They aren't finished with you yet... (We Are The Pipettes - Pipettes)

Member Name: laughingcavalier

Product:	We Are The Pipettes - Pipettes
Date:	08/02/09 (41 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: "I Love You", "Winter's Sky", "Pull Shapes"

Disadvantages: "Because It's Not Love (But It's Still A Feeling)"

I absolutely fell in love with the Pipettes the first time I saw them - in a sea of indie boys with guitars, they were churning out fantastic pop tunes. But most important for me, they were having fun with it, a point evident in the opening (and title) track, "We Are The Pipettes". Their very own theme tune serves as an introduction to the album (and and at one point, to their gigs), and although I rarely listen to it on its own, it's the kind of song that an album like this needs to start with - tongue firmly in cheek, UFO sound effects and all.

As the three front-women assure us that "they haven't finished with [us] yet", we start "Pull Shapes" one of the most infectious songs on the album, the summer hit that (unfortunately) never was. From the defining of each members alter egos as it were (Gwenno likes to disco, Rose likes to rock'n'roll, while Becki likes to hip-hop), to the soaring chorus, this really is a great attempt at the 3:30 pop song. Another great thing is that this track shows off the voices of each of the girls, especially the fun that Becki has with her inflection.

Next up are "Why Did You Stay?", complete with leader-of-the-pack-esque motorbike revs, and "Dirty Mind", again showcasing both the girls' individual talents, but also the fact that they are so much more when they're harmonising. For me, "It Hurts To See You Dance So Well" is a weak point on the album, because the version on this album has tacked on a verse to the original, and it feels out of place for me. The break in the middle is a bit jarring. "Judy", however is a return to form, offering an insight into classroom politics and how the future might've turned out for some of your classmates. Witty, catchy and sung by my favourite Pipette.

"Winter's Sky" is a break from the norm for the Pipettes, and here we see the group perhaps at their most vulnerable, and they pull it off very well. This track is melancholy, sweet, and drenched in spring reverb, which gives it an undeniable 60s edge. Definitely a stand out track in the sense that I will never tire of it.

After the little rest, the tempo is back up with "Your Kisses Are Wasted On Me", again the Pipettes at their cheeky best. However, after this, the quality seems to tail off, until right at the end, where we we again see the band vulnerable, on ironically, the shortest song on the CD.This isn't to say there's filler on this album, but "I Love You" and "Winter's Sky" for me are the best tracks on this album, even though they are perhaps the least "pipettes" songs. Why? Because I think that ultimately pop songs should be romanticised to a certain extent. And while people might think that removes the possibility of wit turning up, I think these tracks prove that wrong.

Whatever you think the perfect pop song is, I'm pretty certain you'll find it on this CD, it really is a must buy. And it's well worth digging up some b-sides too.

Summary: A must for any fan of pop.