Saint Etienne - Good Humor

With GOOD HUMOR, Saint Etienne return to the 60s-inflected pop that marked their first two albums. Breezy music comes as easily as breathing for them, and from the first track, “Woodcabin,” it’s clear that they’re here to bring sunshine into your life. Even with the sibling rivalry gone to the disco, “Sylvie,” things stay upbeat. No one but Saint Etienne can make separation (like in “Mr. Donut”) sound happy. “Been So Long” tosses in some light jazz riffs; “Postman” plays off the dynamic contrast of the verses and the chorus; and “Erica America” makes the most of its funk bass. If you’re not smiling by the end of GOOD HUMOR, there’s something wrong with you. The limited edition released in the U.S. includes a bonus disc, FAIRFAX HIGH, that collects the b-sides from the singles, plus a few exclusives like the melodic post-club comedown of “4:35 in the Morning” or the wordless simplicity of “Cat Nap.” Smiles all around!