In the late ‘90s and into 2000, we at Sub Pop Records conducted a brief, torrid affair with Saint Etienne. We parted amicably, each going our separate ways, never really able to forget (nor wanting to) the time we spent together, the memories we shared, the records we released. With this 18-song compilation, we’re able, albeit briefly, to once again bask in the glow of our cosmopolitan friends in Saint Etienne. And, in addition to two previously unreleased tracks (the early instrumental “Primrose Hill” and the new song “Fascination”), this career-spanning collection includes stand-out tracks from all of their full-length releases, as well as singles “He’s on the Phone” and “Burnt Out Car.” Saint Etienne (along with Swedish phenoms, The Concretes) will be playing a New Year’s Eve show in London, and there have been hints at a new album in 2005.