Like A Motorway

 

Trust me #122
Like A Motorway by Saint Etienne

Released in May 94 and (inexplicably) reaching only 47 on the UK singles charts, Like A Motorway is one of my favourite songs by Saint Etienne who come to the Glasgow Barrowland next month. The Pastels will be supporting. It is set to be a very memorable night.

The date is part of Saint Etienne's The Long Goodbye tour, with the trio deciding to bow out from 37-years of creating dreamy, reflective and sublime pop since forming in 1990. Since then, the band have released 13 albums and 17 top 40 singles, but those facts merely gloss the surface. 

Saint Etienne always stood out; image, style, art, taste, Bob Stanley's background as a music journalist, Heavenly Recordings, the DJ's remixing their songs, the choice cover of Only Love Can Break Your Heart (see previous blog), a debut album that captured the times, some superb compilation albums (check Songs From Mario's Cafe and The Trip) and the perfect alternative pop star singer - Sarah Cracknell .

Ah, yes, Sarah Cracknell. An absolute dream who captivated many a young indie boy in the 90's - and still does to this very day! That super soft, warm and welcoming voice, the feather boas, cheeky winks, cool blonde hair and impeccable fashion sense - looking like she was going to go straight from a gig to a club ... or a film set! I don't mind admitting to falling head over heels for Sarah!

You're In A Bad Way, released in February 1993, was the first Saint Etienne record I bought. I still remember taping it on to a mixtape for the 6th year Common Room at school. The band were prolific in that period, their So Tough (1993) and Tiger Bay (1994) albums spawned 7 singles, with the band also releasing I Was Born On Christmas Day, a duet with Tim Burgess. So they were never far from The Chart Show, The Word, Top of the Pops or the many other music shows on TV at that time. The NME and Melody Maker loved them.

Watch Saint Etienne and Tim Burgess live on The Word HERE.

Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs have impeccable taste in, and knowledge of, pop music and on Like A Motorway they are clearly digging the pulsating synth sounds of Giogio Moroder. The synth bass groove (I just can't get enough of this) and top line riff are super cool, while Sarah Cracknell sounds seductive and sexy.

Like A Motorway rides in on a deep pulsing bass synth riff, the beat kicks in, Cracknell whispers he's gone, he's gone and then at 35 seconds the lead synth melody comes in. There is a Weatherall style beats break just before the first verse. Cracknell tells the tale of a broken heart.

She wears sad jeans, torn at the waistband

Her pretty face, is stained with tears

And in her right hand, she clasps a letter

I know this means, that he has gone

The second verse has Cracknell telling more - about the girl never thinking she would fall in love, then getting her first kiss. In the third verse Sarah goes on to tell about the girl falling for all the lines she was fed.

He said her skin, smelled just like petals

Said stupid things, he knew she'd like

She said her life, was like a motorway

Dull, grey and long, 'til he came along

The song takes a twist in the 4th verse as Sarah takes over, probing for info, before the girl in the song suggests something more sinister might have happened...

I said - how could he ever leave you

You two were good, you were so right

She said - I wish that he just left me

He'd be alive, alive tonight

He's gone, he's gone

After thinking the guy in the song might have just left, or dumped her and broken her heart, the listener is left wondering if (a) she killed him, or (b) there was an accident. The artwork for the single shows a crashed/abandoned car, overgrown with leaves and weeds. The Chemical Brothers (then The Dust Brothers) and David Holmes both got their hands on Like A Motorway to provide remixes.

Like A Motorway is added to my Trust Me playlist; search for Everything Flows - Trust Me on Spotify or CLICK HERE. Check below for all previous blogs in my Trust Me series.

Previous Trust Me blogs

1. Something On Your Mind by Karen Dalton

1A. Crimson and Clover by Tommy James and the Shondells

2. I Am, I Said  by Neil Diamond

3. Where's The Playground Susie?   by Glen Campbell

4. If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lighfoot

5. Gimme Some Truth by John Lennon

6. Gone With The Wind Is My Love by Rita and the Tiaras

7. In The Year 2525 by Zager and Evans

8. The Music Box by Ruth Copeland

9. The Ship Song by Nick Cave

10. Sometimes by James

11. I Walk The Earth by King Biscuit Time

12. Didn't Know What I Was In For by Better Oblivion Community Centre

13. When My Boy Walks Down The Street by The Magnetic Fields

14. The Man Don't Give A F**k by Super Furry Animals

15. All Flowers In Time Bend Towards The Sun by Jeff Buckley and Liz Fraser

16. Are You Lookin' by The Tymes

17. A Real Hero by College & Electric Youth

18. Feelings Gone by Callum Easter

19. Sunday Morning by The Velvet Underground

20. Did I Say by Teenage Fanclub

21. Don't Look Back by Teenage Fanclub

22. Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From by Teenage Fanclub

23. Belfast by Orbital

24. Clouds by The Jayhawks

25. Dreaming Of You by The Coral

26. Everlasting Love by Love Affair

27. Walk Away Renee by The Left Banke

28. Teenage Kicks by The Undertones

29. Shaky Ground by Sneeze

29. Rill Rill by Sleigh Bells

30. I Can Feel Your Love by Felice Taylor

31. The State We're In by The Chemical Brothers w/ Beth Orton

32. Sunshine After The Rain by Ellie Greenwich

33. Losing My Edge by LCD Soundsystem

34. Mondo 77 by Looper

35. Les Fleurs by Minnie Riperton

36. Rat Trap by The Boomtown Rats

37. How High by The Charlatans

38. I Can't Let Go by Evie Sands

39. Pop Song 89 by R.E.M.

40. Summertime Clothes by Animal Collective

41. There She Goes by The Las

42. We're Going To Be Friends by White Stripes

43. Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo

44. Sister Rena by Lomond Campbell

45. Revolution by The Beatles

46. Lazarus by The Boo Radleys

47. Wrote For Luck by Happy Mondays

48. American Trilogy by The Delgados

49. Loser by Beck 

50. Silent Sigh by Badly Drawn Boy

51. Comedy by Shack

52. Take The Skinheads Bowling by Camper Van Beethoven

53. Freakscene by Dinosaur Jr

54. Thank You For Being You by The Pastels

55. I Think I'm In Love by Spiritualized

56. Chestnut Mare by The Byrds

57. Cannonball by The Breeders

58. Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan

59. You Make Me Weak At The Knees by Electrelane

60. Lucky by Radiohead

61. Strange Currencies by R.E.M.

61. I Am The Cosmos by Chris Bell

62. Like A Ship (Without A Sail) by Pastor TL Barrett and the Youth for Christ Choir

63. Nothing But A Heartache by The Flirtations

64. Made of Stone by The Stone Roses

65. Tonight In Belfast by Orbital, David Holmes, DJ Helen and Mike Garry

66. Anything by Adrianne Lenker

67. I Hold Something In My Hand by Bill Ryder-Jones

68. I Meant Every Word by Burnett Sisters

69. Dream Baby Dream by Suicide

70. Stove by The Lemonheads

71. Red Lady by Phil Cordell

72. Little Fluffy Clouds by The Orb

73. I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift

74. Turnin' My Heartbeat Up by The M.V.P.'s

75. Razzle Dazzle Rose by Camera Obscura

76. Such Great Heights by The Postal Service

77. The Rat by The Walkmen

78. My God Has A Telephone by Aaron Frazer

79. Unfinished Sympathy by Massive Attack

80. Sweet and Tender Romance by The McKinleys

81. Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros

82. 69 Police by David Holmes

83. Hey Lisa by David Holmes

84. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

85. Kung Fu by Ash

86. Kids by MGMT

87. Slight Return by The Bluetones

88. Give Peace A Chance by John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band

89. Cut Your Hair by Pavement

90. Race for the Prize by The Flaming Lips

91. Waitin' for a Superman by The Flaming Lips

92. Acquiesce by Oasis

93. This Is Music by The Verve

94. Lone Swordsman by Daniel Avery

95. Sparky's Dream by Teenage Fanclub

96. Common People by Pulp

97. Let Our Love Grow Higher by Eula Cooper

98. Regret by New Order

99. Keep On Keepin' On by Nolan Porter

100. Sit Down by James (Live at G-Mex) by James

101. Never Lose Your Sense Of Wonder by Yeti

102. Just When You're Thinkin' Things Over by The Charlatans

103. Life Is Sweet by The Chemical Brothers 

104. How Can I Tell You (To Love Me More) by Brooke Coombe

105-107. Wigan Casino - Three Before Eight - Time Will Pass You By by Tobi Legend, Long After Tonight Is All Over by Jimmy Radcliffe, I'm On My Way by Dean Parrish

108. Cobra by Geese

109. All I Have To Do Is Dream by The Everly Brothers

110. Vapour Trail by Ride

111. Teardrop by Massive Attack

112. Since I Left You by The Avalanches

113. Good Dancers by The Sleepy Jackson

114. Kiss My Love Goodbye by Bettye Swann

115. What Difference Does It Make? by The Smiths

116. Get Out Of My Dream by The Clouds

117. Sundress by Ben Kweller

118. I Love You by Primal Scream

119. Calico Skies by Paul McCartney 

120. Lay This Burden Down by Mary Love

121. Primitive Painters by Felt w/ Elizabeth Fraser

Who Do You Think You Are

Cover version of the month #53

Saint Etienne cover Jigsaw

Back in 1993 I was 17, spending pretty much all my money on either going out or buying records. I've got quite a few Saint Etienne singles on vinyl from this time and looking back at their discography I'm reflecting on what an incredible run of singles they had through the 1990's, particularly in the first half.

In 93 the band released a double a-side single on Heavenly Recordings; Hobart Paving b/w Who Do You Think You Are. I have to admit, I was, and still am, rather captivated by Saint Etienne singer Sarah Cracknell and oh how she smoulders in the video!

Pete Wiggs, Sarah Cracknell and Bob Stanley

I always thought that this was a Saint Etienne song, it was only many years later when I met Duglas T Stewart to record podcast (that you can listen to here) and he selected the q version of the song by a band called Jigsaw back in 1974.

Who Do You Think You Are is pop perfection. Oh my, it really is perfect. The verse flows, builds, there is a bridge and then a glorious sky scraping chorus.

Written by Des Dyer and Clive Scott, the song was first released by the band Candlewick Green in 1973, before Dyer and Scott recorded and released their own version with their band Jigsaw the following year. The song travelled to America that year with the band Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods also recording a version.

As Dyer and Scott wrote the song, I'm going to concentrate on their version with Jigsaw.

The Jigsaw version begins with an upbeat piano riff before a beat and groove kick in. The chorus soars and the vocals are slightly strained to generate that little lift, just perfect. I love the backing vocals coming in towards the end, leaving the lead singer to just keep singing who do you think you are?

The Saint Etienne version adds in a funky drumbeat, changes the piano to keys/synths and Sarah Cracknell's voice is like honey dripped all over it. The strings help the chorus soar and the short instrumental is just pure Saint Etienne, pure pop. The extended bridge to the chorus is outstanding, lifting things ready for the take off.

Saint Etienne have always demonstrated impeccable taste in music. Bob Stanley has brought out some outstanding compilation albums over the years. The band have already featured in this feature with their transformative cover of Neil Young's Only Love Can Break Your Heart. You can find links to all the previous 52 cover version of the month blogs below.

You'll also find the video of Who Do You Think You Are? alongside appearances on Top of the Pop and The Beat.

Who do you think you are?

You tried to push me a bit too far

And every day sees another scar

Oh tell me who do you think you are

If you want me there

You gotta care, oh tell me

Who do you think you are

Taking advantage of me this way?

Tell me who do you think you are

Hurting me more with the things you say

It's not fair, you don't care

Who do you really think that you are?

Previous covers of the month

1. You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' 

2. Going Back To My Roots

3. Nirvana play The Vaselines

4. Slip Inside This House

5. Top 10 covers by Teenage Fanclub

6. Only Love Can Break Your Heart

7. Time For Livin' 

8. Sound and Vision 

9. All Along The Watchtower

10. I Am The Walrus 

11. Guiding Star

12. You’ll Never Walk Alone

13. Hurt

14. This Guy's In Love With You

15. I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine

16. California Soul

18. Wonder wall 

19. Dancing In The Dark

20. Always On My Mind

21. Ceremony

22. Heroes

23. Different Drum

24. Wild Horses

25. Respect

26. Mr Tambourine Man

27. I Heard It Through The Grapevine

28. Superstar

29. Twist and Shout

30. Purple Rain

31. Baker Street

32. Not Fade Away

33. Stop Your Sobbing

34. I Don't Want To Grow Up

35. Serious Drugs

36. Dancing With Myself

37. How Does It Feel To Feel?

38. Love Buzz

39. ABBA-esque
40. Jumpin' Jack Flash

41. Discoland

42. Varshons 2 by The Lemonheads

43. The Langley Schools Music Project
44. Witchi Tai To
45. Our Lips Are Sealed
46. Sunshine Of Your Love
47. Here Comes The Sun
48. I Think We're Alone Now
49. Don't Let Me Down 
50. It's Oh So Quiet
51. Alcoholiday 
52. Summer Holiday

Saint Etienne and The Pastels at the Art School

Last night The Pastels and Saint Etienne clearly nailed their REMAIN EU colours to the mast and they were all too aware that they were playing a show as voting around the UK came to a close. Sadly that flag is flying at half-mast today.

Things were running late as Saint Etienne’s train up to Scotland had been hugely delayed, meaning they only arrived into Central Station at 6pm. Load-in, soundcheck.....

The Pastels took to the stage to cheers and Stephen Pastel was quick to thank people for coming and then voice that the referendum results were weighing heavily on his mind.

The 6-piece line-up (two guitars, bass, drums, keys and flute) started with the (largely) instrumental Slow Summits, the title track from their latest album. The contemplative and reflective song was a perfect opener, certainly giving the audience a chance to think about the night and decision ahead as The Pastels weaved their magic.

Songs from the album made up the majority of the set, Night Time Made Us was a particular highlight with the band gelling together to create something quite gorgeous.

The 6-piece became an 8-piece when they were joined by an extra guitarist and Tracy Anne from Camera Obscura for a delicious romp through Nothing To Be Done. The pace quickened and it sounded sublime.

When I was young

I used to sing

I didn’t care for anything

Tracy Anne departed and Stephen strapped his guitar back on (after a little mis-hap) and the 7-piece line-up of The Pastels had 3 guitars creating a wonderful Velvets meets Spector wall of sound for a stunning version of Baby Honey. Originally released in 1984, the song zips with zest and an electric energy. It was great to see the band play again.

Saint Etienne were a 7-piece for the night. Pete and Bob were set up behind banks of equipment at the back, someone on keys was at one side of the stage, then there was someone on viola, a backing singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. And then the gorgeous Sarah Cracknell on vocals.

Nothing Can Stop Us opened the show and the band were sounding good. There was a slight technical glitch afterwards, Sarah engaged with the audience but as it dragged on she ended up in fits of giggles before we were back on the way.

The set mixed classic singles with some new(er) album cuts and singles. The audience lapped it up as the band showcased their fantastic mix of pure, melodic, catchy, clubby and cinematic pop.

You’re In A Bad Way was the very first Saint Etienne 7-inch record that I bought, away back in 1993. It still sounds fresh, fun and joyous.  Tonight was a highlight from later day Saint Etienne that will definitely see me delving into some of their more recent albums. It was glorious.

The acidic pop of Like A Motorway was probably my highlight of the night, bubbling synths, beats and a dreamy Sarah Cracknell vocal - sublime.

The Saint Etienne cover version of Neil Young’s Only Love Can Break Your Heart (that I previously blogged about here) was just perfect, the old synth sounds still sound timeless, futuristic and Young’s lyrics will always ring true.

The encore started with a beautiful rendition of Hobart Paving, with Sarah Cracknell in fine voice. The poetic lyrics paint picture and it was a stunning performance with Sarah really shining.

Pete and Bob came back on and then it was on to pure pop with He’s On The Phone with the seemingly never-ending chorus that flowed and flowed and flowed, as we all danced, sung and raised our hands in the air. The blissful pop removing the referendum result from our minds.....for a while...

Songs for the Carnegie Deli

There is a blog title I bet you never thought I would be posting!

Saint Etienne presents Songs for the Carnegie Deli is the full title for a new compilation album that yet again showcases and highlights the impeccable taste and knowledge of St Etienne's Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs.

Stanley's sleevenotes are fantastic, setting the scene, the mood, the atmosphere and location - a diner in New York City - that inspired him to compile an incredible selection of songs.

Stanley has previous - Songs from Mario's Cafe and The Trip are two of my all-time favourite compilation albums, turning me on to songs like All Our Dreams Are Coming True - an instrumental that my wife walked down the aisle to when we got married, Shooting Star by The Mama's and The Papa's shoots for the stars and succeeds in reaching them, the glorious My Love Is Your Love by the Isley Brothers, the heart on the sleeve It Must Be Love Coming Down by Major Lance, the magnificent Music Box by Ruth Copeland and the stunning I Love You For All Seasons by The Fuzz.....and many more.

5 standouts for me;

Night Hawk by The Valli Boys opens the album, a slow instrumental groove (after a short spoken word intro) builds and just draws you in. Funky brilliance.

Summer's Comin' In by Little Anthony and the Imperials sounds exotic - the little instrumental at the start, the slightly raspy vocal and the dreamy and uplifting lyrics are a delight, the melodies are
playful and seductive.

Love (It's Getting Better) by The Groove bursts into life full of love and soul, heartfelt words are sung with real emotion and gusto, the music and production has a lovely uplifting feel to it.

Lover's Melody by Dawn does everything it says on the tin. A beautiful sunshine melody and vocal as pure as you will find.

I'm Fallin' Down (version 2) by Lesley Gore is the kind of song that you know Bob Stanley will adore - it is a particular standout, the surge and flow into the euphoric double chorus is incredible.

Far away from somewhere

Reaching the heights of nowhere

I'm down

I'm fallin' down

Long ago from sometime

Counting the hours of lost time

I'm down

I'm fallin' down

The album is released via ACE Records, so help them release more by buying it DIRECT

Only Love Can Break Your Heart

Cover version of the month #6

St Etienne (with Moira Lambert on vocals pre Sarah Cracknell) transform Neil Young's beautiful Only Love Can Break Your Heart - modernising it, taking it into the future, making it timeless.

Of course Young's version remains timeless, its rustic, simplistic acoustic chords and Young's aching, breaking voice singing;

I was always thinking of games that I was playing

Trying to make the best of my time

But only love can break your heart

Try to be sure right from the start

Yes only love can break your heart

What if your world should fall apart

Yet, for me, St Etienne arguably improve upon Young's genius, taking the song to new places that just so happened to fit in with the Acid House and ecstasy scene that was gripping the nation at the time.

Released in 1990, Only Love Can Break Your Heart remains a pre and post club favourite, also sounding superb in clubs. This was recently played at Everything Shakes at The Admiral in Glasgow and it was probably the song of the night.

The song was recorded in 2-hours in a makeshift bedroom studio - it has that raw, unpolished quality and it remains a true gem that will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

There are a raft of remixes to explore;

Remixes

Andrew Weatherall a mix in two halves

Masters at Work dub remix

Richard X remix

Kenlou B Boy New mix

Fox Base Beta mix

Flowered Up remix