Anglophiles will note that Saint Etienne used the American spelling of “humor” (vs. the British “humour”) in the title of their 4th record, in an effort to shed the annoying “quintessentially British” tag that music journalists were applying to their music. The album was demoed using the band’s traditional assortment of synths and drum machines, but nearly all of the electronic elements were removed and replaced with acoustic instruments on the final recordings, lending a newly relaxed, almost bossa nova vibe to the crew’s sound. The band worked with Swedish producer Tore Johansson, known for his slick production on Cardigans records, and Good Humor isn’t too far off from the summery indie pop of First Band On The Moon. The slinky grooves of “Been So Long” and “Postman” eerily foreshadow the chic lo-fi pop of Melody's Echo Chamber’s self-titled 2012 album. Also check out the Stereolab / Broadcast vibes on “Mr Donut” and the moody Euro spy flick coolness of “Goodnight Jack.” On vinyl for the first time since 1998, with faithfully reproduced full color inner and outer sleeves and code for digital download.

• first time on vinyl in 19 years
• faithfully reproduced reissue of 1998 original pressing
• printed inner sleeve w/ original artwork
• digital download included
• music label: Heavenly 2018

reviewed by frau farbissina 01/2018