Matching polka-dot dresses, seamless choreography, and retro sensibilities form the building blocks of the Pipettes, a modern-day girl group from Brighton, England. The project was launched in 2003 by Monster Bobby (real name: Robert William Barry), a local promoter who sought to revive the classic Phil Spector-inspired sound of the early '60s. An all-male troupe of backing musicians, the Cassettes, helped form the backbone of the Pipettes' sound, but Monster Bobby smartly recruited three photogenic vocalists to take the wheel: Rebecca Stephens (RiotBecki), Julia Clark-Lowes (the Duchess of Darkness), and Rose Elinor Dougall (Rosay). Once assembled, the Pipettes perfected their endearing pop routine throughout 2004, playing shows in Brighton and London. As Gwenno Saunders replaced the departing Clark-Lowes in early 2005, the Pipettes put the finishing touches on three limited-edition singles -- "School Uniform," "ABC," and "Judy" -- all of which proved to be popular among indie fans during the summer of 2005. Memphis Industries, having risen to prominence one year prior with the success of the Go! Team, was also keen on the girls' vibrant appeal and offered the Pipettes a recording contract.

"Your Kisses Are Wasted on Me" arrived in March 2006, giving the Pipettes their first Top 40 hit in the U.K. The debut album We Are the Pipettes followed in July, and its relative success paved the way for another deal -- this time with Cherrytree Records, which issued We Are the Pipettes in America and Asia in 2007. That same year also marked the group's first performance at the South by Southwest Music Conference. Nevertheless, both RiotBecki and Rosay left the group in 2008, leaving the Pipettes with no original members and requiring new replacements to climb aboard. Anna McDonald and Ani Saunders filled the vacant spots, although McDonald also departed several months later. ~ MacKenzie Wilson & Andrew Leahey, All Music Guide