Couples - The Long Blondes  Generally favorable reviews - based
on 20 Critics  Critic score distribution:   1. Positive: 12 out
of 20   2. Negative: 0 out of 20   1. Couples is simply a
successful attempt to sound both different and better.   2.
Eloquent, glamorous, spirited and now more sonically innovative
than ever, the quintet have affirmed their place as one of
Britain's most exciting bands with this release.   3. With
Couples they've managed to turn two years of inter-band
heartache into an ambitious, forward-thinking pop record that
tops their debut by quite some distance.   4. 80     They've
forged a sound that's ambitious and close to unique. [May 2008,
p.109]   5. 80     Tracks like 'Couples' prove their trademark
sound is still as strong (and smart) as ever. [May 2008, p.102]
7. From the sassy squeal of Here Comes the Serious Bit to the
tension-cranking film noir of Round the Hairpin, Jackson's
vocals are nuanced, and the band's punk past goes hand-in-hand
with their pop future.   8. In lyrics an