Taking Sides: Saint Etienne vs. Black Box Recorder

Hmmm...I don't actually have any St.Etienne, what's recommended? I listened to "England Made Me" for the first time in a while last night, and was blown away by its excellence! Probably no point in me posting on this thread, as I can't actually "take sides" but I'd just like to say that I give Ms.Nixey and co. two thumbs up. She's also foxier than the very foxy St.Etienne singer whose name escapes me.

I vote BBR, but then Haines is my favourite recording artist of all time ;) They're more cartoonish I suppose, but that's a deliberate part of their persona. I listen to St Etienne's best of a fair bit and they are undoubtedly capable of greatness, but the very clear agenda that BBR have isn't there. Just a question of what you like, I suppose- I find St Etienne a bit twee at times but I could understand why others might find BBR overbearingly smug, though personally I can't get enough of them. The parallels only became apparent for me after the 2nd BBR record, which had a much fuller sound- but this was part of a contrived, if humorous, Luke-does-All Saints concept- the first record is the real BBR, a lot more skeletal and queasy. On the sinister stakes, Pete and Bob don't at all match Haines & Moore for my money.

Bob Stanley = my hero. St Etienne all the way

THEY'RE BOTH CLASSIC

BBR are the dark side for sure!