The Long Blondes - 'Once And Never Again' (Rough Trade) Released 23/10/06

This writer’s girlfriend was last seen sporting a black and white star patterned necktie quite similar to the type that has become something of a trademark for The Long Blondes’ future tabloid fashion icon/sometime singer Kate Jackson. Of course, should said girlfriend be reading this then the necktie was nothing but her individual statement of style. To anyone else it’s proof that The Long Blondes have already more than successfully tapped into that part of the national indie consciousness who wish they were born in the fifties, and to whom the words ‘vintage’ and ‘kitsch’ are simple shortcuts to eBay sartorial heaven. Despite a lacklustre Reading, ‘Once And Never Again’ continues their run of superb singles. Out of the traps like an (even more) effeminate Libertines, the tracks’ killer line “19!/You’re only 19 for God’s sake/You don’t need a boyfriend” will lodge itself in your brain upon the first thirty seconds, as well as delighting those parents who’ll inevitably see The Long Blondes as the clean-cut moral crusaders of this age. The truth is actually a whole lot sweeter, Ms. Jackson taking the position of an enlightened elder: “I know how it feels to be your age” / “I can show you the ropes” etc. If only all agony aunts sounded so vital. Also extra credit for using the words “kitchen sink”, you self-referential wonders!