"Let's Have Some Fun Tonight..."

Saint Etienne - Tales From Turnpike House



Ahhh… the concept album. The one where a common thread ties it all together. Not easily done these days, but Saint Etienne proves it’s possible!

Tales from Turnpike House gives us insight into the day-to-day lives of ordinary people living in an outer London high-rise housing complex.

Musically, it’s a bit dance, a bit bossa nova, a bit Beach Boys… running the gamut of emotions one feels on a daily basis.
The original version released in the UK has the album beginning at sunrise and ending at bedtime… However, this U.S. version fucks up the order for some reason.

Nevertheless, the album is full of silvery sparkly gems we’ve come to expect from our beloved Saint Etienne.

Stars Above Us is light and airy and I’m suddenly dancing around the room in my jammies! The darker Lightning Strikes Twice continues the dance party as The Miss joins in… Dancing along to A Good Thing, you forget that breaking up is a bad thing!

Last orders For Gary Stead comes on… Time for a break… and a drink!

Chocotini’s are in order.

The party is winding down… turn down the lights as Dream Lover plays. Almost time for bed, but perhaps one more drink…

We sit in a candle lit room on our red couch sipping our velvety drinks and listening to the sweet harmonies of Side Streets Home and Sun In My Morning.

The candle goes out…

Happy Valentine’s Day.