#239. Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne's Final Album "International" and 30 Years of Music

In Episode #239 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Bob Stanley from Saint Etienne to discuss the legendary band's 13th and final album, International. For over 30 years, Saint Etienne have been one of Britain's most influential and inventive pop groups, fusing electronic music, indie pop, 60s influences, and modern storytelling. Now, with the release of International (out September 2025), Bob Stanley, Sarah Cracknell, and Pete Wiggs close the chapter on making albums — delivering a vibrant, celebratory record full of collaborations. In this in-depth conversation, Bob Stanley talks about: Why International marks the end of Saint Etienne's album-making era, The stories behind key tracks including "Glad" (with Tom Rowlands and Jez Williams), "Two Lovers" (with Vince Clarke), "The Go Betweens" (with Nick Heyward), and "The Last Time," The resurgence of their 1991 club classic "7 Ways To Love", Highlights from across their 13-album catalogue — from Foxbase Alpha to The Night, What comes next for Saint Etienne beyond the studio: live shows, films and more If you're a fan of Saint Etienne's timeless blend of dance-pop, nostalgia, and innovative songwriting, this episode is a must-listen. Listen to Bob Stanley reflect on the legacy of Saint Etienne and their remarkable final album, International, on XS Noize Podcast #239. Stream below. Or listen via YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | RSS – Find The XS Noize Podcast's complete archive of episodes here. Previous XS Noize Podcast guests include legends and trailblazers such as D: ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, Michael Head — and many more.