Hobart Paving

Last updated

"Hobart Paving"
Hobart Paving.jpg
Single by Saint Etienne
from the album So Tough
A-side "Who Do You Think You Are"
B-side "Your Head My Voice (Voix Revirement)"
Released11 May 1993 [1]
Recorded1993
Genre Indie pop
Length4:55
Label HeavenlyHVN 29
Warner9 40910
Songwriter(s) Stanley/Wiggs
Saint Etienne singles chronology
"You're in a Bad Way"
(1993)
"Hobart Paving" / "Who Do You Think You Are"
(1993)
"Xmas 93"
(1993)
Music video
"Hobart Paving" on YouTube

"Hobart Paving" is a song by British pop group Saint Etienne from their second album, So Tough (1993). It was released by Heavenly Records on 11 May 1993 as a double A-side with the band's cover of "Who Do You Think You Are", originally released in 1974 by Jigsaw and a hit for Candlewick Green. It reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart and number ten on the UK Dance Singles Chart.

Contents

Lyrics

The song describes an unhappy woman, using characteristically surreal images such as "Rain falls like Elvis tears" and "Just like a harpsichordist she moves". The apparently meaningless title appears in the song's chorus: "Hobart paving, don't you think that's it's time, / On this platform with the drizzle in my eyes?" The title may derive from a construction firm called Hobart Paving Company Limited [2] in the town of Croydon, where two of the band members grew up. [3]

Critical reception

Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic named "Hobart Paving" a "stand out" from the So Tough album. [4] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton viewed it as "being a fairly average track". [5] Dave Simpson from Melody Maker praised it as "an absolute gem", remarking its "magnificently eerie melody and Sarah's almost unbearably poignant vocal." [6] Ted Kessler from NME viewed it as "wishy-washy piffle (where's the SONG??)". [7] Armond White from Rolling Stone noted that one of Saint Etienne's "cast of characters", Hobart, "inhabit a lovelorn ballad". [8]

Music video

A black-and-white music video was produced to promote the single. It was later made available on YouTube in May 2012. [9]

Mixes

"Hobart Paving" was slightly remixed for single release, adding subtle overdubs and extra instrumentation.

"Your Head My Voice (Voix Revirement)" is a remix of "Who Do You Think You Are", though the source material is unrecognisable in the mix, hence the different title. However, if one reverses the audio, the lyrics "Every day sees another scar, tell me who do you..." are audible. Also of note is the writing credits for "Your Head My Voice (Voix Revirement)" which list Stanley/Wiggs/James as composers, none of whom composed "Who Do You Think You Are" and marking the only time Richard David James/Aphex Twin would be listed as a co-writer of a Saint Etienne track.

An alternative mix of "Hobart Paving", created for the single but ultimately not used, was eventually released on the Nice Price outtakes collection in 2006.

Track listing

All tracks written and composed by Dyer and Scott, except where indicated.

European release

Charts

Chart (1993)Peak
position
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100) [10]

with "Who Do You Think You Are"

74
UK Singles (OCC)23
UK Dance ( Music Week ) [11] 10

Cover versions

The 1997 German movie Bandits featured a cover version of the song called "Catch Me" (possibly to better match the movie's prison break story), released under the band name "Bandits". The "Hobart Paving" in the chorus was replaced by "Hold on, princess". "Catch Me" peaked at #42 on the German Media Control Singles chart [12]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Saint Etienne (band)</span> English band

Saint Etienne is an English band from Greater London, formed in 1990. The band consists of Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs. Commonly associated with the indie dance scene of the 1990s, their music blends club culture with 1960s pop and other disparate influences.

<i>So Tough</i> 1993 studio album by Saint Etienne

So Tough is the second studio album by British band Saint Etienne, released in 1993. It is their highest-charting album to date, reaching No. 7 on the UK Album Chart.

<i>Too Young to Die: Singles 1990–1995</i> 1995 compilation album by Saint Etienne

Too Young to Die – Singles 1990–1995 is a compilation album by English indie dance band Saint Etienne released on 13 November, 1995, collecting the group's singles spanning the period of 1990 to 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only Love Can Break Your Heart</span> 1970 single by Neil Young

"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" is a song written by Canadian-American singer-songwriter, musician, and activist Neil Young. It has been covered by many other artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're in a Bad Way</span> 1993 single by Saint Etienne

"You're in a Bad Way" is a song by British pop group Saint Etienne, released in February 1993 by Heavenly and Warner as the second single from their second album, So Tough (1993). The song is a deliberately old-fashioned throwback to 1960s pop music. In an interview with Melody Maker magazine, Bob Stanley claims that it was written in ten minutes as a simple imitation of Herman's Hermits, and was only intended to be a B-side to "Everlasting", but the record company decided that it should be a single. "Everlasting" was dropped as a single and remained unreleased until it was eventually included on disc 2 on the deluxe edition of So Tough in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">He's on the Phone</span> 1995 single by Saint Etienne

"He's on the Phone" is a song by British pop group Saint Etienne in collaboration with French singer-songwriter Étienne Daho, released in October 1995 by Heavenly and MCA as a single from their third compilation album, Too Young to Die (1995). A fast-paced dance track, it is one of Saint Etienne's biggest hits, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart, number 31 in Iceland, number 41 in Sweden and number 33 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The lyrics tell of an "academia girl" trying to escape from a relationship with a married man: He's on the phone / And she wants to go home, / Shoes in hand, / Don't make a sound, / It's time to go. At the centre of the track is a spoken-word section by Daho.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pale Movie</span> 1994 single by Saint Etienne

"Pale Movie" is a song by British pop group Saint Etienne, released in February 1994 by Heavenly Records as the first single from the group's third album, Tiger Bay (1994). The song reached number 28 on the UK Singles Charts and also became a hit in Iceland, peaking at number 24. In common with the folk music theme of the album, the song combines a Eurodance beat with Spanish folk-style guitars. The lyrics use surreal imagery to describe a man's love for a mysterious woman. Although the title is not sung, some of the words refer to cinema: "In the bed where they make love / She's in a film on the sheets. / He shows dreams like a movie, / She's the softness of cinema seats." Other lines are stranger: "her skin as white as the milk, / Just like a Sherpa Tenzing / under a Manila silk."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avenue (song)</span> 1992 single by Saint Etienne

"Avenue" is a song by British pop group Saint Etienne, released in October 1992 as the first single from their second album, So Tough (1992). It was originally titled "Lovely Heart" or "Young Heart". The album version is a 7-minute version with lengthy instrumental sequences; it was edited down to around 4 minutes for radio play, though the commercial single contained the full-length version, with the radio edit only released on promotional material. The edit wasn't released commercially until 2005's Travel Edition 1990-2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Next Is the E</span> 1992 single by Moby

"Next Is the E" is a song by American electronica musician Moby, released in October 1992 by Instinct and Equator as the third single from his self-titled debut album (1992).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emergency on Planet Earth (song)</span> 1993 single by Jamiroquai

"Emergency on Planet Earth" is a song by British funk/acid jazz band Jamiroquai, released in August 1993 by Sony Soho Square as the fourth and final single from the band's debut studio album of the same name (1993). The song was written by frontman Jay Kay, and has an environmentalist tone, urging the listener to "stop modernisation going on." The track peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and at number four on the US Dance Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blow Your Mind (Jamiroquai song)</span> 1993 single by Jamiroquai

"Blow Your Mind" is the third overall single to be released from British funk/acid jazz band Jamiroquai's debut studio album, Emergency on Planet Earth (1993). It was released on 24 May 1993 through Sony Soho Square in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was written by frontman Jay Kay with Toby Smith, and produced by Rick Pope. Its accompanying music video was directed by Vaughan Arnell and Anthea Benton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Something Good (Utah Saints song)</span> 1992 single by Utah Saints

"Something Good" is a song by English electronic music duo Utah Saints. It was first included as the opening song on a seven-track EP titled Something Good, then later included on their debut album, Utah Saints (1992). The song contains a vocal sample from Kate Bush's "Cloudbusting", which had been a top-20 UK hit in 1985. Issued as a single on 25 May 1992, it reached number four on the UK Singles Chart as well as number seven on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. The BBC used the song during its coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Barcelona Olympic Games of 1992 and was also used for Carlton Television's pre-launch trailer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Set You Free (N-Trance song)</span> 1993 single by N-Trance

"Set You Free" is a song written and recorded by English rave band N-Trance, featuring vocals from English singer Kelly Llorenna. It was officially released as a single in October 1993 by label All Around the World but did not chart until a re-release in April the following year, just making the UK top 40 at number 39. Another re-release in January 1995 was much more successful, peaking at number two in the UK. Same year, it was included on the band's debut album, Electronic Pleasure (1995). Later, it was remixed and re-released in 2001, this time reaching number four. Its music video was directed by prolific music video director Steve Price.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xmas 93</span> 1993 single by Saint Etienne

"Xmas 93" is a Christmas-themed single by English alternative dance band Saint Etienne. It was released in the United Kingdom on 6 December 1993 by Heavenly Recordings. The lead track "I Was Born on Christmas Day" features guest vocals from The Charlatans singer Tim Burgess, and peaked at number 37 on the UK Singles Chart. The song's title is a nod to band member Bob Stanley, who was born on 25 December 1964. The music video for the single was filmed in the vicinity of Kensington and Chelsea Register Office in London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Join Our Club</span> 1992 single by Saint Etienne

"Join Our Club" is a song by English musical group Saint Etienne, released by Heavenly Records in May 1992 as a double-A side with "People Get Real".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hug My Soul</span> 1994 single by Saint Etienne

"Hug My Soul" is a song by British band Saint Etienne. It was the third single from their third album, Tiger Bay (1994), and was released in September 1994 by Heavenly Records. It was written by vocalist Sarah Cracknell along with songwriting partners Guy Batson and Johnny Male.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Goodbye in Ten</span> 1993 single by Shara Nelson

"One Goodbye in Ten" is a song by British singer-songwriter Shara Nelson, released in September 1993 by Cooltempo Records as the second single from the singer's first solo album, What Silence Knows (1993). Written by her with British band Saint Etienne and produced by Michael Peden, the song received critical acclaim and peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart. Additionally, it was a top-30 hit in Austria and a top-50 hit in the Netherlands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Heaven Knows (Luther Vandross song)</span> 1993 single by Luther Vandross

"Heaven Knows" is a song by American singer-songwriter Luther Vandross, released in September 1993 by Epic and Sony as the second single from his eight studio album, Never Let Me Go (1993). The song was written by Vandross with Reed Vertelney and produced by Marcus Miller. It peaked in the top 30 on both the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles and Hot Dance Club Play charts, and also at thirty-three on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Singles chart. "Heaven Knows" was nominated for Best R&B Song alongside "Little Miracles " at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in March 1994, losing to "That's the Way Love Goes" by Janet Jackson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Who Do You Think You Are (Candlewick Green song)</span> Single by Candlewick Green

"Who Do You Think You Are" is a song written by British songwriting-team Des Dyer and Clive Scott. It was first recorded by English pop group Candlewick Green and released in late December 1973. The song peaked at #21 in the United Kingdom in February 1974.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sick & Tired (The Cardigans song)</span> 1994 single by the Cardigans

"Sick & Tired" is a song by Swedish band the Cardigans, written by Peter Svensson and Magnus Sveningsson, and produced by Tore Johansson. It was released in September 1994 by Trampolene as the third single from their debut album, Emmerdale (1994), in Sweden and as their first single in Japan the following month. The song was subsequently included on the international release of their second album, Life (1995), and issued as its first single in March 1995. A reissue later the same year became the group's first top-40 hit in the United Kingdom. In February 1996, it reached number one in Iceland, staying at the summit for four weeks. A music video was produced to promote the single, directed by Swedish director Björn Lindgren.

References

  1. "Hobart Paving, Who Do You Think You Are UK 1993 Heavenly". Saintetiennedisco.com. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  2. See Hobart Paving website
  3. "Saintetienne.net". Archived from the original on 10 October 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2020.
  4. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Saint Etienne – So Tough". AllMusic . Retrieved 9 November 2020.
  5. Masterton, James (16 May 1993). "Week Ending May 22nd 1993". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  6. Simpson, Dave (22 May 1993). "Singles". Melody Maker . p. 27. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  7. Kessler, Ted (11 November 1995). "Long Play". NME . p. 47. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  8. White, Armond (5 August 1993). "Saint Etienne: So Tough". Rolling Stone . Archived from the original on 9 May 2006. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  9. "Saint Etienne – Hobart Paving". 10 May 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2021 via YouTube.
  10. "Eurochart Hot 100" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 10, no. 22. 29 May 1993. p. 35. Retrieved 24 March 2024.
  11. "Top 60 Dance Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 29 May 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  12. "Single, Bandits, Catch Me". 2014 GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 14 May 2016.