Sleeper
Smart
Key Tracks: Inbetweener, Swallow

Currently embattled due to poor album sales, Sleeper have never had a particularly easy ride of it. For every praising word about their flair and feisty exuberance, there have been nagging criticisms, chiefly, that they are nothing more than a workmanlike outfit fronted by a lippy, charismatic babe. To really remind oneself of their early vigour, listen again to their debut album. It may not have the considered Costello and Pretenders craftsmanship that they possess now, but it certainly sounds like a strident new voice arriving almost fully formed.

Best moments Louise Wener's neat Get Carter reference cum flirty proposition on Delicious: "You're a big man but you're out of shape/I could help you get it back again"

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Incidentally, the US remake of Get Carter has that line in the movie. I liked the director's vision of the movie, but unfortunately Slyvester Stallone is in the film.

Get Carter