CD reviews: Saint Etienne Tales From Turnpike House (Sanctuary/Sony) – 42

Still strangely undervalued, Saint Etienne are among the last of a breed: an intelligent, slightly eccentric English pop group that, like the Kinks before them, write cheerful wee songs about day-to-day miseries. While not everything on this kitchen sink concept album set in a tower block is top-notch, there are enough memorable moments to warrant investigation, and ’70s rocker David Essex even makes an appearance.

GS

Rating: 3.5/5