The Pipettes

by MacKenzie Wilson
With matching polka-dot dresses and seamless '60s-inspired choreography, Brighton, England's girl group the Pipettes came together in 2004. Local promoter Monster Bobby wanted to bring the classic Spector-esque sound to the new millennium masses, thus recruiting Becki, Julia, and Rose to complete his pop twist package. Adding an all-male troupe of musicians called the Cassettes, the Pipettes perfected their sweet pop performance over the next six months. As Gwenno replaced a departing Julia in early 2005, the Pipettes put the finishing touches on three limited-edition singles. "School Uniform," "ABC," and "Judy" were instant hits among indie fans in summer 2005. Memphis Industries, who was put on the music map in 2004 with the success of the Go! Team, was also keen on the girls' vibrant likableness and offered the group a recording deal. "Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me" arrived in March 2006, giving the Pipettes their first Top 40 hit. Dates supporting the Magic Numbers, Graham Coxon, the Go! Team, and British Sea Power coincided with the release of second single "Pull Shapes" in early summer. The Pipettes' debut album, We Are the Pipettes, followed in July. The group signed with Cherrytree Records in 2007 and performed at SXSW the same year.