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Where'd You Learn to Kiss That Way?

Where'd You Learn to Kiss That Way?

By The Field Mice

Alternative - 1998

Where’d You Learn to Kiss That Way? is a 36-song compilation assembling three years (1988—1991) of prolific output from The... more

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About Where'd You Learn to Kiss That Way?

Where’d You Learn to Kiss That Way? is a 36-song compilation assembling three years (1988—1991) of prolific output from The Field Mice’s recordings on Sarah Records. Somewhat similar to The Vaselines, the Surrey, England, band has been revered as a twee-pop pioneer by everyone from Beachwood Sparks to Belle & Sebastian. After hearing Bobby Wratten’s lovelorn voice in the shimmering guitar-pop gem “If You Need Someone” from the band’s 1990 EP The Autumn Store Part 1, it’s easy to compare his gentle timbre to that of Belle & Sebastian's Stuart Murdoch. The opening “Five Moments” from 1991’s Five Moments is awash in synthesizers and the gossamer voice of Annemari Davies, who joined the band in 1990. (The collection is sequenced non-chronologically.) The Field Mice’s second single, "Sensitive," proved to be the band’s breakthrough. With its lo-fi, Johnny Marr–inspired guitar jangle prone to distorted outbreaks and Wratten’s boyish singing balancing overhead, “Sensitive” is near-perfect indie-pop. “Let’s Kiss and Make Up” is another standout; St. Etienne covered it in 1991.