Saint Etienne

Review: The theme is in the title here, with the British pop legends - always unusually skilled at bringing a sense of place to their music as well as chronicling the strange specifics of British culture - using the geographical region as a springboard to a collection of bittersweet electronic-powered ditties whose melodic sweetness and melancholic aspect remain indelible regardless of context and concept, just as Sarah Cracknell's voice has never sounded so beguiling and evocative. Not merely the only one record this year to include Radio 4 announcements amongst its tracks, 'Home Counties' is a record with both head screwed on and heart-on-sleeve.

Review: On its initial release in 1994, St Etienne member Bob Stanley described "Tiger Bay" - the band's third studio set - as "an album of modern folk songs done in 20th century styles". It was, though, much more than that; while opener "Urban Clearway" sounds like Kraftwerk, "Hug My Soul" and "Like a Motorway" akin to the Pet Shop Boys and "Cool Kids Of Death" reminiscent of Giorgio Moroder, the rest of the album is far more pastoral in tone, with luscious instrumentation and traditional folk melodies coming to the fore. As this expansive 25th anniversary reissue proves, the album remains a timeless classic. As well as the original album, this box set contains a wealth of bonus tracks, demos and "work in progress" cuts that shine further light on the album's gestation.