..was one of the best album releases of 2001.. Andb thats speaking as a London based Smiths following indie rock fan.. who saw a multitude of bands last year.

Had thepleasure of Spearmint twice last year and they are fantastic. The bass player is also a huge Northern Soul fan.. went to the 'Blow Up' after their Borderline gig where he was DJ'ing.. Shirley Lee, Spearmints singer is also a intellignet witty liyricist.. and full of heartfelt tenderness as well.. Met him at that very gig..

Anyway.. sorry to champion a little known band, but if they're deserving of the Morrissey fanbases attention.. I'll always give in some words to ponder..

   

Hear hear, Ruffian. Spearmint are probably one of the best (and *the* most underrated) bands around right now. They are also a band who wear their influences on their sleeve. One needs only to listen to "Scottish Pop", or the line in "Julie Christie!" where Shirley sings 'we took the essence of Felt and Vic Goddard and blasted into space' to see where they're coming from, musically.

"A Different Lifetime" was my album of the year, too, and one most Smiths fans would do well to give a listen.