A little more than a year ago I featured the lead single from this EP as a Track of the Week, and now I'm here to feature the flip as another. Red Sleeping Beauty are here with their new EP, From Sarah with Love, a tribute to the legendary label. And Matinée Recordings have now offered up "Second Time" with Mary Wyer of Even As We Speak.
This number is a sleek, shimmering bit of business. There's certainly a hint of Saint Etienne's Sarah Cracknell here, but also that inimitable Even As We Speak sense of the possibilites of pop. The lush surfaces of this number contrast with the realities of the lyrics and vocals. The whole effect is one that's catchy but poignant. "Second Time" and "Solid Gold" (featuring Amelia Fletcher of Heavenly, Swansea Sound, The Catenary Wires, Marine Research, etc.) are paired up with two Sarah Records covers here by Red Sleeping Beauty. There's a run at "I'm in Love with a Girl Who Doesn't Know I Exist" by Another Sunny Day, and a brisk remake of the classic "Pristine Christine" by The Sea Urchins. Every track here is excellent, and a fan of any of these musicians, or the two songs being covered should find an entry-point to the pleasures of this fine EP.
From Sarah with Love is out now via Matinée Recordings.