Saint Etienne - Foxbase Alpha - Music & Performance - CD

Despite a handful of classic pop singles, Saint Etienne's debut album Foxbase Alpha is a tentative fusion of club culture and swinging '60s pop. Lead vocalist Sarah Cracknell hasn't been fully integrated into the band's lineup -- she doesn't even sing on their astonishing Euro-disco cover of Neil Young's "Only Love Will Break Your Heart," which is not only cleverly ironic, but also works -- yet the filler remains thoroughly enjoyable, even if it rarely reaches the heights of the irresistible girl group pop of "Kiss and Make Up." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide