If You're Feeling Sinister

The first blind listen for me. I've heard the name, but never any music from Belle & Sebastian. A little research has informed me that this band contains neither a Belle nor a Sebastian. Instead, it was formed by two Scottish guys named Stuart. False advertisement aside, this is a decent project. It opens strong, then settles into an even keel that mostly faded into the background for me. On that note, it would probably be a great "staring out the window on a roadtrip" album. I think I've heard the title track before, but I can't remember where. I will give credit for the production because all the instruments sound so crisp and clear. But even when the instrumentation picked up on certain songs (like Mayfly!), the vocals remained subdued and almost comatose. They finally pick up a bit in the closing track, but too little too late. I'm sure this is one of those albums that I would've appreciated more when it was released, but 25 years later, there have been plenty of other artists and bands with more engaging work in the alternative/indie spheres. It's alright, and it certainly sounds nice, but I didn't get much out of it. Maybe I'm not feeling sinister enough. Favorite tracks: The Stars of Track and Field, If You're Feeling Sinister, Mayfly. Album cover: a woman who seems to be pondering Kafka's novel about bureaucratic pitfalls and hijinks. I like the picture, but I don't think I can deduce the significance. Does The Trial actually relate to the album? Who knows. And again, seeing a woman on the cover reminds me that this is a band of Stuarts, and we did not get any vocals from the eponymous Belle (who for legal purposes does not exist). 3/5

Another classic indie record, I'm sure it's bound to be misunderstood. Not nearly as twee as its reputation might sometimes suggest, the songwriting is robust and clever, the playing dynamic enough that the soft sections are as impactful as the loud parts. A record seemingly unconcerned with appearing cool or having a hit single, it's 10 great, confident songs - makes for a successful record.

I got a lot of a lot of Nick Drake vibes from this one. I can also see how they influenced the diy indie scene as well. Very well written and unusual songs with a thoughtful arrangement and instrumentation

If this was anymore middle of the road there'd be white lines down the middle of the album. Having said that, the storytelling is decent and the melodies are occasionally quite catchy. The full orchestra adds something and makes it a little less boring. His voice is shit though and that has always annoyed me. Hipstery friends can never understand why I don't like these. Its because they are fundamentally dull. 2/5

I found this album so boring, and that boredom transformed into irritation. It’s hard to explain. I just couldn’t stand it. I realize that this is objectively pleasant music so feel free to disagree but this was one of my least faves 1/5 sorry jare ❤️

Absolutely brilliant, and one of my favourite indie rock albums of the 1990's. Just a few minutes into the album's fantastic opener, 'The Stars of Track & Field', you know you're in for something special. The rich, engaging lyrics, the gentle acoustic guitar tracks, the surprising but perfectly placed trumpet solo, and the extended crescendo to close out - so good, and yet the album is only getting started. Every song on here is skillfully composed and so enjoyable.

I had so many friends who were into this back in the day. I didn't get it then and I don't get it now. Proto-emo, cutsie-tootsie, shoegaze bullshit. The only reason this got 2 stars is because the production quality is excellent.

I really love this album. It has a warm, indie feel that creates a peaceful and whimsical atmosphere. The melodies are beautiful, reminiscent of Nick Drake, but with a surprisingly modern feeling. The vocal delivery is smooth and satisfying, the lyrics are fun and interesting, the musical performance is breath-taking. Before today, I haven't even heard of this band, but now I am definitely going to be going back to this album. These songs have such satisfying progression, it honestly gave me goosebumps. As far as new albums go, this is my favorite I've heard in a long time. Favorite track: If you're feeling sinister Least Favorite track: Mayfly

I've never listened to a Belle & Sebastian album before and this was exactly what I expected it to sound like. A couple of good songs but nothing to get the ears twitching. My big take away was wondering if the boy who done wrong again was the same boy who had the Arab strap.

Mediocre at best

Their second album is where the group hit their stride. Great lyrics and perfect instrumentation. Indie rock at it's best. Best Tracks: Seeing Other People; Me and the Major; Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying;

Amazing! Never even heard of the artist before, this was such a nice surprise. Real nice to chill to.

On sent vraiment toute l'influence de la pop de chambre sur cet album, notamment le moment ou Belle s'installe confortablement dans son lit, posant delicatement sa tête sur son oreiller pendant que Sebastian colle des posters de ses boys band favoris sur les murs.

I farted on this LP

1/5 Couldn’t wait for this one to end. It’s like the worst Indy bookstore soundtrack ever.

So, so bland, empty. This is why nobody likes hipsters.

Basic and boring. Didn’t even realise I had it on until it finished. 1/5

Perhaps the quintessential album in their discography, Belle & Sebastian perfect their brand of witty, rather quirky aesthetic that still pierces the listener with rather delightful ease. A really thorough overview of who they are and how they worked from beginning to end, If You're Feeling Sinister not only sounds familiar but it feels new all the same; a world that makes you feel that you've already traversed whilst seeing new sights. A brilliant showcase.

One of those albums where every song has been my favorite at some point. I remember how magical it seemed hearing this quite early on before anyone really knew who they were, like stumbling upon a forgotten classic from another time. I don't think they made another record nearly as good, although they all have their moments. This one is perfect. Mark - tell me how wrong I am!

Finally something really nice. The person who wrote this list knows nothing about music, toooooo American, for sure this person has no idea of music in other countries and regions. Only one culture vision, boring.

Love love love it. Simply beautiful

mellow and pretty

Banger. Great production and progression, melodies and lyrics are super nice. The Scottish Neutral Milk Hotel but with Chronic fatigue syndrome.

I have a lot to say about this album but am very tired. Belle and Sebastian are fucking wonderful and revisiting this one was a delight, I absolutely love the production on the songs, the piano and violin instrumentals on the tracks were wonderful. also his voice is five stars alone

This was one of the first bands my younger brother introduced me to when he started developing his own musical taste. Suddenly, the kid who barely cared about anything beyond mainstream hits became my gateway to twee pop and indie gems. I was impressed, but I'll admit, slightly threatened by this new contender in the household. Up until recently, I thought I "had" the album on MP3, but with hindsight, I realize the tracklisting was all wrong, with random songs from their debut and later releases mixed in—probably mis-tagged. Still, Belle and Sebastian’s sound stood out: soft, jangly guitars, whispered vocals, and lush, melancholic arrangements. Their music felt intimate, like overhearing someone’s secret thoughts. Tracks like “The Stars of Track and Field,” “Like Dylan in the Movies,” and “Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying” stand out for their bittersweet storytelling and understated instrumentation. While the album may seem subdued at first, it's full of unexpected chord changes and subtle instrumental touches that keep you hooked. Stuart Murdoch's knack for taking melodies in surprising directions is a masterclass in restraint and creativity. The title track, “If You’re Feeling Sinister,” is a great example, sounding especially haunting with its reflections on faith and doubt. Released in the mid-90s, at a time when guitar music was dominated by grunge and Britpop, this album feels like an anomaly. Yet, its quiet brilliance laid the groundwork for future indie giants like Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, and The Decemberists. Did/Do I own this release? I thought I "owned" it on MP3. Does this release belong on the list? Unpretentious and sweet, yet massively influential. It deserves its spot. Would this release make my personal list? It's a great shout, but I'd be tempted to pick the follow-up The Boy With the Arab Strap instead. Will I be listening to it again? Of course.

Shit, that was some good shit.

I enjoyed this album a lot more than I anticipated. Going off album cover alone, it looks like some whiny brit pop shit we’ve heard too many times at this point. What we actually get is a fun and semi-original album that’s reasonably unique. I have no great praises for this thing, but I have no complaints either. It had emotion and heart to it, so that’s worth something. 4/5

Fantastic showing, I'd never even heard of them and really enjoyed the album

I really liked Tigermilk and I really like this record, but I have the feeling that the farther I go in their discography, I might start getting bored. Not because I think the music will be bad, just that I can see them settling into their sound and…eventually the law of diminishing returns will kick in, you know what I mean? As it stands, though, I’m more than content to keep playing this record and Tigermilk over and over. They are *great* records.

This list makes me face my demons. B&S, how I’ve swerved around, fled and cowered from you without even knowing why. I suspect my fear was of what I perceived to be softness, which I grasped you rejoiced in. Weird isn’t it. That’s not a question. This is very good and I haven’t had enough time with it. There’s a play between folk, rock, dissonance and storytelling that feels both fresh and archetype-making. Soft? ‘Me and the Major’ is not soft: it’s pretty bleak! Same for most of the rest. Hard to judge greatness on a single playthrough, but that’s all I have. Going for a likely conservative 4. Now back to playing “Two Nuns and a a Pack Mule” really loud!

Gentle is the word that comes to mind. It was a pleasant listen though it fell into background music as the album went on. I would have loved this at an earlier point in life, not my pick these days but still good overall. I feel like Ben Gibbard loves this band.

The funny thing about digging into B&S at this point in life is the songs kind of lose the element of surprise, because it sounds similar to a ton of more modern bands that I've been listening to for a decade (Decemberists, Shins, Death Cab, etc). But I have to remind myself that these groups built their sound off of the blueprint B&S laid out well before. The songs here are fantastic: some of the tightest songwriting and performance are consistent throughout the entire record. Tracks will feature little details and flourishes that keep things lively, like the clips of children playing in the title track or the light keyboards and sax in the following track "Mayfly." It's an album that sounds as effortless as a breeze, as if they came into being as they were being performed.

It's lovely. I appreciate the unfettered authenticity and wistfulness. The melodramatic "Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying" is a song that will always have a special place in my heart.

A very gentle indie classic

Un très joli album qui raconte l'histoire de Sébastien, un enfant solitaire et d'un chien sauvage. Il l'apprivoise et lui donne le nom Belle. Ensemble, ils essaient de déjouer un plan nazi pour capturer des résistants français.

Imagine my surprise when I learned Belle & Sebastian was not a duo consisting of Belle and Sebastian. Great album. Really reminiscent of that early indie sound like Neutral Milk Hotel (but less weird). Really solid album. Saved this one for a rainy day and happy I did.

Ok, not essential

This one didn't grab me

I think I hated this

I hate to say it but this album gave me sexual predator vibes Music: pleasant. Lyrics: 🚩 Sinister indeed 2 ⭐️

Boring

Sounds a lot like the guy from your neighborhood who wrote a bunch of slightly dorky songs to impress the girl in the drama club. It’s not horrible, nothing great, but I’m sure she liked it.

This starts out pleasant enough and by the middle of the album, I'm exhausted. Not sure how to explain it — the melodies and dense lyrical content add up to brain fatigue (the opposite of relaxing). It's a lovely cup of tea, it's just not mine.

Convoluted, the contrived lyrics and monotonous delivery just don't come together—a lackluster performance.

I've never been a fan of Belle and Sebastian and tbh I just find them twee and quite grating. This was no different

well, i finally found it… the cure to my insomnia. this album bored me to sleep. good night.

One of my favourite albums of the 90s. I adore it! 5 stars

I own this album and have heard it many times. These first couple Belle & Sebastian albums are the best. Stuart Murdoch wrote and sings most if not all the songs and they just feel like more singular visions compared to the more collective style they went to after this. They've got a cool, slightly twee jangle pop sound. Stuart Murdoch's style kind of reminds me a little of Morrissey at times. I think all the songs are good -- standouts for me are "The Stars of Track and Field", "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying", and "The Fox in the Snow". 4.5 stars

Wonderfully lofi like

also leaves me slightly speechless but for the opposite reason as all things must pass lol im so familiar and it feels so Small that its like, what do i even say about if you're feeling sinister. besides Its Been A While Since Ive Heard It and It Was A Delight To Hear Again, as always. i didnt hear this album for the First time in 2020 but if i recall that was when it clicked, very rough and tumultuous time when a lot of things were up in the air and of all the records i was spinning at the time this is the one i inevitably became traumabonded to...it seemed to take all my emotions and rework them into something soothing and warm. in that sense i suppose i can never really expect it to "hit" like that again, which is fine! even if i felt nothing (which isnt rly possible at this point), id still have the good sense to enjoy some of the best Strings Of Notes ever put in this particular order. and the title track is kind of taking on new dimensions in some of my recent patterns of thought too...theres probably enough in here to last me decades

Llegamos al jueves. Primera vez que me toca escuchar un álbum de esta banda (ubico una de sus canciones porque aparece en alguna que otra película de Wes Anderson). Un indie folk muy bonito, fogonero, ideal para bajar un cambio. Siempre se agradecen estas joyitas. Hasta mañana.

The best Belle & Sebastian album.

My/our friend Jason once described them as ‘Scottish art school kill yourself music’. I hadn’t thought of them that way before he said it but ever since he said it, I can’t listen to any of their music without that quote going through my head repeatedly. Both he and I really like them and have seen them in concert. One of the concerts we went to I remember they had swirly lights that were like peppermints. so, very happy. Although I think the pot helped with the happiness. And then another time they had scheduled a concert in Philadelphia and canceled because of one of the 9000 members of the band was having mental issues. This is an album I could listen to on a desert island. I am vacillating between a four and five. I think it would be really a 4.6 but I’m gonna be nice.

Just a stellar album!

Just soft pleasant music.

5/5

Very chill and easy to listen to. I really liked it.

It's such a small and intimate album, it feels too frivolous to be a part of this, but that's sort of why I love it. It is such a self contained universe that it makes for such a great album in a way that many albums are just either greatest hits or the one good song sticks out like a sore thumb. All these songs seem like one part to a whole.

Loved it for 20 years

One of the few albums that manages to feel chill and uptempo at the same time. The lyrics feel very ironic and the style has become inspirational for many modern indie bands

That was such a good record! Thanks for showing it to me! It reminded me of early Donovan or Beach boys.

Interesting to get this the day after 36 Chambers - two of my favourite 90s albums with completely different vibes! Belle & Sebastian are a great band and this album is them at their best. Should be too twee but it somehow works. All killer no filler. Fav tracks: If You're Feeling Sinister, Judy and the Dream of Horses, Me and the Major

Love this album, one of my favorites so far, if not my favorite. Always happy to give it another listen.

A brilliant album. Start to finish. One of my favorites.

Classic accompaniment to my teenage angst. Not quite the album boy with the arab strap would be, but a masterpiece regardless. Standout tracks are still “stars of track and field”, “get me away from here I’m dying” and “judy and the dream of horses”. Existential crisis permeates the album, but never without a dash of hope and irony: “chances are you’ll probably feel better if you stayed and played with yourself”.

I think I‘ve really liked a whole lot of artists who were influenced by belle & sebastian, so I was probably bound to like this. Sure enough, I really liked it. My kind of folky, melancholy pop. ⭐️ get me away from here, me and the major, stars of track and field .. but I pretty much liked it start to finish

481 - If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle & Sebastian PREFACE A “grower” - I nearly missed what works about this. [and I needed a reset after swooning to rediscovered Ella Fitzgerald albums for 5 days] Have you ever - disliked a painting - only to find what you like in it wasn't immediately apparent? This also requires a pause; and a bit of curiosity, openness and even effort. I nearly didn't get past the off tune singing in track 1 or 2. REVIEW Title "If Napoleon Dynamite were a band" ...ever feel like something is almost okay, a;most familiar, but something isn't right? That awkward "just out of reach" feeling? Mildly irksome, it incites action. And so, I was gong to commend this music to anyone wanting to listen to stumbling or rambling everyday mellow stuff, sung slightly out-of-tune breezy manner. And then I “saw it”....: It's quirky and lovable like Spot the wonky dog. It's delivered in what I believe to be self-aware intentional polish. It's therefore a wonderful artform. Who knows what this is called... or why it grows on you. It has an quirky slow lazy effortless “something” Is it comforting knowing I too could sing and write at least this well? Does that remove a wall, and what does it open ? And then I just stopped asking. It might make you want to punch a wall. But if a goal of Meditation, Buddhism, and of Jungian Analytical Psychotherapy is to learn to perceive and not judge, then this might be a worthy object onto which to direct your awareness. Consider a workout for the Muscles your Consciousness. Like getting up from your workstation for a stretch and a deep breath. [PATIENT ADVISORY: Start with small doses, don't try too hard and if discomfort arises, use the "Valsalva Maneuver" or 4 7 8 4 breathing. And smile to yourself, then say ha, ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha until you get to ten syllables. Other Side effects of this album may include sighing, frequent yawning, stretching. Or going for a walk in annoyance. Lesser known side effects are familiar queasy comfort especially among the chronically awkward - but it subsides if you let it. see?. More common, and desirable, it a sense of expansive freedom or elation which may inspire you to walk in the cool sunshine humming "you dream of horses" to yourself] Here is some illustrative text to get you going if you are not near a large warm brown berger covered speaker and velvet beanbag set - which would be ideal for listening to the album/doing the “Belle and Sebastien” experience : "Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying" Song by Belle and Sebastian Oh, get me away from here, I'm dying Play me a song to set me free Nobody writes them like they used to So it may as well be me Here on my own now after hours Here on my own now on a bus Think of it this way You could either be successful or be us With our winning smiles, and us With our catchy tunes or worse Now we're photogenic, you know We don't stand a chance [cut to save space]" They know exactly what they are up to. This is the ultimate slacker music - prompting The Pause And allowing Whimsey Telling us , with on oddly soothing late 20th century folk rock feeling or speed They may well be saying “it doesn't need to make sense to be good” And if you don't get it that’s fine, come back later We’re just mucking around anyway Because: Fun. Everything is going to be alright because it always was. I wonder what this album would do as a control group treatment versus Psychedelic Therapy. Or if it works nicely as an accompaniment to the essential Swedish ritual Fika - the tea/coffee on chat break they have at 10 and 3 each day. Like all good nordic ideas, I hope this bookish charming music style spreads.

This has been my summer holiday soundtrack since our honeymoon in Portugal 6 years ago. Everything about this album makes me think of the happiest times with my wife. Sunshine, beaches, fresh cold orange juice, train rides and long drives through hills and forests. Somebody wrote here that listening to it feels like receiving a warm hug and I cannot agree more. I love it, there are no skips, always a pleasure to go back to. A well-deserved 5/5

Love B&S. This album is up there as one of their best (if not the best). 5/5

Since I first heard this years and years ago it's grown on my massively, now there's not a single second of it I don't like. Perfect album to lay back and relax to, beautiful lyrics and melodies. It does sound same-y the first time or two, but the songs really open up after that.

listening to a full Belle & Sebastian album is like when you know what you want to order at the restaurant and you’ve been low-key hyped for a bit and then the food comes and it’s better than you imagined and also someone else is paying. It exceeds on high expectations every time.

A beautiful and poetic jangly indie pop album that always delivers

this album cures hangovers

Very good vocals and writing

Another Scottish album I have a big bias towards. In my opinion this is an indie pop masterpiece, clever lyrics catchy melodies. Not a bad song on it.

“She was into S&M and bible studies” what a bar

I've heard of Belle and Sebastian, but I don't think I've ever listened to any of their music before. I’m glad I did a little bit of quick research before diving into this album; I had the misconception that Belle and Sebastian were eponymously named. For some reason, I thought this band was a male-female duo, in the vein of She & Him. Look at me, learning things on a Friday. This album was absolutely fantastic. I think I expected something heavily folky, but instead, I got some fantastic indie rock. I love how most of the songs started off with less instrumentation, and then slowly added additional instruments to evolve the sound. The arrangements on each song were incredibly beautiful and really fun to listen to. I was pleasantly by the richness of sound on each song, and how nothing ever felt repetitive or got stale, and I think that’s due in part to some fantastic production work. Also, the vocals were great, and the lyrics had a feeling of air sentimentality that never felt overly sappy or fake. I loved every bit of this album, and I’d listen to it again in a heartbeat.

Before listening: I feel I've heard of Belle and Sebastian but it was sometimes around the 2010s. I reckon I'm thinking of a totally different band here. The band I'm thinking of were kind of like a folk band or something, sang a song about a plane ... I don't know. After listening: I don't know what to say. Modern folk is one of my most hated genres but this album was amazing! I'm sure I'm not the first to say this, but Belle and Sebastian are like a modern Simon and Garfunkel, and not the shitty modern Paul Simon that Vampire Weekend sound like. I loved this album!

YESYESYES

You need to hear this a few times. By the third listen his voice is no longer annoying, it suits the strange little stories he tells.

I love these guys. So twee!

Excellent early effort

No es mi favorito, pero ....5.

The first side is interesting enough, but the second achieves a rare sort of transcendence. "Get Me Away I'm Dying" is an all-timer – a master class on using horns in a pop song, just as the title cut is on deploying ambient noise or SFX from real life. The playing is artful and adept, with grace notes and artisinal crafting embedded and affixed generously and charmingly, the lyrics evocative and literary in the best way. The songs swing easily (which keep them just this side of precious) reinforcing the modest-seeming sonic ambitions but belying the quality and substance of much of the highlly literate, even novelistic material. There's emotional depth and range – see the seamless shift from the quietly heartfelt dirge-ing of "Boy Done Gone Wrong" to the ebullient outburst-ing of "Judy & the Dream of Horses," a wonderfully satisfying closer– as well as moment to dance (as tweely as possible, one supposes). SM gets unprecedented mileage out of a limited range, adding to the Goldilocksian "just-right" outcome of just about every cut. Personal note (and justification for rounding up): this record single-handedly restored one's faith in pop music after having nearly fully reoriented on jazz and classical, such was its inventiveness and originality and subtle power. Though one slightly prefers Boy with the Arab Strap as the essential B&S dessert island disc, this still sounds great today. Easy to mock, this band, but hard not to like and admire, given their ability to do so well what they so clearly set out to do.

Talk about a hyped album. I've never listened to Belle & Sebastian before, but boy howdy has a lot of ink been spilled about them and their impact on music, particularly the indie scene I once found so vital and precious. And I can hear it right away, as soon as the opening track: the slight production, the subtle build, the trumpet as the sonic climax. There's more sex on this record than I'd expected. I guess I assumed it would be too twee. It's not *sexy*, but certainly curious about sex as subject matter. Maybe a little horny. This album casts a spell. I was inclined to resist it, but around halfway through I realized I was really, really enjoying it. Damn. Highlights: Seeing Other People, Like Dylan in the Movies, Get Me Away from Here I'm Dying, If You're Feeling Sinister (what a great title track), Judy and the Dream of Horses

Folksy, smooth vocals, acoustic strumming, and very calming.

For some reason I always thought Belle & Sebastian were a male/female singer songwriter duo where the male looked like, or may have been, Sebastian Bach. Boy was I pleasantly surprised to be wrong! I wish I got into this band earlier.

VERY NICE I LOVE THEE LYRICS

Sad boi hours masterpiece

Aijai, tää on vaan niiin hyvä. Fantasioin ysärillä kampuksen pihalla kävelystä tätä kuunnellen, kun coolit pojat jauhaa jostain grungesta. Aika varmasti bändin paras levy ja lopulta helppo vitonen.

This takes me back to another time and place. Belle And Sebastian songs made there way in heavy rotations in the early to mid 00s, and though I never spent too much time listening to their albums in full, I think this one was always my favorite. Coming back, this was a serious joy. Each song offers something special with some subtle quirks that may not be apparent at first, and they all flow together very well. It does hold a reputation for some pretension and maybe some of the music blends together a little too much, but I find this album very warm and inviting. "Precious", but as the title suggests, there is a dark side under the surface which in the end, brings emphasis to something feeling very human and tangible.

Some really great songs, but a bit bizarre to read they’re from Glasgow as this record feels very American to me. Anyway, I liked it a lot.

It's such a beautiful, gentle, unique and well written indie album. Absolutely love it.

Nice

Beautiful wee album. Perfection.

Honestly this album just hits hard asf. It sounds kind of like yo la tengo. But honestly fox in the snow hit me so damn hard

Thank god someone finally forced me to really listen to them. Fantastic record.

This is the second album by these guys on this list. Never listened to them before. They're great!

"If You're Feeling Sinister" is the second studio album by Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian. Chamber pop, chamber folk, indie rock, twee pop. Very interesting genre descriptions and appropriate. This album was recorded quickly after their debut "Tigermilk" in the same Glascow studio, CaVa Studios. The band signed to the Jeepster label which gave them more artistic freedom...no singles released. This particular album was very well received and is often ranked among the best albums of the 90's and many think their best album. An acoustic guitar opens "The Stars of Track and Field." It's melodic and builds and then slows down. A trumpet is added. It's about a girl who is a track and field star and all the boys like her but she may not like them. "Seeing Other People" continues the nice melodies with layered piano and strings. I think it's about gay experimentation. "Like Dylan in the Movies" was written about lead singer Stuart Murdoch's paranoia of walking through the park. Drums and bass are more prevalent. A guitar solo. Piano and strings. Great vocals by Murdoch. "Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying" is more in the folk vein. Murdoch's lyrics are brilliant as he seems to be fed up with mundane life as he looks out of window. Voices of children playing begin "If You're Feeling Sinister" and stay in the background throughout the song. A piano, guitar, bass and drumbeat carry the fast pace. The story of two people looking to the church but not finding answers. Strings add to an overall melancholy feel. The album ends with "Judy and the Dream of Horses." Acoustic guitar. Bass. Drums. A trumpet comes in and the pace picks up. A sad song of Judy who only feels good when she's sleeping. This is an excellent album. It does fit within several genres but is mostly chamber pop and folk. The layered melodies are great with multiple instruments including guitars, piano, strings, harmonica and a trumpet. Murdoch's soothing vocals and very creative lyrics. Beautiful sounding songs. Yeah, one of my favorites from the 90's.

I was wondering when this under appreciated band would show up as a recommendation!