L'invitation (Limited Edition) - Etienne Daho

Advantages: fantastic 'perfect pop', timeless
Disadvantages: none

...has a touch of class that sets it apart from other songs that were on the charts at around the same time. It also features a rap by Etienne Daho half way through in French, which is one of those bizarre musical interludes that you'd expect from a band like Saint Etienne. Apparently, the band hooked up with Daho after he was curious to find out more information about the trio because they shared the same name... In their career, which now spans 3 decades, they have achieved 14 Top 40 hits, 11 of which are featured on this album. I think that you would be struggling to find a greatest hits compilation as strong as this by a British band - there isn't one weak track amongst them, and just goes to show that they did (and still do) have unfulfilled potential chartwise. Although the band have been described as having a superiority complex... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Gorgeous songs, perfect sheen, good production
Disadvantages: Not to everybody's tastes, probably

...Young's 'Only Love Can Break Your Heart', which featured then-vocalist Moira Lambert. Since recruiting current vocalist Sarah Cracknell, they have become critical darlings, always on the verge of the mainstream but never quite breaking through. They've collaborated with the Doves, Tim Burgess of the Charlatans and David Holmes, and been supported on tour by Oasis, but while the Britpop boom saw several undeserving acts spring to prominence (that would be you, Shed Seven and Republica), Saint Etienne were perpetually ignored, surviving on a limited, but passionate fanbase. They occasionally broke through into the mainstream, with singles such as 'He's On The Phone' and 'You're In A Bad Way', but largely they remained an underground prospect, and have become more esoteric as time has passed. 'Sound of Water' was released in 2000... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: A truly amazing insight into the world of James Lavelle
Disadvantages: None whatsoever!

...The latest instalment in the dark soap-opera that is U.N.K.L.E., this is an amazing album full of depth and character. This genre defying album rocks up the U.N.K.L.E. sound with an exciting new collaboration between James Lavelle and Queens of the Stone Age. A moody concept lies behind the rib-shaking beats and dirty ryhthms in the form of James Lavelle pouring out his emotions lyrically about the recent split between himself and DJ Shadow. From the start to the finish of this album, the listener is drawn into a magical world of amazing musical production that capsulates the mind. This album is a must have amongst all alternative music fans and U.N.K.L.E. fans alike. The limited edition CD also includes a second CD of the album without lyrics.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful