Four years later and I still really miss The Long Blondes. Here's some reasons why I love them:

1) Such sharply crafted and intelligently written singles. As a trio Weekend Without Makeup, Giddy Stratospheres and Separated by Motorways are faultless pop gems. Choppy tension/release energy reined in by the dazzling Kate Jackson..

2) Who can flick from bitter darkness to Care Bear sweetness in the space of a few syllables. Her live performances were never less than magnetic and she pulled off the glamourous new-wave femme-fatale vibe without a shred of contrivance. Plus, she's insanely hot, obviously.

3) Erol Alkan-produced songs like Century on 'Couples' hinted at a sorta warped mutant-disco direction that was sadly cut short with Dorian's stroke. Where most bands run their course leaving a definitively time-and-a-place album, Long Blondes were clearly out-growing Sheffield '05-'08. The latter songs sound like they coulda been simmering underground back when Debbie Harry was in hot-pants. They were just....cool. And really, not many bands even go near that.

4) Two universally acclaimed albums, no weak tracks. I think they're one of those bands whose aesthetic necessitates style with everything they do. There's no songs that aren't at least evocative and atmospheric

So yeah. They deserve loadsa recognition I think. Here's a great performance - and the latest I could find on Kate Jackson..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utol05bZz3A)

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/kate-jackson--the-indierock-firebrand-who-got-in-touch-with-her-softer-side-6274312.html