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 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 ❤️

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 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.

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 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

Mediocre at best

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

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

I farted on this LP

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.

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

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

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.

Not the worst, but this singing style is a bit annoying after a while.

I think I hated this

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.

What a lovely bit of BS! Have listened to one of their songs before but never really delved any further. I will do now. Simpsons: Yes, and they got a shoutout in a Gilmore Girls episode I watched yesterday

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

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

I know this is the most basic of 90s indie alternative but this stuff is fire, sue me.

I studied English literature at a British university in the late 1990s – they might as well have handed out Belle & Sebastian CDs with our degree certificates. Luckily, I'm ok with being a twee indie cliche.

Pleasant tunes on a sunny day.

I liked it.

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.

Fine. All around fine. Rock my world, it did not.

I enjoyed this one alright. Late 90's kinda chill acoustic hipstery sound.

Ok, not essential

This one didn't grab me

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

One of the best albums ever made

I love this record. Get Me Away From Here is one of my favorite songs ever.

I often find myself reminiscing about the CD age, where I'd have to carefully decide what to buy based on written reviews, and often bought an album without hearing anything by the artist before. If it didn't appeal to me straight away I was invested in relistening to try to appreciate it. One of the downsides of that era was if I still didn't connect with an album I'd completely disregard that artist going forward. This is what happened for me with Belle and Sebastian; I bought one of their albums (think it was Tigermilk, and I probably found it too twee at the time), didn't care for it so never revisited them. As a result I missed out on this terrific album until now. It's beautiful, varied, catchy with no wasted space, and it makes me want to check out some of their other albums.

5 stars A perfect, delicate piece of pop. Catchy, emotional, slight yet confident. This record is a delight.

After being on the fringes of my music taste, last year suddenly Belle & Sebastian roared into my life. Adore this album.

Keeping this review short because I forgot to do it and now I’m in bed. I really, really liked this album. I love the vocals. They sound so effortless, but quite literally so. It sounds like he is putting in no effort. But for some reason, together with the music, it makes something truly beautiful. It’s very apathetic, and my partner said, “Of course you like this. It’s bummer music.” And like it, I did.

flipping loved it, was very similar to yesterdays album!! even if we didnt have the velvet underground yesterday i would of said that this album reminded me of the velvet underground!! very summery, will be listening again! first album that i havent heard of before thats gonna get a 5, favourite song was the boy done wrong again

My first exposure of Belle & Sebastian was, The Life Pursuit album and a reference in the film, High Fidelity. The Life Pursuit was a near perfect pop album that endeared me to the band and after hearing most of their studio records, "If You're Feeling Sinister" just might be their best. It's easy to appreciate how catchy, yet quiet and soothing this album is, every track is worth a listen and I would rank this high as one of the best indie-pop records in the 90's. All their albums are worth a listen, but Sinister is essential.

Simple and beautiful with some infrequently expressed ideas, what's not to love?

not very familiar with this group aside from a couple songs The Stars of Track and Field - 5/5 Seeing Other People - 5/5 Me and the Major - 5/5 Like Dylan in the Movies - 5/5 The Fox in the Snow - 4/5 Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying - 5/5 If You're Feeling Sinister - 5/5 Mayfly - 4/5 The Boy Done Wrong Again - 3/5 Judy and the Dream of Horses - 5/5 Average score: 4.6/5 (rounding up) honestly didn't know what to expect since i'd only heard one or two of their tracks in passing, but i really liked this! similar to what others have pointed out, this band sounds like Nick Drake if his music were more upbeat, so i guess it makes sense that this album would click with me. i could see some tracks being used for some indie coming-of-age film for sure (assuming they haven't been already of course)

i love this album one of my personal favourites 9/10 Favourite: Judy and the Dream of Horses Least Favourite: None

One of the albums I've listened to most. Perfect companion to both Edinburgh mist and sunny days in Glasgow. Feels in my blood.

I love this album so much I even have a t shirt of it

Very pretty; I like this a lot. Shades of Vampire Weekend and Billie the Vision and the Dancers

So easy to listen to the whole thing straight through and then feel like you should do it again. B&S was one of my very first introductions into 'indie' music in the late 90's and these tracks were literally some of the very first that opened my ears to what else there is beyond radio. Glorious.

Perfect album and perfect band! I like it. Album contains very balanced composition. Every track is really good. Thanks. The Fox in the Snow is the best song here.

Easy 5 stars for me here — this album was core to my identity for a spell back in the early 2000s. Will be good to go back for a listen. Post listen: it holds up!

even though this is (as of now) the only Belle and Sebastian album I'm even remotely familiar with, I'm comfortable saying that Stuart Murdoch is one of the best songwriters of his time and place. this band strikes such a great balance between familiarity and ingenuity. you'll be humming along to a bouncy melody, and then they'll open a door to a totally different room, leaving you to bask in some sort of lush harmonic bed, and then they go right back to bouncy again. effortlessly catchy, intimately engineered and mixed, and the strings! music that makes you feel good, but also a little wistful. decent 9/10.

This is some soft twee bullshit that sucks. I fucking love it.

Great album, I can see Belle & Sebastian probably aren't for everyone but this is so good. Stuart Murdoch's lyrics and turn of phrase are just on point and he has a real ear for a catchy melody. I get the comparisons to Nick Drake, especially the occasional use of strings and bigger arrangements than guitars and drums give it that chamber folk sound.

Barry: Holy shite. What the fuck is that? Dick: It's the new Belle and Sebastian... Rob: It's a record we've been listening to and enjoying, Barry. Barry: Well, that's unfortunate, because it sucks ass. --Jack Black in High Fidelity. While that is funny, Barry was wrong. This is a stupendous album.

I considered giving this a four, but listen - these are the sounds of my adolescence, and this is a no-skip album for me. “Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying” is one of the finest songs ever written. I understand why other people don’t vibe with this, but I love love love it.

One of my favs

Whatever sound/style they seemed to be going for they perfected on this album. Lyrics pair really well with vocal styling and arrangements. Various songs have made it to various playlists over the years too.

One of my top favorite records of all time. Every track is brilliant. Murdoch’s vocals and songwriting are quiet but not shrinking and the songs that are sensitive and beautiful are so without becoming twee. I’ve listened to this more times than I can count and have never tired of it. Highlights: every damn song.

Another good record by Belle and Sebastian. Good harmonies, good word play.

This is great, and probably my favorite album of theirs. Glad to listen to it again.

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

Þessi er næstum þrjátíu ára já... hún er bara alltaf fullkomin og frábær. Dásemd.

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”.