Billy: Yeah. I like the attitude. I like the spit we sling. I like the pendulum swing between strength and vulnerability.

Betty: I disagree with you that our music isn't about a longing for home. Sure - not all our songs are (thank god) but the new album, The Homeward Stretch, is a nod to that good-achy feeling: the exult of leaving, the yearning to return; when coming home again feels like leaving. I think you just have a problem with being viewed as twee and cutesy and want to make your booze-weary man-side known. That reminds me, I bought your birthday present yesterday. Guesses on what it might be?

Billy: No, sorry. Above, I meant I totally agree with you about home. I like how The Homeward Stretch just came together, how we let the theme reveal itself. Of course there is the sense of home, of contentment, of familiarity. The essence of domesticity. But the songs are each a component, an individual part, funny how it all linked up huh? No idea on birthday presents. Uggs? Last years flannelette pyjamas are coming in handy. I like the top half. The bottom half get all twisty. Not good.

Betty: I understand the twisty bit. Needless to say, when the air's too nippy for nudity I grace a nightdress. This is a vintage cotton and pearl-button number, not the flammable variety with just kiss me! written across the breast. Dear god, no. Not one of those. Never one of those.  You'll have to wait on the pressie. But I can guarantee, I'll never in my life buy you Ugg Boots. Back to the Future's on tonight. You gonna watch?

Billy: Um. No. The 80s revival is yet to make any impact on me, despite my penchant for cheesy synth pads and 303 beats.

Betty: So when are you gonna bust out some of them beats? Been a while. Or are you an acoustic purist these days?

Billy: My beats are in the closet. It's all folky-dolky at the moment; frankly, I've been having a ball. Feedback has been pretty positive hasn't it? Manu Taylor mumbled something good and Nick Bollinger's stopped just short of gushing. Praise indeed, we must be doing something right? Right?

Betty: Yeah, but we're still awaiting Sweetman's review. That could put the kibosh on all of it. Oops?! Did I just say that? We might need to edit that out.

Billy: That's reasonably inappropriate.