Song of the Day 9/8: English Teacher, “The World’s Biggest Paving Slab”

The Mercury Prize, awarded for the best album by a British or Irish act, had an upset winner last week. English Teacher, a fledgling post-punk band from Leeds, took home the £25,000 first prize for their debut album, “This Could Be Texas,” beating out the heavily favored Charli xcx’s “Brat.” Even the band seem surprised; lead singer Lily Fontaine said, “We just thought we’d make a band. What do we do now?” Not visit America, apparently. Earlier in the week the band announced they were cancelling a planned U.S. tour.

“This Could Be Texas” earned high marks from many critics, but it hasn’t paid off yet. English Teacher was featured in a Guardian article back in April about touring being a money-losing proposition for most bands and musicians living hand-to-mouth. Fontaine and guitarist Lewis Whiting said they were reduced to sofa surfing while they were recording the album.

“The World’s Biggest Paving Slab” is the second track on the LP, and was the tune they played live when they appeared on Jules Holland’s live music showcase.