Saint Etienne - Smash the System poll

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e4/Smashthesystem.jpg

vv difficult imo

Poll Results

OptionVotes
"Avenue" 10
"Nothing Can Stop Us" 8
"Like a Motorway" 7
"He's on the Phone" 7
"Sylvie" 5
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" 5
"Hobart Paving" 4
"Join Our Club" 3
"Kiss and Make Up" 3
"Pale Movie" 3
"People Get Real" 3
"Madeleine" 2
"The Bad Photographer" 2
"Carnt Sleep" 2
"Paper" 2
"Archway People" 2
"You're in a Bad Way" 2
"Burnt Out Car" 1
"Wood Cabin" 1
"Jack Lemmon" 1
"Hug My Soul" 1
"Who Do You Think You Are" 1
"Goodnight Jack" 0
"Saturday" 0
"Lose That Girl" 0
"4.35 in the Morning" 0
"Shad Thames" 0
"Angel" 0
"Spring" 0
"The Process" 0
"Cool Kids of Death" 0
"Mario's Cafe" 0
"Filthy" 0
"52 Pilot"0


omar little, Thursday, 19 June 2008 00:46 (seventeen years ago)

oh i don't bloody know. nothing can stop us then

electricsound, Thursday, 19 June 2008 00:58 (seventeen years ago)

yeah i just took he's on the phone and didnt dwell on it at all cuz this is downright imposs

johnny crunch, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:01 (seventeen years ago)

If I had to choose my second favorite I'd probably go mad, but fortunately "Avenue" is the clear winner for me.

daavid, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:22 (seventeen years ago)

I went with "Hug My Soul". "Avenue" is St Etienne's "Being Boring".

edwardo, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:24 (seventeen years ago)

"Who Do You Think You Are?" b/c it's their "Heart."

Alfred, Lord Sotosyn, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:27 (seventeen years ago)

Could "He's On The Phone" be their "Domino Dancing"?

daavid, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:38 (seventeen years ago)

"He's On The Phone" followed by "People Get Real".

Tim F, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:54 (seventeen years ago)

"He's On The Phone" should win this. I remember it was the highest scoring St. Etienne song in the ILX 1990s singles poll.

daavid, Thursday, 19 June 2008 01:57 (seventeen years ago)

"Carnt Sleep"

stephen, Thursday, 19 June 2008 02:36 (seventeen years ago)

he's on the phone is crap wtf

Granny Dainger, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:15 (seventeen years ago)

^this

one of my least favourite StE tunes by far

electricsound, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:16 (seventeen years ago)

although i think i might hate bad photographer more

electricsound, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:16 (seventeen years ago)

Voted Join Our Club although I would find it hard to rationally expain why

I am using your worlds, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:20 (seventeen years ago)

he's on the phone is a forgettable bland euro dance track that any random dj could've thrown together in 20 minutes with the hot chick he met on the tube, whereas there's a ton of other st etienne tunes that are 1000X more catchy and moody and interesting texturally/compositionally that could not have been produced by any other band from that era.

Granny Dainger, Thursday, 19 June 2008 03:33 (seventeen years ago)

"he's on the phone is a forgettable bland euro dance track that any random dj could've thrown together in 20 minutes with the hot chick he met on the tube"

You're just making me like it more.

Tim F, Thursday, 19 June 2008 06:26 (seventeen years ago)

i don't know what those last four tracks are but this is pretty unfuckable with

banriquit, Thursday, 19 June 2008 07:23 (seventeen years ago)

Granny Dainger otm, especially the bit about tunes that could not have been produced by any other band from that era

Only Love Can Break Your Heart stands out a mile for me, despite being a cover. It still sounds so tasteful and sussed, and encapsulates why I like St Etienne.

Daniel Giraffe, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:25 (seventeen years ago)

I voted KAMU for the only voteage...

and then I forgot Avenue, didn't I?

Mark G, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:28 (seventeen years ago)

"He's On The Phone" is the beginning of Xenomania time, folks, and due to involvement of actual Etienne Daho is immortal.

But it has to be "Avenue." It just has to be.

Dingbod Kesterson, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:39 (seventeen years ago)

Only Love Can Break Your Heart stands out a mile for me, despite being a cover. It still sounds so tasteful and sussed, and encapsulates why I like St Etienne.

i remember hearing it for the first time on the 8.15 From Manchester (the kids breakfast TV show) and immediately liking it. Perhaps one of the first songs I remember discovering for myself.

the next grozart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:42 (seventeen years ago)

Faith Over Reason - where are they now?

Dingbod Kesterson, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:47 (seventeen years ago)

aw i love this album. i keep thinking, oh, it's obviously this track, then i scan back up and remember another track...i guess it's between 'he's on the phone' and 'pale movie' for me, maybe 'join our club' and 'hug my soul' and 'hobart paving' snapping at their heels...gone for 'pale movie' in the end as HOTP will get nuff luv elsewhere.

no one who's ever tried to copy st etienne has ever been any good, right?

lex pretend, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:49 (seventeen years ago)

also, finisterre is a massively underrated st et album, but my favourite post-smash the system song by them might be 'boy is crying', which i can't really explain.

lex pretend, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:50 (seventeen years ago)

Yeah, I had a lot to say about Finisterre when it came out but the general reaction seems to have been oh another St Et album zzzz even though quite a lot of what Higgins/Xenomania went on to do with GA etc. is templated here (esp. "Shower Scene").

I'm scratching my head trying to think of anyone who has actually tried to copy St Et, to be honest - you've got Pizzicato 5 but they were working in parallel rather than being a straight copy.

Dingbod Kesterson, Thursday, 19 June 2008 09:55 (seventeen years ago)

I have the freebie "songs for kids" that came with Turnpike.

I have to say, sorry, the kids were bored rig.

Mark G, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:14 (seventeen years ago)

i don't know what those last four tracks are but this is pretty unfuckable with

52 Pilot is great. In fact that whole Places to Visit EP is lovely. Dark and moody and v different from most of their records.

I'm voting Kiss and Make Up, though. Oh to be young again, in summer.

Jamie T Smith, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:20 (seventeen years ago)

B-b-b-but "Lets Build a Zoo"!

My nephew loves that one!

Jamie T Smith, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:21 (seventeen years ago)

I wonder if they ever actually recorded the full kids' album they were talking about at the time or just those six tracks.

Dingbod Kesterson, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:23 (seventeen years ago)

http://www.saintetiennedisco.com/index2.html

They have a very odd discography, don't they? Loads of oddities and bits hidden away.

And 8 different greatest hits/compilations!! Someone should do a poll.

I've never even heard of that Misadventures of Saint Etienne album.

Jamie T Smith, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:33 (seventeen years ago)

tough poll. it could be any of the first 13 tracks really. i'll go for 'paper' cos its a mixtape staple.

Michael B, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:43 (seventeen years ago)

and here's me thinking I was being slightly 'off-path' !

Mark G, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:49 (seventeen years ago)

i'll go for 'paper' cos its a mixtape staple.

lolol

banriquit, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:49 (seventeen years ago)

"Like a Motorway". Combination of that folk melody and Underworld production (I think) sounds incongruous, but is actually heart-melting.

Neil S, Thursday, 19 June 2008 10:53 (seventeen years ago)

Like A Motorway has always reminded me of Cambodia by Kim Wilde

Daniel Giraffe, Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:05 (seventeen years ago)

In the absence of "Heart Failed (In The Back Of a Taxi)", this for me is a pick between "He's On The Phone" and "Pale Movie". Going for the latter.

Geir Hongro, Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:07 (seventeen years ago)

'Avenue' is the most beautiful St Etiene track

zeus, Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:27 (seventeen years ago)

You're In A Bad way is my favourite, partly because it's the first I remember hearing but also because it's got that perfect mix of glamour and romantic faded grandeur and rundown hungover shabbiness that characterises their best tunes.

Matt DC, Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:27 (seventeen years ago)

"no one who's ever tried to copy st etienne has ever been any good, right?"

Wouldn't go that far. The Tough Alliance and Air France are both excellent, for example. Dubstar were strong in parts. Shantel's first album was ace. Guess it depends on yr definition of "copy".

Tim F, Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:32 (seventeen years ago)

Rain falls like Elvis tears...

stroker ace, Thursday, 19 June 2008 11:48 (seventeen years ago)

oh man. i just voted for 'like a motorway' but that 'hobart paving' lyric has literally sent shivers down my spine.

fucking tough call! 'avenue', olcbyh, hms, 'sylvie' even... ugh.

CharlieNo4, Thursday, 19 June 2008 13:26 (seventeen years ago)

Sarah WANKS OFF THE BEAR at the end of the Hug My Soul video? WHAT MORE could you want, people?

"Burnt Out Car" is a proto-"Hole In The Head". Sarah said to popjustice she wishes it had come out "properly". Would probably make a lot of sense in today's POP CLIMATE.

edwardo, Thursday, 19 June 2008 13:37 (seventeen years ago)

*eats lunch a second time*

Dingbod Kesterson, Thursday, 19 June 2008 13:42 (seventeen years ago)

And...


Dear Mark

It’s been a while since our last missive, but don’t worry, all the
while the wheels of the Saint Etienne machine have been turning, deals
have been struck, plans hatched …

Some of which can be revealed now…

A new “career” spanning compilation entitled “London Conversations” will
be released in September by Universal. It will come in 2 editions: one you may not need
cos it's a condensed greatest hits, the other a 2 disc set which will finally include
Lover Plays TheBass!
Plus two brand new singles – the first of which will be out in August.

Mark G, Thursday, 19 June 2008 15:49 (seventeen years ago)

Went 'Archway People':

a) no-one else will
b) "There's some nice parts of London. You can see them from here."
c) "For once, I felt close to you..."

William Bloody Swygart, Thursday, 19 June 2008 15:59 (seventeen years ago)

Sarah WANKS OFF THE BEAR at the end of the Hug My Soul video?

^Directed by Steven Wells, I've just remembered. Which would explain the BEAR WANK scene. YEAH! Does that SHOCK you, INDIE-SCHMINDIE NAZI-SPUNK BOY ARRGH SHOUTY CAPS LOCK SPUNKGASM NAZIIIIII!!!

Haven't decided what to go for yet. Might be "Carn't Sleep", might be "Only Love...", might be "Burnt Out Car", might be "People Get Real", might be "Avenue"...
Won't be "He's on the Phone" though.

DavidM, Thursday, 19 June 2008 16:12 (seventeen years ago)

"Avenue"

2for25, Thursday, 19 June 2008 16:21 (seventeen years ago)

i might have to go with 'hobart paving' though i have a soft spot for 'filthy' because it's just a sick track.

omar little, Thursday, 19 June 2008 17:27 (seventeen years ago)

Like A Motorway is spoiled by that whacky drumbreak, i've always thought. Still could be my fave though.

ledge, Thursday, 19 June 2008 18:02 (seventeen years ago)

^Exactly my opinion. Fortunately the synth bassline is massive!

daavid, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:08 (seventeen years ago)

I really can't decide. have been staring at the list all day!

Thomas, Thursday, 19 June 2008 19:48 (seventeen years ago)

this is the indiest poll ILM has ever done. ever.

he's on the phone. obv

Alan, Thursday, 19 June 2008 21:03 (seventeen years ago)

"Avenue"

t**t, Thursday, 19 June 2008 21:22 (seventeen years ago)

the first ten tracks are killer. i don't find anything after them coming up to the same standard. one pick? well i have 'kiss and make up' in my head at this moment so, why not.

Frogman Henry, Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:33 (seventeen years ago)

I've never been to Rome
but I don't need to go
I don't need to go to know
life would be sweet and slow

f. hazel, Thursday, 19 June 2008 23:07 (seventeen years ago)

Sarah WANKS OFF THE BEAR at the end of the Hug My Soul video?
^Directed by Steven Wells, I've just remembered. Which would explain the BEAR WANK scene.

I've always considered that to be a homage to this film. La Bete/The Beast. Got a similar weird bear rape scene and pretty typical of St Et to reference some obscure French thing.

everything, Friday, 20 June 2008 01:54 (seventeen years ago)

no one who's ever tried to copy st etienne has ever been any good, right?

The first Dubstar album was excellent.

Geir Hongro, Friday, 20 June 2008 09:18 (seventeen years ago)

Its highs ("Stars"!)were pretty high, but it wasn't excellent all the way through, was it?

Thomas, Friday, 20 June 2008 10:20 (seventeen years ago)

what was it all? 4?

Mark G, Friday, 20 June 2008 10:33 (seventeen years ago)

"like a motorway". i love that wacky drum break, too. i love everything about that song. it might actually be perfect.

"paper" would be second.

grimly fiendish, Friday, 20 June 2008 10:38 (seventeen years ago)

first dubstar album was good all the way through, yes

Alan, Friday, 20 June 2008 10:47 (seventeen years ago)

This is actually impossible. I can't even pick a sentimental favourite.

Niles Caulder, Friday, 20 June 2008 11:30 (seventeen years ago)

Voted for something that maybe not many (if any) one else'll go for, but given how great St Et are I'm prob way wrong

Niles Caulder, Friday, 20 June 2008 11:46 (seventeen years ago)

this is still impossible despite thinking i'd narrowed it down to 2 choices.

omar little, Saturday, 21 June 2008 15:02 (seventeen years ago)

Jack Lemmon and Saturday are aces, people, give them a chance!

mitya, Monday, 23 June 2008 02:22 (seventeen years ago)

this would have been bumped later today, but wth

omar little, Thursday, 26 June 2008 17:21 (seventeen years ago)

i kind of wish i'd voted for 'people get real'

Frogman Henry, Thursday, 26 June 2008 17:29 (seventeen years ago)

Automatic thread bump. This poll is closing tomorrow.

ILX System, Thursday, 26 June 2008 23:01 (seventeen years ago)

can't choose

omar little, Thursday, 26 June 2008 23:25 (seventeen years ago)

oh the clown's no good....

Mark G, Friday, 27 June 2008 09:44 (seventeen years ago)

An abudance of riches. Am tempted to go for "Shad Thames", just to be different and for the Shadows sample.

Rob M v2, Friday, 27 June 2008 12:00 (seventeen years ago)

really hate the edit of Like A Motorway on this - not enough intro

blueski, Friday, 27 June 2008 12:51 (seventeen years ago)

"Sylvie", my favorite song of theirs, even with the congos.

Euler, Friday, 27 June 2008 16:23 (seventeen years ago)

not a single other person on this thread throwing support for "mario's cafe?"

impudent harlot, Friday, 27 June 2008 16:46 (seventeen years ago)

I LOVE "Mario's Cafe. But it doesn't beat "Avenue".

daavid, Friday, 27 June 2008 18:11 (seventeen years ago)

carnt choose

Frogman Henry, Friday, 27 June 2008 18:46 (seventeen years ago)

Automatic thread bump. This poll's results are now in.

ILX System, Friday, 27 June 2008 23:01 (seventeen years ago)

so many great songs. good result, overall.

glad to see paper get a couple of votes, too.

grimly fiendish, Friday, 27 June 2008 23:17 (seventeen years ago)


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.