The frequently cited Au Pairs comparison is to Gang Of Four (Gang Of Four guitarist Andy Gill is No. 12 on SPIN’s list). And I think it’s fair to say that if you liked Gang Of Four, you’d probably also like the Au Pairs. And there’s a similarity in the effects chains of Andy Gill and one of the Au Pairs. I think Andy’s sound was achieved through a combination of deep reverb, tremolo (on some songs), treble boost (with a wah pedal, maybe) and heavy flange. Paul Foad (I think, judging by some live footage) had a similar set up, but used what sounds to me like a totally cranked chorus pedal (an effect that I usually think sounds terrible) instead of the flange. And Lesley (I think, again referring to videos) resorted to a slightly overdriven, but otherwise un-effected Tele. People also often think that the Au Pairs share Gang Of Four’s Parliament-Funkadelic inspired funk, but I think the Au Pairs actually might have been in to the World Music scene. Sounds potentially awful, I know, but they pulled it off without any schmaltz. I was listening to a lot of Au Pairs lately to pick an example to post (from a large quantity of really great songs) and while not overtly displaying the unique Au Pairs guitar elements, I reaffirmed that this song completely kicks ass.
Notable guitars: Paul played a Strat and Lesley played a Tele
Example: “We’re So Cool”
Distant iPods 
Leave a comment