Built on Sand cover

Built on Sand

Saint Etienne · 1999

45 min · 14 tracks · indie pop · synth-pop

A kaleidoscopic blend of synth-pop and indie pop, brimming with nostalgic melodies and reflective lyrics.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic melodies for reflection
  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • short tracks that invite replay
  • kaleidoscopic soundscapes to explore

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer instant gratification
  • seek high-energy anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1999, 'Built on Sand' is Saint Etienne's fourth studio album, following their acclaimed 'Good Humor' from 1998. At this point, the band was transitioning from their early sound defined by dance beats to a more introspective approach that incorporated elements of storytelling and atmospheric instrumentation.
Stylistic neighbors
Stereolab· The Field Mice· Trixie Mattel

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Clothes Show 0:23
  • 2 Suburban Autumn Lieutenant 4:05
  • 3 Jaydip Pharmacy 2:52
  • 4 Tomorrow Never Dies 3:48
  • 5 Nazi Jaloux 3:20
  • 6 Please 2:35
  • 7 Keep Nothing 4:00
  • 8 Russian 3:27
  • 9 Blofeld Buildings 4:38
  • 10 Ken 3:40
  • 11 Are We Gonna Be Alright 3:13
  • 12 Andrew McCarthy 2:55
  • 13 We’re in the City (live) 4:21
  • 14 The Clothes Show (Sad Refrain) 1:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata