Black Box Recorder’s third album, released in 2003 continues their darker, more personal, kitchen sink style of pop first created by Saint Etienne. Where their earlier albums were more guitar oriented or electronic, the style and the less breezy, sadder songs provided a clear separation from Saint Etienne.

Passionoia however sees Luke Haines, Sarah Nixey and John Moore storms headlong into the dancier realms that Cracknell/Stanley/Wiggs inhabit, including the name and location dropping. Keeping just the right side of the 60s that prevents things from becoming too twee or spacey:

“A pint of milk
A loaf of bread
A magazine
On special offer
Check the weather forecast
Buy a new umbrella
Send a text message
Take a shower
Meet me in the park
in half an hour”