British Female Retro Soul Before It Was Cool: Saint Etienne, “You’re in a Bad Way”

Being a DJ, and liking all kinds of musical genres, I see trends come and go all the time. But one that I never thought I would see at all, or see last as long as it has, is the transatlantic success of British female retro-soul singers like Amy Winehouse and Duffy. While some of these women put more of a tough, hip-hop attitude into their style, and others add a bit more sweetness, they all have a sound that’s a throwback to classic ‘60s female soul.

I’ve noticed that a wide range of people seem to like this trend at the events where we spin – Amy Winehouse is an artist that the hipsters, Top 40 fans, and those in their 50s and 60s who recall '60s soul's heyday can enjoy. And Winehouse’s success means guests at our events are more familiar with this retro soul sound, so we’ve been spinning similar artists during the early part of events that are lesser-known in the U.S., like Lily Allen and Candie Payne. (In April, I posted an entry here about a great Candie Payne song, check it out.)

And while it’s been fun at events to mix these these new soul singers in with vintage classics by Aretha Franklin, The Supremes or Gloria Jones, it’s also allowed me to bring out a song from the early '90s I’ve always loved and have long thought has been sadly unknown in this country. It’s by the British trio Saint Etienne (pictured above), and the singer’s name is Sarah Cracknell. While the group and Cracknell (who are still playing together) more often release albums of either electronic ambient or dance tunes, once in a while they record a straightforward pop song. I think this one is their best – the subject a simple a pledge of support to a friend feeling bad, the sweet music and vocals sounding like they were recorded two generations ago.

For the three or so minutes of this tune, Sarah Cracknell was definitely the Duffy of 1993!

Saint Etienne – You're In A Bad Way

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