The Bash Street Kids the 1985–87 "Simply Smiffy" (where he appears with his brother, Normal Norman). In 2008 he acquires a pet pebble, Kevin, who has his own feature ("Where's Kevin?") in "The Beano" number 3604. First appearing in a 2008 "Singled Out" story, Kevin appears in "Bash Street Kids" stories in 2010 and 2011. In the academy makeover Smiffy has a new brain installed, making him the brightest of the kids. Spotty, whose real name is James Jasper Cameron, is a short boy who wears a blue collared jersey and an extremely long, striped tie. He is proud and protective of the 976
Kids in the Street sign of "cracking through [the band's] own arrested development". Retailer HMV commented, "The band have matured their exuberant sound with a cohesive record that unfolds into a story. Big guitar hooks and soaring melodies still remain, alongside huge drums that bludgeon through sing-a-long choruses that the band are renowned for", while "Big Cheese" said, "there's a candid attitude to the jumpy beats of 'Beekeeper's Daughter' and a maturity to 'Fast and Slow'. Meanwhile, title track 'Kids in the Street' offers a synch-infused look at childhood naivety and the slow and lurid beats of 'Heartbeat Slowing Down' are seductive." Artistdirect quoted