 2015 now's your chance to bag a copy. Sorry, no signed Christmas cards with these but we're offering them at a special sale price of just 17 pounds a copy. Purchase from 6pm GMT on Tuesday 29th November and all early orders will be delivered in time for Christmas.

The Defining Ten With Pete Wiggs Tonight

The Defining Ten is where an artist/creative is invited to take us on a musical dot to dot journey of the tracks which have led them to who they are today.

For November's event Music Saves Worthing are very excited to bring Saint Etienne's Pete Wiggs to Worthing.

Milestone

30 Years ago today Saint Etienne contributed a cover of Stranger In Paradise to the Ruby Trax compilation. The compilation album was released by the NME (New Musical Express) in 1992 to commemorate 40 years of publication. The album featured 40 cover versions of classic Number 1 songs by popular bands of the era based on the NME's own chart. It was released on 3XLP, 3XCD, and 2Xcassettes.

Compilation Announcement

Bob Stanley / Pete Wiggs Present Winter Of Discontent is out Jan 27, 2023 on CD and 2XLP on Ace Records.

Books On Tyne The Newcastle Book Festival

Let's Do It. Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley will discuss The Birth Of Pop with music historian Brian Ward at Bewick Hall, Newcastle City Library at 7:30 PM.

Augustin Bousfield in Concert

Bob Stanley will be djing at the Augustin Bousfield Show tonight at the Record Cafe in Bradford England to celebrate the Cafe's 8th birthday.

Pre-Order Day Today

To order Fairfax High and/or The Character Of Saint Etienne (6PM GMT) click link for the Saint Etienne Merchandise Shop

To Order Good Humor 25th Anniversary Vinyl with a bonus Los Angeles '99 CD (4PM GMT) click link for the Saint Etienne Music Shop

The Defining Ten With Pete Wiggs

The Defining Ten is where an artist/creative is invited to take us on a musical dot to dot journey of the tracks which have led them to who they are today.

For November's event Music Saves Worthing are very excited to bring Saint Etienne's Pete Wiggs to Worthing.

Official Email From The Band

Blue Christmas (2022)

Fairfax High (Black/Blue Vinyl) FO18
The Character of Saint Etienne (Black/Blue Vinyl) FO19

25th Anniversary (2023)

Good Humor (Coloured Vinyl) with A Bonus CD

Milestone

This Is Tomorrow turns 15 years old

In November 2007 Saint Etienne released This Is Tomorrow on 7 Inch on Heavenly Recordings in conjunction with Fred Perry. The song was written by Bob, Pete, Sarah and Annie. The B-side was the classic Stoned To Say The Least originally found on Foxbase Alpha.

Book - How We Used Saint Etienne to Live

Do you remember how we used to live? British indie favourites Saint Etienne do. But they also remember a load of other stuff that never happened, so maybe they aren't the best people to ask.

Saint Etienne have spent three decades making music out of memories for people who make memories out of music. How We Used Saint Etienne to Live is the story of that reciprocal process, told in the wrong order but the right time. It's about the methods we use to remember, and what happens when those methods become outdated. It's a tale that involves tape splicing, town planning, Now compilations and Saint Etienne’s 1995 UK singles chart peak, 'He's On The Phone'.

Featuring original interviews with Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs and Sarah Cracknell, How We Used Saint Etienne To Live shows Saint Etienne's minds at work as they make and manipulate history and nostalgia. Expect to be shown the receipts. Expect selective recollections and shameless revisionism. Expect concrete facts and flights of fancy. Don't expect it to be immediately clear which is which.

You can pre-order Ramzy Alwakeel's book now from Repeater Books. Book is released on December 13, 2022.

It’s (nearly) Christmas!!!!

FO 018 (vinyl), FO 019 vinyl, FO 020 (CD) on their way?

Click on the link for a preview.

November

That can only mean one thing.
It’s (nearly) Christmas!!!!

FO 018 and FO 019 on their way?
Saint Etienne Headquarters historically have opened their store mid November for pre-order. Let's get ready.

Augustin Bousfield in Concert

Bob Stanley will be djing at the Augustin Bousfield Show on November 18th at the Record Cafe in Bradford England

Amy Lame

When Bob Stanley was 11 he wrote to the BBC to ask if he could look at their record library. 46 years later they replied. Amy Lame set up a record deck and they pulled out some plums today on BBC Radio 6 at 1:00 PM.

Birdie Live

CF30 London: Oct. 28-30

Birdie, Saint Etienne's Debsey Wykes and Paul Kelly, play the Lexington today as part of Chickfactor 30. Chickfactor fanzine was founded 30 years ago by Pam Berry & Gail O’Hara (in DC/NY) and they are incredibly excited to celebrate with us on October 28 & 29 at the Lexington and October 30 (afternoon) at the Betsey Trotwood.

Milestone

30 years ago today Heavenly Recordings released the Fred EP on 7 Inch, 12 Inch, CD Single, and Cassette Single.

The EP had Saint Etienne, Flowered Up, and The Rockingbirds covering Right Said Fred songs. Saint Etienne covered I'm Too Sexy and featured the vocals of Pete Wiggs and Sarah Cracknell.

All profits from the sale of this record went to The Terrence Higgins Trust, a registered Charity to inform, advise and help on Aids and HIV infection.

A Licence to Rock and Pop

Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley has written the introduction to James Fry's A Licence to Rock And Pop: An Inventory of Attitude book. This version of the book was issued today, October 17, in the UK.

Steve Lamacq's Roundtable Nov 10

Steve Lamacq welcomes Tim Wheeler from Ash & Saint Etienne's Sarah Cracknell to 6 Music's Roundtable to review some new releases.

Milestone

Around this time 20 years ago, in 2002, Saint Etienne released their single Shower Scene on 12 Inch and CD Single via Mantra Recordings in Spain only.

Milestone

20 Years ago today, on October 7, 2002, Saint Etienne released their album Finistere on LP and CD in the UK.

Check out the Finisterre section of the Discography to see the 24 releases of the album over multiple formats, countries, and years.

New Addition To The Discography

Addition of a Finisterre CDR Promo on Mantra Recordings from 2002 to the Discography. Interesting item which features some alternative track names to the final version.

Milestone

30 Years ago today, on October 5, 1992, Saint Etienne released their single Avenue on 12 Inch, 2XCD singles, and Cassette.

Milestone

30 Years ago today, on October 5, 1992, Oval released their first single Photograph on 12 Inch and CD single on Saint Etienne's own label Icerink.

New Label Announcement

Today Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley announced the launch of his new 7 Inch record label called Measured Mile with the first 7 Inch being issued at the end of November

A Measured Mile section has been added to the Discography and can be accessed via the Discography Index

Pictures of the first Brian Bennett & Alan Hawkshaw/Dave Richmond release can be found already in the Discography

Concert Announcement

Hove - The Old Market: Nov 11

"Our short run of shows over the summer seem like a long time ago now and we're really looking forward to two dates we have planned for November. First up we'll be returning to The Old Market in Hove on Friday 11th November. We love this venue and our last show there was such fun. This time around we will be supported by Quatermass III (the people behind World Of Twist, Earl Brutus and the Dials) plus a DJ set from the one and only Steve Mason. Tickets for this go on-sale from 10.30am this coming Monday 3rd Oct"

"Our last show at The Old Market sold out really quickly so please don't hang around if you want tickets."

"On Sunday 13th we'll be heading off to Butlins in Minehead to appear as part of the Shiiine On Festival alongside the Teenage Fanclub, Tim Burgess and Badly Drawn Boy."

30 years Ago

Saint Etienne mailed out the first Clenbuterol, the official newsletter of Saint Etienne, to the Lovers Unite Fanclub in September 1992. From 1992 to 2002, 15 issues were released.

Milestone

30 years ago today the Supermarket single was released on Saint Etienne's Icerink label.

"Two Young Boys From Denmark": Supermarket was actually Lawrence from Felt, Denim, and Go-Kart Mozart.

The single was released on CD Single and 12 Inch in the UK. It was also released on CD single in Germany. Click on the link for more information and single artwork.

Milestone

30 years ago, Saint Etienne pressed up 1000 of this Live - Paris '92 Flexi-Disc.

Everyone's memory is hazy but word is that this was given out free at Japanese gigs.

The assumption is that the two live tracks were taken from Saint Etienne's first concert in Paris on March 1, 1991. The assumption is that the flexi's were given out at the Japanese gigs in May of 1993.

The two tracks are Mario's Cafe (live in Paris) and Choc Stock (live in Paris) (A Fall Cover).

Milestone

5 Years ago today (Sep 8, 2017), Saint Etienne released Dive off their album Home Counties on 2 X CD Single. A 12 Inch was released shortly after.

“I started writing 'Dive' with Carwyn Ellis in early 2016, we’d worked on my solo album together and were on a bit of a roll. I love the final result, it reminds me of care free summer days growing up in Home Counties Windsor fooling around on the Thames. My favourite song on the EP is ‘Obvious' which is about leaving your hometown and boomeranging back later in life. It’s something that didn’t happen to me but so many of my old friends have returned to Windsor or infact never left. I envy the fact that they meet up together in the same pubs we used to hang out in our teens. That would be a welcome treat right now as I’m missing my recently departed friend Mick Bund. This release is dedicated to him.” Sarah Cracknell 2017

Milestone

"It's the rose Cracknell and her thorny pals Stanley and Wiggs and a new piece of their oeuvre from the to-be highly acclaimed album Finisterre"

20 Years ago Saint Etienne released their first single Action off their album Finisterre on 12 Inch and 2XCD. The single hit the UK charts twenty years ago today landing at number 41.

Olivia Newton-John

On September 9, 2022, a deluxe edition of Olivia's first album If Not For You will be released and will have liner notes by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley

DJ Pressings

Right about this time 30 years ago in 1992, DJs were getting their hands on this Oval 12 Inch pressed up on Saint Etienne's record label Icerink.

DJ Pressings

Right about this time 30 years ago in 1992, DJs were getting their hands on this Lawrence (Denim, Felt, Go-kart Mozart, Mozart Estate) side project promo pressed up on Saint Etienne's record label Icerink.

A Mesmoric Monster

Early 1991, Lovecut DB (Douglas Benford & Sarah Cracknell) released Fingertips

Bob's friend Celina Nash from Windsor introduces Sarah to Bob & Pete. Celina had played the guys the 1st Lovecut DB 12 Inch

In the Feb 9, 1991 Melody Maker Bob Stanley reviewed the single

On Mar 27, 1991 first Saint Etienne concert with Sarah as vocalist

On May 6, 1991 Saint Etienne release Nothing Can Stop Us with Sarah on vocals

Discography Addition

Addition and Unboxing of Saint Etienne's Japan pressing of Foxbase Alpha Special Edition released in 2017 by Hostess Entertainment Unlimited.

This is the promo pressing which is identical to the retail copy except for a small promo sticker on the Japanese Liner that is wrapped around the packaging.

This was typical of Japanese promo releases back in the 90s and 00s. This package also included 2 Japanese Lyric Booklets which were unique to the Japanese release.

Halifax, United Kingdom

The Book Corner/Grayston Unity are welcoming Bob Stanley, author of 'Let's Do It' who will talk with Chris Dyson about his wonderful new book. Bob has a number of appearances across the UK lined up in August and September. Check out the timeline for more details

Milestone

35 years ago today Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley had his first article published in the UK Press. It was a review of The Surf Drums at Burberries in Birmingham. This was the beginning of a two year stint working at NME.

Check out the Saint Etienne Public Library for Bob's work in 1987.

Sarah Cracknell Spotlight

Click the Link for more info on the career of Sarah Cracknell

Discography Update

Foxbase Alpha Japanese Cassette Promo has been added to the Discography. It was issued by Warner Music Japan Inc. around 1992 to support the release of Foxbase Alpha in Japan. A surprise late edition to the Discography. Click the link for more details and pictures.

Milestone

Sarah Cracknell released her first single Love Is All You Need on 3 Bears Records this month 35 years ago on 7 Inch single. Both the A-Side and the B-Side were written by her good friend Mick Bund. Click the link for full details and artwork.

Film

The film Take Three Girls The Dolly Mixture Story screening at the Glas-Goes Pop Festival in the afternoon. The film was by Paul Kelly. Saint Etienne's Debsey Wykes was in Dolly Mixture in the early eighties. Rachel Love, an original member of Dolly Mixture performs live at the festival in the evening.

Snapshot

Japanese outfit Snapshot were Yugo Katayama, Yukari Takasaki who released a number of singles between 1993 and 1997 on Escalator Records. They must have been big fans of the Saint Etienne Record Label Icerink.

They released this CD Single in 1996 called Icerink. The artwork (5 Inserts) pays tribute to the Icerink Label's logo. The CD includes a track called Year Of The V-neck which may or may not be a cover (Elizabeth City State track title from the We Are Icerink Compilation). Hideki Kaji helped out on the EP.

They also released a CD Single in 1994 called Golden which included a song called Bob Hot. Likely in reference to the Icerink band Golden and the 1994 song Bob Cool by Spring included on the We Are Icerink CD Compilation.

Remix

Saint Etienne & Gurgles have collaborated on a remix of Sun Goes Out by Communicant. Its out July 29, 2022.

Connections

Sarah Cracknell's band Oblivion River sharing a bill with her friend Lawrence's band Felt in 1986. Also on the bill were The Servants who released two singles that year on Head, an early label of Heavenly Recordings Jeff Barrett.

Thanks to NothingElseOn for sharing the clipping via the web

Birdie Live

CF30 London: Oct. 28-30

Chickfactor fanzine was founded 30 years ago by Pam Berry & Gail O’Hara (in DC/NY) and they are incredibly excited to celebrate with us on October 28 & 29 at the Lexington and October 30 (afternoon) at the Betsey Trotwood.

Birdie plays on Oct 29th at the Lexington. On Oct 28th Rachel Love of Dolly Mixture is also performing as part of the weekend.

Indie Top 20 Volume 10

Newspaper ad for the first UK compilation with a Saint Etienne track on it released in 1990 on 2XLP, CD, and Cassette by Beechwood Music.

Saint Etienne have appeared on over 500 different compilations and we do log some of these compilations in the Discography. To be logged the compilations need to have Saint Etienne tracks that were never available on official Saint Etienne releases or tracks that appeared first on these compilations before they appeared on a Saint Etienne official release.

Thanks to NothingElseOn for sharing the clipping via the web

Book Release

Gordon King's book on the World of Twist titled 'When Does the Mind-Bending Start?' is released today on Nine Eight Books. Gordon King is a guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of former British indie band World of Twist.

Gordon also did the Variety Club and Butlins Mixes of Saint Etienne's Avenue for the single release back in 1992.

Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley wrote about the World of Twist in NME in 1990. Historically Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne appeared in World Of Twist's video 'Sweets' in 1991. The song was taken from the band's album Quality Street.

Bob also released a World Of Twist 7 Inch titled 'The Sausage' on his Caff record label in 1992. The single included vocals of James Fry who has been a photographer of Saint Etienne over the years.

World Of Twist contributed one track to Saint Etienne's Icerink label called 'New Electric Pop And Soul' which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

Discography Update

Unboxing of Stavely Makepeace The Scrap Iron Rhythm Revue CD which was compiled by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley and released in 2004 on RPM Records

Saint Etienne have compiled over 50 compilations since 1994.

Merchandise Update

Since opening the new merchandise shop in 2021 the band has been getting lots of requests to re-issue classic Saint Etienne tee shirt designs from yesteryear. The following three classic Saint Etienne designs were made available today, July 19, until September 1st. The Band have also asked to let them know if there are other classics you fancy seeing back in print.

Discography Update

Unboxing of Sarah Cracknell's Japan pressing of Anymore released in 1996 by Gut Records with InsideOut and Toshiba EMI Ltd.

This is the promo pressing which is identical to the retail copy except for additional promo text factory printed around the inner rim of the CD, and a small promo sticker on the front cover of the booklet.

This was typical of Japanese promo releases back in the 90s and 00s.

Connections

Interesting ad from NME Sep 22, 1990 for a gig on Sep 20, 1990 at Powerhaus, Liverpool Road, Islington, London, England. Saint Etienne were just about to release their single Kiss And Make Up on Oct 1, 1990 with Donna Savage (Dead Famous People) on vocals. Future Saint Etienne vocalist Debsey Wykes (Coming Up Roses, Birdie, Dolly Mixture) was also on this bill which was promoting the Paradise Records' Postcard From Paradise compilation release. Could there have been conversations between Debsey and Donna that inspired Debsey to engage with Saint Etienne?

Connections

Interesting ad from NME Nov 14, 1987 for a gig presented by Panic Station on Nov 16, 1987 at Dingwalls, Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, London, England. Sarah's friends Lawrence (Felt) and Johnny Male (Metro Trinity) on the bill. For linkage details visit Sarah Cracknell and Friends.

Radio Interviews

Today Paul Kelly (East Village, Birdie, Heavenly Films, Saint Etienne) was interviewed by Steve Rowland on his radio show 'Our Favourite Show' on Totally Wired Radio. Paul will join Steve again next month for Part 2 of the interview

In the nineties Steve collaborated with Paul Kelly in Phantom Industries. The company designed packaging for:
St Etienne's Good Humor, Sylvie, and The Bad Photographer in 1998
Bob & Pete's Glen Campbell compilation The Capitol Years 65/77 in 1998
Sarah Cracknell's Lipslide US release in 2000

Over the past three years Steve Rowland has interviewed a number of Saint Etienne related individuals including:
Debsey Wykes (Dolly Mixture, Birdie, Saint Etienne)
Jeff Barrett (Heavenly Recordings)
Martin Kelly (East Village, Heavenly Recordings, Heavenly Films, Saint Etienne Manager)

Discography Update

St Etienne Cassette Album Promo has been added to the Discography. It was issued 24 years ago by Creation Records to support the promotion of the album Good Humor in the UK.

Milestone

35 Years ago in the summer of 1987 Djs started to receive copies of Sarah Cracknell's Coastal Town 12 Inch Dance Mix.

Milestone

35 Years ago in the summer of 1987 Saint Etienne's Bob and Pete issued their third Caff Zine in the UK. Thanks to the generosity of the Saint Etienne Disco community (Michael Clunkie and David Clynch) you can access and read all issues of the Caff Zine here at the Saint Etienne Disco.

Bob Stanley & Pete Wiggs Present Fell From The Sun: Downtempo & After Hours 1990-91

Out today at your local retailers on 2XLP or CD.

Book Announcement

Repeater Books will issue a book in December called 'How We Used Saint Etienne to Live' - the story of how the band made music out of memories, and how we made memories out of them. The book is written by Ramzy Alwakeel. More details to follow.

Discography Update

The compilation The Girls Are At It Again UK Beat Girls 1964-1969 was originally to be 1 of 4 CDs released by Bob and Pete on their Eclipse label in 2006. This was the original promotional CDR issued for that release.

The compilation was finally released in 2009 as part of the second set of Eclipse releases. It was compiled by Bob, Pete, and Sheila Burgel and had a different tracklisting than the promotional CDR.

Discography Update

St Etienne 9 track cassette single promo has been added to the Discography. It was issued 24 years ago by Creation Records to support the promotion of the Bad Photographer single in the UK.

Milestone

35 Years ago in the summer of 1987 Saint Etienne's Bob and Pete issued the first and only release on their first record label Veston. The St. Christopher Flexi EP was included with Bob and Pete's Caff Zine.

"You are witness to the birth of a beautiful new record label. We at Caff are proud to unveil Veston Records. Doubtless you are already sobbing in disbelief at the immense beauty of VOD 001. There will soon be more." "Veston is not interested in profit margins, bonus tracks, or ugly barcodes that ruin the sleeve. Nope. This is a labour of love, pure and simple. We are here to serve you."

Discography Update

St Etienne Cassette Album Sampler has been added to the Discography. It was issued 24 years ago by Creation Records to support the promotion of the album Good Humor in the UK.

Saint Etienne On Tour

Sat June 24 - The Park, Glastonbury Festival

Event Announcement

Dave Berry And The Cruisers Live

September 23, 2022

Caroline Club, Saltaire, England

DJs Bob Stanley and Anne-Marie White

Discography Update

In 2000 Bob and Pete were credited in helping out on eight songs on Shampoo's third album 'Absolute Shampoo' which was self-released and sold via the internet. Just recently an Advance Copy of the album has surfaced with different artwork and different tracklisting. The CD has been added to the Discography.

Continental 25

1997-2022

Continental was released today twenty-five years ago on LP and CD in Japan on the L'appareil-Photo label. The release was "Originally a compilation but now viewed by the band as an album proper."

SaintEtienneDisco.com 2002-2022

Acknowledgement and thanks to:

The hundreds of fans from around the world who have collaborated and contributed to build up this site.

The passionate Saint Etienne fans from all over the world driving the dialogue via social media for the past five years. Facebook (2661 members), Twitter (1235 Members), Instagram (313 members).

Ian Foster, Arthit Promprasit, Michael Blake/Dan Bailey, Brian Tomlinson, Holger Meier, Ben Riddle, Michael Clunkie, Paul Dean, Michael Siou, Pete Haine, and Davide for over the top collaboration and generosity to the project and Saint Etienne community.

The Librarians Arthit P (Cat Radio), Darren Rigby-O'Neill (Fotostat Blog), Lance Davis (Lansure's Music Paraphernalia), Martin Wilson, Mike Harrington, and Andrew Burke.

The original pioneers Mark Dorset at 'Saint Etienne Heaven' and Ken KP at 'Tokyo Skyline’ for inspiration. Our Italian cousin Diego Zapple Imperatore over at the Saint Etienne Italian Fan Club and Chris Bale at the Saint Etienne Support Group.

The Toronto Crew, Len Lumbers, Jon Blanthorn, Roger B, Brad K, Jon W, Tim O.

Bob, Pete, Sarah, and Martin for their support of this arms length fan project out of Canada.

Last but not least thanks to Cyrus of Starsound Records for putting the OLCBYH Reissue 12 Inch UK import into our hands back in 1991.

Note: The Saint Etienne Discography and News page is always looking for ideas, contributions and help. Please contact saintetiennedisco@gmail.com if you are interested in getting involved or contributing something to the site.

SaintEtienneDisco.com

2002-2022

The SaintEtienneDisco.com Discography website turned 20 this month. Here's to 20 more?

Look no further than the acknowledgement section of this website for the hundreds of fans who have made this website what it is today.

Discography Update

Let's Do It - Deep Magic From The Dawn Of Pop CD

Limited Edition Fanclub CD (500) was included with the purchase of Bob's Book Let's Do It - The Birth Of Pop (May 5, 2022 Release) from the Saint Etienne Merchandise Shop.

This is the 20th release on Saint Etienne's fanclub label Foreign Office.

Discography Update

Dot Allison's Entangled Remix EP 12 Inch has been unboxed. The EP includes a Saint Etienne remix of Dot's song One Love taken from her recent album Heart-Shaped Scars. The vinyl was limited to 100 copies pressed but can still be purchased digitally from Bandcamp.

Belfast

Today June 15th Saint Etienne: I've Been Trying To Tell You Screening+ Bob Stanley Q&A with Glenn Patterson at the Queen's Film Theatre, Belfast, Northern Ireland in collaboration with the Belfast Book Festival

Tomorrow June 16th Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland as part of the Belfast Book Festival Bob Stanley will be in conversation with Belfast-based author Wendy Erskine.

The event will focus on Bob's book Let's Do It: The Birth of Pop, prequel to his universally acclaimed Yeah Yeah Yeah: The Story of Modern Pop.

Gail O'Hara Interviews

Chickfactor have just posted an interview with Paul Kelly by Gail O'Hara. Paul Kelly is a longtime collaborator in the Saint Etienne fold. He was in bands East Village and Birdie. He also runs Heavenly Films with Travis Elborough and his brother Martin Kelly.

Gail also did a Chickfactor interview with Debsey Wykes in 2007

Moira Lambert

Moira Lambert joined the C86 Show podcast for a discussion on May 30, 2022. First time hearing the non singing voice of Moira who was the vocalist on Saint Etienne's first single Only Love Can Break Your Heart. It would seem that Moira hooked up with Saint Etienne via the Croydon, UK music scene.

Moira was also in the band Faith Over Reason in the early nineties who released a few albums and singles. She was also involved in an outfit called Ova who seemed to have released one single which is impossible to find. On top of some further involvement in a number of club tracks Moira released some solo work in the 2000s while living in Canada.

She currently resides in the UK working with a non profit organization that uses performing arts to empower young adults with disabilities by developing communication, social interaction and other independence skills.

Saint Etienne On Tour

Sat 11 - Kite Festival - Oxfordshire

Saint Etienne On Tour

Fri 10 - Sunderland - The Fire Station

With special guests The Cornshed Sisters

Saint Etienne On Tour

Thur 9 - Edinburgh - Hidden Door Festival

Saint Etienne On Tour

Wed 8 - Manchester - Ritz

With special guest Iraina Mancini

Saint Etienne On Tour

Live and Dangerous

Tomorrow Saint Etienne hit the road for the first time in 2022 with 5 shows through June (4 this week) as follows:

Wed 8 - Manchester - Ritz
Thur 9 - Edinburgh - Hidden Door Festival
Fri 10 - Sunderland - The Fire Station
Sat 11 - Kite Festival - Oxfordshire
Fri 24 - Glastonbury Festival - Park Stage 7.30pm

Tickets for the first four are still available so please check the Events section at the SaintEtienne.com website

Icerink Month

We Are Icerink

"Numanesque electro nightmare music? Maybe."

"A frozen wasteland populated by robot musicians, constructed by and under the evil powers of pop svengalis? Probably."

"A fine selection of great big popmungus tunes, riddled though with more hooks than a pirate's convention? Definitely."

In 1994 Saint Etienne's label Icerink released the 'We Are Icerink' compilation which was a "rough and ready document of two years in the life of one of Britain's most underrated pop labels." The compilation captured the spirit of Golden, Sensuround, Oval, Supermarket, Shampoo, Earl Brutus from 1992-1993. It also added in six new bands into the mix.

In 1994, for more information and interviews, you needed to look no further than to Icerink operatives Jo Metcalf and Sarah Lowe out of Icerink headquarters at 130 Talbot Road in Kensington Market. The address which locates the office upstairs of Rough Trade records.

We are Icerink was the last release from the Icerink label. Why this great label stopped we don't know. One year later Bob Stanley had started up the Royal Mint label but that's another story.

Thanks for joining us at Icerink Month here at the Saint Etienne Disco. Hope you have enjoyed the revisit on the 30th anniversary of the labels launch in 1992.

If you have any more information on Icerink please contact us at saintetiennedisco@gmail.com. We are always looking for more history on the label including newspaper clippings, newspaper ads, press sheets, photos, ticket stubs, promo materials or just plain old knowledge from the fanbase.

Johnny Green

Mario's Cafe

Saint Etienne's friend and long standing live photographer Johnny Green has a special exhibition of his Saint Etienne photography at Mario's Cafe, 6 Kelly Street. London. The exhibition is open to all Cafe visitors, free of charge, and runs from this Saturday 4th June until the end of the month but please note that Mario is only open from Wednesday to Saturday each week.

Icerink Month

Anthony Sweeney/Studio Treefrog

Designer of all the Icerink packaging for the 10 singles and the one compilation. Anthony was also the designer on a number of Saint Etienne releases in the nineties.

"Unlike many of his peers, St Martin's graduate Anthony Sweeney had no great yearning to get into design for music. In fact, he started out designing annual reports. But his brother went to college with Bob Stanley of indie darlings St Etienne...and one thing led to another."

Companies linked to Anthony over the years have included Studio Treefrog, M-Design, Fusion, Negativespace, and Superbird Creative.

Icerink Month

'Who Do You Think You Are'

"This was going to be a solo single by Debsey on Icerink but then she joined the group and within seconds we were all on Top Of The Pops singing Happy Talk."

Debsey's 1992 version saw the light of day via the fanclub release Nice Price in 2006. Wonder if there are any other Icerink destined Debsey tracks buried in the archives?

Icerink Month

Bob and Pete's Icerink label released its second release today thirty years ago. Blind Faith (Cat#: DAVO 2 12) by Sensuround was released on 12 Inch only.

Icerink Month

12/12 Golden released two singles on the Icerink label. Anglo American (Davo 1) in 1992 and Wishful Thinking (Davo 9) in 1993. They also contributed 'Don't Destroy Me' to the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

"Soon these 3 birds turned up and told us they were stardust. They were Golden"

Golden were Canny Golden (Candida Richardson), Celina Golden (Celina Nash), Lucy Golden (Lucy Gillie) and Sophie Golden (Sophie Nash) Click on the link for the Golden storyline.

Icerink Month

11/12 Sensuround released two singles on the Icerink label. Blind Faith (Davo 2) in 1992 and When i Get To Heaven (Davo 5) in 1993. They also contributed 'When i Get To Heaven' to the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

"Young Northern Starlets"

Sensuround were John Robb, Adam Piper and Patrick Simons. Vocalists included Tracey Carmen on Blind Faith and Debbie Stephenson/Katie Goddard on When I Get To Heaven. Click on the link for the Sensuround storyline.

Icerink Month

10/12 Oval released two singles on the Icerink label. Photograph (Davo 3) in 1992 and Fantastique (Davo 8) in 1993. They also contributed 'Love Hour' to the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

"Walworth Terrorists"

Oval were Dylan Robertson, Jane Askew, and Robin Turner. Click on the link for the Oval storyline.

Icerink Month

Bob and Pete's Icerink label released its first release today thirty years ago. Anglo American (Cat#: DAVO 1 12) by Golden was released on 12 Inch only.

Icerink Month

The lure of decadance, the need for escape.

Icerink Month

9/12 Supermarket released one single on the Icerink label Supermarket (Davo 4) in 1992. They also contributed 'Supermarket' to the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

"Supermarket had shaved heads and hailed from Odense"

Supermarket was Lawrence from Felt, Denim, Supermarket, and Go-Kart Mozart. Click on the link for the Supermarket storyline.

Denim released their Novelty Rock album and Summer Smash single on Bob and Pete's EMIDISC Label in 1997.

Icerink Month

8/12 Earl Brutus released one single on the Icerink label Life's Too Long (Davo 7) in 1993. They also contributed 'Birth of Sharon' to the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

Earl Brutus were initially Rob Marche, Stuart Boreman, Nick Sanderson, James Fry for this Icerink release. Click on the link for the Earl Brutus storyline.

Earl Brutus also released their Bonjour Monsieur single on Bob Stanley's Royal Mint Label in 1995.

Bob and Pete remixed Life's Too Long for their 1996 re-issue of Life's Too Long on Deceptive Records.

Earl Brutus would later morph into the Pre-New with guest vocals on their album by Sarah Cracknell and a remix by Bob and Pete.

In 2021, Saint Etienne's cover of Earl Brutus' Midland Red was included on a Memorial tribute to Nick Sanderson of Earl Brutus.

Icerink Month

7/12 Shampoo released two singles on the Icerink label Blisters and Bruises (Davo 6) and Bouffant Headbutt (Davo 10) in 1993. They also contributed 'Bouffant Headbutt' to the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

Shampoo were Carolyn Askew and Jacqueline Blake. Click on the link for the Shampoo storyline.

Bob and Pete helped write a significant amount of the bands third album Absolute Shampoo in 2000.

Saint Etienne Glastonbury Announcement

Saint Etienne will perform at Glastonbury on June 24th

Icerink Month

6/12 Elizabeth City State contributed one track to the Icerink label called 'Year Of The V-Neck' which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994. This could be the most popular Icerink track ever released.

"Icerink's long lost band,much talked of, never heard."

"Elizabeth City State were a Manchester based Trio who could never hold onto a singer for more than a week."

Credited to Catt, McTaggart, and Sweeney nothing much is known about the band or the singer. The band was supposed to release an Icerink single sometime in 1992 but the single never appeared.

Catt may be long time Saint Etienne producer Ian Catt. Sweeney may be Record collector Gareth Sweeney? Mctaggart is likely Robert McTaggart who lives in Denmark now and went by the nickname Tag. Tag helped Bob write up the final Caff Zine Ambrosia in the summer of 1990. Tag also djed wih Bob at The Love Hangover night on February 15, 2009.

Again all this is speculation from digging around. From an internet perspective information on this outfit is scarce. Feel free to connect if you have further information on this outfit.

Icerink Month

5/12 Hard Muscle contributed one track to the Icerink label called '(Why Don't You) Ring Me' which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

"Very Man To Man meets Man Parrish."

From an internet perspective information on this outfit is scarce. Feel free to connect if you have further information on this outfit.

Fell From The Sun

Ace Records have announced Bob and Petes' next Compilation called Fell From The Sun Downtempo And After Hours 1990-1991 due out on June 24th. 14 tracks released on 2XLP and CD. Lots of Saint Etienne related history here in the tracklisting. Can you spot it?

Higher Than The Sun (Higher Than The Orb) (Extended Mix) - Primal Scream
It Could Not Happen (Essential Trance Hall Mix) - Critical Rhythm feat Jango Thriller & Vandal
Cascades (Hypnotone Mix) - Sheer Taft
Afrika (Love And Laughter Remix) - History feat Q-Tee
Floatation (Original Version) - The Grid
Speedwell (Radio Edit) - Saint Etienne
Fallen (Album Version) - One Dove
Temple Head (Pacific Mix - Airwaves) - Transglobal Underground
Just A Little Bit More (Electro Instrumental Mix) - Massonix
U Make Me Feel (Running Water aka Workhouse Mix) - Elsi Curry
I Don't Even Know If I Should Call You Baby (Marshall Jefferson Symphony Mix) - Soul Family Sensation
Snappiness (7" Edit) - BBG
Never Get Out The Boat (The Flying Mix) - The Aloof
Spiritual High (The Moodfood Megamix) - Moodswings

Icerink Month

4/12 Spring contributed one track to the Icerink label called 'Bob Cool' which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

Spring were a French indie pop band active from 1993-2000. The group consisted of Alex Pavlou, Francois Juge, Jean-Baptiste Garnero, Christophe Plantier, and Marie Gomis. They released a number of albums and singles via Spanish label Elefant Records.

Alex Pavlou went on to form Suburbia in 2002 and release the stunning We Are From Suburbia album.

Icerink Month

3/12 Melody Dog contributed one track to the Icerink label called 'Don't Worry Baby' a cover of a Beach Boys song which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

Early in the nineties Melody Dog were rumoured in the UK press to be a future release on Bob's label Caff Corporation.

In the end the band comprised of Katrina Mitchell and Pat Laureate only contributed this track to Bob's Icerink Label. They did go on to release two 7 Inch records on K and Seminal Twang in the early nineties.

Katrina joined the Pastels in the early nineties and is still with them today. Pat started up a Independent rock label from Glasgow, Scotland called Vesuvius which was releasing material in the late nineties.

Icerink Month

2/12 Parallel Universe contributed one track to the Icerink label called 'Dub To The Stars' which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

From an internet perspective information on this outfit is scarce. Feel free to connect if you have further information on this outfit.

Icerink Month

1/12 World Of Twist contributed one track to the Icerink label called 'New Electric Pop And Soul' which appeared on the We Are Icerink Compilation in 1994.

Historically Bob Stanley of Saint Etienne appeared in World Of Twist's video 'Sweets' in 1991. The song was taken from the band's album Quality Street.

Bob also released a World Of Twist 7 Inch titled 'The Sausage' on his Caff record label in 1992. The single included vocals of James Fry who has been a photographer of Saint Etienne over the years.

Icerink Month

Article clipped from the UK Music Press

Icerink Month

A Golden new label in Sensuround sound was launched by Saint Etienne's Bob and Pete 30 years ago in 1992. The label went through Creation Records at the start and was distributed by Pinnacle. 12 artists released material through the label. This is Icerink month at the Saint Etienne Disco

Lipslide

Sarah's solo album turned 25 today. Released in the UK on May 5th, 1997 on CD and Cassette.

Join Our Club

Join Our Club turned 30 today and we did via Lovers Unite.

Released on May 4th, 1992 on 7 Inch, 12 Inch, CD Single and Cassette Single. It hit the UK charts at number 21.

Fanclub Release

An insider dropped this photo today to hype up a second forthcoming Saint Etienne Lovers Unite Fanclub release (12 unreleased recordings) on Foreign Office (FO 19).

Official Email From The Band

'Let's Do It' special edition and live shows in June.

'Lets Do It' special signed CD edition Pre-Order

From 5pm (BST) on Wednesday 4th May we will be offering signed copies of Let's Do It with a specially compiled 26 track CD (unique to the Saint Etienne merch shop) entitled Let's Do It: Deep Magic From the Dawn of Pop' gathering together Bob's favourite recordings from the era - a perfect soundtrack to the book. The CD and signed book set is limited to just 500 copies. Tracklisting can be found at Let's Do It link to the right.

Saint Etienne Remix

Pre-Order Dot Allison's forthcoming Entangled Remix EP due out on May 27 on Spitfire Audio. The EP will include a Saint Etienne remix of Dot's song One Love taken from her recent album Heart-Shaped Scars. Available in digital and very limited vinyl pressing via Bandcamp

Saint Etienne June Live Dates Announcement

June dates formally announced

Saint Etienne Concert Announcement

June 8, 2022

02 Ritz Manchester England

Fanclub Release

An insider dropped this photo today to hype up a forthcoming Saint Etienne Lovers Unite Fanclub release (12 Unreleased Recordings) on Foreign Office (FO18).

Festival (Camp Good Life Sep 16-18)

September 18, 2022

Hawarden, North Wales

Bob Stanley Talks & Readings

Let's Do It

Bob’s new book Let’s Do It: The Birth of Pop is published by Faber on May 5th in the UK and Pegasus Books on September 6th in North America. Available in Hard and Soft Cover.

Click on the link to keep track of all the different offers in play depending on where you purchase the book.

Let's Do It

Bob’s new book Let’s Do It: The Birth of Pop is published by Faber on May 5th. If you buy a copy via the band’s shop you’ll get this limited edition CD with neat Paul Kelly artwork. More details to follow.

Shiiine On Weekender 2022

November 11-13, 2022

Butlins Minehead Arena, Butlins, Somerset, England

Saint Etienne Live

John Barry The More Things Change

Ace Records released Bob's next Compilation called John Barry The More Things Change - Film, TV & Studio Work 1968-1973 today

Let's Do It - The Birth Of Pop - The Tour

May 4 Caroline Club, Saltaire
May 5 Rough Trade East, London
May 9 Blackwells, Manchester
May 10 Mono, Glasgow

Q/A and Live Music featuring Jonny Trunk (Host), Augustin Bousfield (Piano), Debsey Wykes (Vocals)

Let's Do It - An evening with Bob Stanley

Friday 13th May 2022
Waterstones, British Music Experience, Cunard Building, Liverpool, England

An in-conversation evening with British musician, journalist and bestselling author, Bob Stanley as he discusses his brand new book, Let's Do It: The Birth of Pop.

Hidden Door Festival Jun 9-18

Outdoor Stage, Old Royal High, Edinburgh, England

"Opening night at Hidden Door 2022 welcomes 90s indie-dance pioneers Saint Etienne and Connie Constance to the outdoor stage"

Let's Do It

"Bob's new book will be published by Faber on May 5th, and by Pegasus in the US in September. There will be a special edition available through the band shop. More soon."

Songs in the Key of London

Reminder: Next Saturday 5th March Sarah and Debsey will perform 'London Belongs To Me' at the Barbican as part of an all star cast led by Chris Difford of Squeeze and BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Nihal Arthanayake.

Others performing Songs in the Key of London include Marc Almond, Kate St John (Dream Academy), Brett Anderson, Katherine Williams, Emmy The Great, Graham Gouldman (10cc), Nadine Shah, Ruby Turner and many, many more.

Can you spot Sarah and Debsey depicted in the poster?

There are a few tickets left

Saint Etienne Discography Update - News

Pete Wiggs Djing the first Quartermass III concert at the Lewes Con Club, Lewes, England on April 2, 2022.

Quartermass III: From the people behind World of Twist, Earl Brutus and The Dials in association with the British Experimental Rocket Group and Science Monthly.

Saint Etienne Discography Update - News

Ace Records announced Bob's next Compilation called John Barry The More Things Change - Film, TV & Studio Work 1968-1973 due out on March 25th.

In the late 1960s and early 70s, John Barry was at his creative peak, writing both his greatest Bond music for On Her Majesty's Secret Service and the score for the Oscar-winning Midnight Cowboy within a few months of each other. As one decade melted into the next, Barry would provide a host of haunting, highly atmospheric scores: The Appointment, Deadfall, Mary Queen Of Scots, Follow Follow, with possibly his finest ever saved for Nicolas Roeg's masterpiece Walkabout. He also found time to write the deathless theme for TV series The Persuaders.

"The More Things Change" collects Barry's finest work from this period, including the whole of 1970's classic "Ready When You Are, J.B." album, released on CD for the very first time. In addition, it collects loose ends from the period (including selections from 1968's lost Richard Lester classic Petulia), then follows Barry into the early 70s.

Saint Etienne Discography Update - News

Dot Allison announced the release of her forthcoming Entangled Remix EP due out on May 27 on Spitfire Audio. The EP will include a Saint Etienne remix.

Saint Etienne Discography Update - Unboxing

In 2021 Saint Etienne released a limited green vinyl edition of Foxbase Alpha to celebrate it's 30th birthday. Those who pre-ordered the album before the 1st November received a special 5 track CD entitled 'Foxbase Rarities' which included three rare remixes plus two recordings from the era seeing their first digital/CD release ever.

The LP and CD, released on Heavenly Recordings, have been unboxed and added to the albums discography.

The Saint Etienne Store does have copies of the Limited Edition LP if you missed the original pre-order. Click on the links for full details.

Sammi Smith Compilation

A new compilation Sammi Smith Looks Like Stormy Weather 1969-1975 was released today, January 28, 2022, on Ace Records. The compilation is compiled by Saint Etienne's Bob Stanley.

Saint Etienne Discography Update - Unboxing

In December Saint Etienne released their Xmas 2021 CDEP with 4 tracks. The CD, released on Heavenly Recordings, has been unboxed and added to the singles discography.

The Saint Etienne Store still has a few copies left of the Limited Edition CD if you missed it on its release. Click on the links for full details.

Milestones

Are You Ready for 2022?