Belle and Sebastian (Official Thread)

[mikeford]

quite possibly my favorite band ever.

[xTJx]

:tmnt: (added to list)

[Silver Bullets]

eh, I've not been able to get into them like I hoped to.... I really like Isobel Campbell's solo stuff, though.

[mikeford]

i want to hear that stuff... possibly ysi?

[Ratherbedead22]

meh.

[ForeverDelayed]

Only 5 posts? Sad.

Great band, and for some reason I've been in the mood for them lately. The only thing I don't have is the Storytelling soundtrack, and I'm in no hurry to get it either. But everything else is golden. I even like "Fold Your Hands..." so I guess you could say I'm a big fan. And Stuart Murdoch might just be my favorite male singer ever. There's just something about his voice, I could listen to him sing the phonebook and love every second of it.

[IWasaCamera]

Great band. Tigermilk, Arab Strap, If You're Feeling Sinister, Dear Catastrophe Waitress are all really good albums. Being heavily influenced by Nick Drake is never a bad thing either.

[FayeQC]

Piazza, new york catcher is ace

[Osto]

I absolutely love If You're Feeling Sinister...haven't been able to get into anything else though.

[funkel]

Love If You're Feeling Sinister.
Haven't heard anything else.

[versus_god]

Tigermilk is just as good. Get into it.

[FeynmanWannabe]

One of my all-time favorites. :-)

[IWasaCamera]

People really need to look beyond If You're Feeling Sinister.

[lightupthesky]

i downloaded all of their albums to send to a friend, and they made it into my library, and on shuffle one day "step into my office" from dear catastrophe waitress came on and i was so into it. so i love that entire album but haven't really made it around to listening to the others.

but they're fucking great.

[PoisonInMyVeins]

Great band. Tigermilk, Arab Strap, If You're Feeling Sinister, Dear Catastrophe Waitress are all really good albums. Being heavily influenced by Nick Drake is never a bad thing either.

exactly. arab strap is one of my favorite albums ever. for some reason catastrophe waitress just doesn't do it for me as much as arab strap, sinister, and tigermilk do though. and the nick drake influence definitely is never a bad thing.

[Osto]

People really need to look beyond If You're Feeling Sinister.


I really have tried. I have Push Barman to Open wounds, and that's pretty good, but then I picked up The Life Pursuit and it made me not want to listen to anything else by the band.

[IWasaCamera]

I really have tried. I have Push Barman to Open wounds, and that's pretty good, but then I picked up The Life Pursuit and it made me not want to listen to anything else by the band.
They went downhill fast. However, an argument could be made that Tigermilk and Arab Strap are just as solid as Sinister. Dear Catastrophe is quite good as well. I'm not biased either since I've stated on multiple occasions that I wish Belle & Sebastian would call it quits. Recent material has been dreadful.

[Osto]

I'll definately check the other albums then.

[ForeverDelayed]

Sinister is probably my favorite, mostly because it was the first one I've heard. But after that, it's pretty much impossible. I'd say Arab Strap, Waitress, and Tigermilk are all on the same level and my favorite of them changes with my mood.

Fold Your Hands and Life Pursuit are a step down, for sure, but even those two have their moments. "I Fought In A War" is one of the best songs they've ever done, and the liner notes to Life Pursuit are the funniest thing I've read in my entire life.

The EP's can be a little hit and miss, but when they hit they're amazing. Really the only thing that I feel isn't worth my time is the Storytelling soundtrack. *yawn*

[IWasaCamera]

Been spinning Tigermilk a lot lately.

[ThemChains]

Dear Catastrophe Waitress.

[IWasaCamera]

Good album.

I climbed the hill
I wanted to look down on you
But all I saw was twenty miles of wilderness
So I went home

[ThemChains]

I play this band all the time at work. One of the few things on my iPod that I can get away with putting on.

[IWasaCamera]

Not the most abrasive band so it's understandable. Do you enjoy any of their other albums?

[ThemChains]

Pretty much the whole discography, another stand out for me is Boy With The Arab Strap.

[IWasaCamera]

Nice, that one seems overlooked at times. Fans of the early stuff dig Tigermilk, everyone and their mother digs Sinister, and the new fans dig Dear Catastrophe Waitress.

[kearn1tm]

I'm a fan, but the last two albums were brutal and Storytelling was a disappointment as well.

[ThemChains]

Nobody talks about The Life Pursuit, but it has some jams on it.

[IWasaCamera]

Really dislike The Life Pursuit, as stated earlier in the thread.

[Nevuk]

Tigermilk is nice.

[ThemChains]

I know, I read it. But I like some of the songs on it. Since I've started listening to them in high school, it's been lots of Arab Strap, Sinister, Dear Catastrophe, Fold Your Hands.

[kearn1tm]

Nobody talks about The Life Pursuit, but it has some jams on it.

Save for Dress Up in You, I find it rather boring.

[kearn1tm]

I know, I read it. But I like some of the songs on it. Since I've started listening to them in high school, it's been lots of Arab Strap, Sinister, Dear Catastrophe, Fold Your Hands.

I started listening to B&S in highschool as well, coincidentally, with Storytelling, which, as we all know, was a score for the Todd Solondz film of the same name, which isn't an accurate portrayal of their music, but I wasn't aware of this in 2003 and it soured me on them for years until someone forced me to listen to Dear Catastrophe Waitress in late '06, I believe. I'm glad they did. That was a fun peice of trivia nobody asked for.

[IWasaCamera]

Discovered them through High Fidelity. How typical of me.

[Osto]

I finally listened to the rest of their discography in the last few months. If You're Feeling Sinister is still clearly their best. I really like Tigermilk and Push Barman. There's something about Arab Strap that bothers me though. I'll have to go back to it sometime.

[IWasaCamera]

Good on ya, Tigermilk is stellar.

[shit stroll]

Discovered them through High Fidelity. How typical of me.
haha same with me.

[IWasaCamera]

Ha, sweet.

[Osto]

High Fidelity was okay. Just saw it for the first time recently.

[Kid B]

I love High Fidelity and I love this band. I also discovered this band through that movie.

[3mpire]

I discovered them through Rateyourmusic.com. Only heard If You're Feeling Sinister. What's the next album I should check out by them?

[Kid B]

Download Tigermilk and the Boy with the Arab Strap. If you like Sinister then you will like Tigermilk, without a doubt. Chances are you'll love Arab Strap too. If you like it, keep going through their discography.

[ForeverDelayed]

I discovered them through Rateyourmusic.com. Only heard If You're Feeling Sinister. What's the next album I should check out by them?
I'd say go with Dear Catastrophe Waitress. It's probably the most accessible, tons of great songs and arrangements. It's a bit different than Sinister, but extremely good.

[shit stroll]

i like the life pursuit a lot. it might be my favorite album by B&S.

[ThisIsNotDan]

If You're Feeling Sinister<3

[thesafeword]

One day, when I'm feeling especially white, I'll listen to an album from them.

[Dagless]

Been listening to this band a lot lately. First three albums are superb. Fold Your Hands... is not so good. I've yet to listen thoroughly past that.

[Feeney]

This band needs more love around here. They're probably my second favorite band of all time. Sinister and Tigermilk are both prefect albums.

[Robototron]

Can we please talk about how criminally underrated their Books EP (mostly "Your Cover's Blown") is?

[IWasaCamera]

Never been too fond of it.

[Pat k]

For real, "Your Cover's Blow" is criminally overrated.

[oddwithoutend]

Just getting into this band. Enjoying The Life Pursuit enough.

[briewer]

Get If You're Feeling Sinister. Fantastic album.

[Osto]

Just getting into this band. Enjoying The Life Pursuit enough.

Oh God...please get If You're Feeling Sinister as soon as possible and never speak of that album again.

[oddwithoutend]

Will do.

[jbaseball44]

Hope that new album talk from not to long ago is actually true.

[Feeney]

From their website: "Here's some evidence of activity to reassure you kids who are fretting on the Q&A's. Look behind Stuart... could that be another b&s record on the horizon?"

http://www.belleandsebastian.com/

That's some great news. People ragged on the life pursuit but I thought it was pretty good. I know it doesn't even compare to sinister or tigermilk, but how many albums do?

[briewer]

Woot.

[jbaseball44]

From their website: "Here's some evidence of activity to reassure you kids who are fretting on the Q&A's. Look behind Stuart... could that be another b&s record on the horizon?"

http://www.belleandsebastian.com/

That's some great news. People ragged on the life pursuit but I thought it was pretty good. I know it doesn't even compare to sinister or tigermilk, but how many albums do?
Yeah that's the new album talk i was referring to

[Feeney]

Well then I'm pretty sure it's actually true seeing how it's on their website.

[jbaseball44]

Just cause they say that it might be the signs of a new album does mean it will ever come to fruition. I'll keep my fingers crossed though

[briewer]

Just cause they say that it might be the signs of a new album does mean it will ever come to fruition. I'll keep my fingers crossed though
See: Avalanches, The.

[jbaseball44]

See: Avalanches, The.
I see you were sorta confused by the old new track

[briewer]

I see you were sorta confused by the old new track
Yep. What had seemed like an imminent Avalanches record next year now seems a bit more like a pipe dream.

[jbaseball44]

Would make me all kinds of happy if they did release a full length next year

[oddwithoutend]

If not, at least we got Iron and Wine, The National, The Books, and Battles! I'm excited for 2010.

[Feeney]

Just cause they say that it might be the signs of a new album does mean it will ever come to fruition. I'll keep my fingers crossed though

Fair enough.

2010 should be a great year.

[Chromefox]

I'm listening to If You're Feeling Sinister right now. The first two tracks are great, hoping for further success.

[IWasaCamera]

Great record. Tigermilk is also a wonderful listen if we're talking early B&S.

[jbaseball44]

Got to check that one out, I only really have If You're Feeling Sinister and The Life Pursuit

[ThisIsNotDan]

so excited for new album

[IWasaCamera]

The Life Pursuit
Poop.

[jbaseball44]

Poop.
Definitely not anywhere near as good as If You're Feeling Sinister, but I think it's decent.

[IWasaCamera]

Definitely not anywhere near as good as If You're Feeling Sinister, but I think it's decent.
Probably their worst next to Fold Your Hands Child... Not that excited about their upcoming album, which may ultimately be a good thing.

[jbaseball44]

Probably their worst next to Fold Your Hands Child... Not that excited about their upcoming album, which may ultimately be a good thing.
Like I said, I really haven't listened to anything other than Sinister and Life Pursuit. What would you suggest for the next album I should check out

[IWasaCamera]

Like I said, I really haven't listened to anything other than Sinister and Life Pursuit. What would you suggest for the next album I should check out
Either Tigermilk or The Boy With The Arab Strap. Was all downhill after the first three full-lengths.

[pennie]

I was going to ask what to listen to after Sinister,but it looks like my question was answered two months before I asked.

[Plus155]

Arab Strap is such a solid album

[The Personist]

Bumping because I am just now getting around to listening to the new one.

[cshadows2887]

I just heard the new one for the first time today. It's fucking great. First thing I've ever heard from them.

[The Personist]

It's pretty good. The first few songs are amazing, and then it stumbles and never regains momentum, but overall I really liked it.

[ThisIsNotDan]

I just heard the new one for the first time today. It's fucking great. First thing I've ever heard from them.

check out If You're Feeling Sinister...a mainstay in my rotation for music that helps when I'm studying/doing work.

[cshadows2887]

check out If You're Feeling Sinister...a mainstay in my rotation for music that helps when I'm studying/doing work.

Will do. 'Cause if this album isn't their best work, I've got so much loving to do. Haha.

[ThisIsNotDan]

Will do. 'Cause if this album isn't their best work, I've got so much loving to do. Haha.

I haven't checked this album out yet...its only 6.99 at Newbies though so I think I'll be picking this and new KoL up next week

[cshadows2887]

I haven't checked this album out yet...its only 6.99 at Newbies though so I think I'll be picking this and new KoL up next week

For real? God I love Newbury Comics.

[ThisIsNotDan]

For real? God I love Newbury Comics.

yeah that and Sufjan is too but I'm not sure, the idea of electronic Sufjan doesn't sound appealing to me at all

[The Personist]

I have trouble reading with music that has lyrics in it on. However, Belle and Sebastian is always charming to have on.

And yeah, their other stuff is in general better.

[cshadows2887]

yeah that and Sufjan is too but I'm not sure, the idea of electronic Sufjan doesn't sound appealing to me at all

I'm mad I missed the NPR stream of the new Sufjan. I really want to hear it.

[ThisIsNotDan]

I have trouble reading with music that has lyrics in it on. However, Belle and Sebastian is always charming to have on.

And yeah, their other stuff is in general better.

oh me too, I need close to complete silence to focus when I read, but in terms of writing a paper, B&S does the job

[The Personist]

oh me too, I need close to complete silence to focus when I read, but in terms of writing a paper, B&S does the job

Yeah, exactly. Though sometimes I fall into the deadly trap where I can't decide what I want to listen to while I write, so I end up taking an hour just flipping through things until I choose something. Oops.

[ThisIsNotDan]

Yeah, exactly. Though sometimes I fall into the deadly trap where I can't decide what I want to listen to while I write, so I end up taking an hour just flipping through things until I choose something. Oops.

hah yeah don't we all :-d good way to procrastinate

[The Personist]

hah yeah don't we all :-d good way to procrastinate

Speaking of procrastinating...I think I got more schoolwork done while banned from AP than I am now. Shit.

[ThisIsNotDan]

Speaking of procrastinating...I think I got more schoolwork done while banned from AP than I am now. Shit.

sometimes I'm tempted to post something ridiculous in order to get banned so I wouldn't lurk here so much

[The Personist]

sometimes I'm tempted to post something ridiculous in order to get banned so I wouldn't lurk here so much

I give myself a month tops.

[ThisIsNotDan]

I give myself a month tops.

2 weeks if you start posting in the say anything thread ;-)

[The Personist]

2 weeks if you start posting in the say anything thread ;-)

I'd've been gone the night I came back in that case! but I'm still thread-banned so I lucked out...halfway. Still need to do these MFA program apps. Ughhhh.

[jbaseball44]

http://sunonthesand.com/2010/belle-and-sebastian-write-about-love/

Sunonthesand review for anyone interested.

I've one listened to the album twice and find it decently enjoyable

[oddwithoutend]

New album seems decent enough, but I've been spinning The Boy With the Arab Strap all the time lately.

[ThisIsNotDan]

new album is decent, I prefer their sound from Sinister though

[ThePartialGlow]

I'm coming to the realization that this is one of my favorite bands of all time. I just keep coming back to their stuff.

[Jet Set Paul]

I just started listening to this band, and I'm really enjoying it! So far, the only albums I have are "If You're Feeling Sinister" and "Dear Catastrophe Waitress". What else should I check out? Is their new album any good?

[quicksilv001]

I just started listening to this band, and I'm really enjoying it! So far, the only albums I have are "If You're Feeling Sinister" and "Dear Catastrophe Waitress". What else should I check out? Is their new album any good?

Get "Tigermilk" next.

[icantdecide]

I finally got around to giving Write About Love a spin, and honestly I'm pretty bored with it. Only 2 good tunes that I really got into: "I Want The World To Stop" (reminds me of something off Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant) and "Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John" (Norah Jones is awesome in this one).