Reviews (page 3 of 8)
this album was a pleasant listen. it’s unlike my usual taste, but the music here was nice, the singing was easy on the ears, and i can see myself returning to it when i’m in the mood. don’t expect bangers going into this, it’s moreso for the vibes.
stars of track and field--ahh the carefree teen life. love when you can hear the singer's accent. i mean... not really because they are glaswegian so i imagine their accent is much stronger than how they sing, but it's still present. love the trumpet solo too. seeing other people me and the major--lively, the lyrics are well balanced--present if you want to listen to the words, not the only thing going on if you'd rather just vibe. see, queens of the stone age, this is how you incorporate a repetitive element into a song: the repetition swells and contracts, and there are other things going on. like dylan in the movies--love the bass line the fox in the snow--oooh great ballad with low piano, very light string backups, lyrics with metaphor, what's not to love? if you're feeling sinister--oh my, quite the song ope missed detailed breakdowns by song.. well balanced, lyrically and instrumentally interesting. solid 4/5.
This is excellent work! Well written & recorded. I didn't know what to expect but I edited this one. It reminds me of Donovan.
Loved the music from the start but couldn't get on with the vocals. As it went on, I got used to the singing and started to really like this. I'll definitely be listening to this again and diving into their back catalog. Cracking stuff
Great stuff.
I feel I'm a bit over rating this album based on nostalgia factor, but this is what I listened to in high school, so soft spot. Its cohesive, delicate, and more diverse that you would think at first glance. It just lacks scale and ambition in my opinion, and it is not their best album by any means (that is the boy with the Arab strap) in my opinion. But yeah it is still soft and cool today, enjoyed singing along a lot
Some real high highs here like ‘the stars of track and field’ and ‘like dylan in the movies’ but while this is the case I can only bring myself to give it a 4 I don’t know it just doesn’t feel like a 5??
Seeing other people şarkısı gerçekten çok güzeldi. Albüme olan ilgim son 2 şarkıda birazcık söndü ama genel olarak dinlemesi huzur veren bir albümdü. Özellikle şarkılara yüklenen anlamları çok beğendim, anlamsal olarak en çok aklımda kalan şarkı Me and the Major oldu.
i quite like this
not always my cup of tea but i do love judy and the dream of horses favorites: seeing other people, get me away from here i'm dying, judy and the dream of horses
Great album. Reminds me of 60’s French pop rock. Good energy, solid lyrics. I’ve never really listened to Belle and Sebastian, but this album makes me want to explore more. Every song is good.
This feels like rating students coursework and you saw something that’s not too good but also not the same as all the others. It might not be the most impactful but it’s a self sustained and original project.
A nice little indie album. Fairly forgettable and under my normal ratings would be a three, but I'm feeling happy today.
Listen, was this twee shit? Yes. But did I love it? Yes. During the opening track I was kind of annoyed that I had 40+ minutes left of an album that was going to sound like this, but about halfway through the track I stopped trying to hate it and actually ended up loving the album in the end. It's very much music for those that enjoy the Wes Anderson aesthetic, and yeah, that's me. I can't deny it. Nothing groundbreaking musically, but I'm a lyrics girl, and I loved those. I'd never listened to Belle & Sebastian before and wasn't expecting much, but I get it now.
Warm and jangly meditations on watching other peoples lives from your bedroom. There's a dry wit and charm that protects it from being emo, and the pared back melodies are just interesting enough to stop it growing dull
My first experience of Belle and Sebastian and very much enjoyed it. Such a unique sound layering instruments and sounds so well with strong tunes- good to hear recorders in use, that staple of primary school music education. Impressive production, some intriguing lyrics and an altogether great sound.
Good laid-back tunes for a chilly winter morning. 'Stars of Track and Field' is the perfect track one. Also love the title track, and 'Like Dylan in the Movies.'
I was introduced to Belle & Sebastian with 2006’s The Life Pursuit. I LOVE that album. Alas, it’s not on this list. But we do have what’s supposed to be their finest album, “If You’re Feeling Sinister.” It’s a fine album indeed. But it doesn’t have “Sukie in the Graveyard,” “The Blues are Still Blue,” “White Collared Boy,” or even “Dress Up In You.” If you like this album, and especially if you DON’T like this album as much as you hoped… meet me over at “The Life Pursuit.” You won’t be disappointed.
Lovely and melodic
Surprised by how much I liked this. It rocks.
Some of the most wonderful songs… fox in the snow, if you’re feeling sinister make this a 4 star album alone
I liked this, and it vaguely reminded me of Nick Drake.
Notaleg
Always loved this album, glad that it got included
7/10 great sound, took me 2 listens to appreciate the album overall
Singer-Songwriter, schöne Musik
pretty damn good!
9,2/10
Very pleasant sound.
This was great.
3.7 2x nice indie
Quite liked this. Better than the other one we had from them, Tigermilk. Still like their later stuff better, like The Boy With the Arab Strap, but it’s not in our 1,001 — only these two.
“Get me away from here” has been one of my favorite songs for 20+ years, but I don’t think I’ve ever listened to this album all the way through. Oops.
Bouncy, light, melancholic chamber pop. This puts me in a nostalgic mood any time I listen to it. Not an album to listen to in a crowd, you need to be cosy and alone.
Only knew them from that joke in the movie High Fidelity. I had some preconceptions about what this would sound like, and when the album started, I kind of groaned because it was EXACTLY what I was expecting. Then, the tempos picked up, and I started getting more into the music. I did find the singer's voice a little samey and thin for some of the songs, but I enjoyed this far more than I expected.
Nice chill album, good soundtrack to cook a rendang to
I like the mellow vibe and enjoyed this the whole way through. The singer may not be considered a conventionally good singer but the character of his voice lends itself well to this music. I would definitely listen to this again.
Fell in love with Tigermilk. This album has the sound, but not the same magic. An extremely biased 4.
It’s pretty gentle and twee. As a millennial woman, I first discovered belle and Sebastian through the soundtrack to the movie Juno. It’s perfect rainy day music. The songwriting is interesting enough to keep it interesting despite the music being kind of background stuff
admito que não é um gênero que eu tenha muita familiaridade com, mas achei um album solido overall. tem umas faixas mais fracas (pessoalmente nao gostei muito de the fox in the snow) porem no geral gostei muito :)! minha track favorita é difícil de escolher mas acho que seria mayfly (escolha MUITO difícil tá). o instrumental passa uma vibe muito hopeful enquanto a letra é praticamente o oposto, e gostei bastante dessa quase dicotomia nao sei :D no geral album legal gostei 👍
Perfectly pleasant indie pop. All the different instruments really make these pieces shine. Some great piano and other orchestration. When they get it right, it's about as good as it gets. Maybe missing some element I can't quite put my finger on to make it a 5-star album, but it's consistently very good. Standouts: Like Dylan in the Movies. Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying.
I like it. What year did it come out?
This is a beautiful album full of wit and charm. The playing and production are surprisingly tight from a band with such amateur roots. What really elevates this is their ability to conjure a tune that carries light and shade whilst still being very accessible.
Know the odd song but never listened to a whole album before. So good!
091225 17:19 4 / highlights: get me away from here i'm dying, if you're feeling sinister, seeing other people
the generator made me a fan of these guys
Solid as they come
A cutesy album, with cutesy singing and delicate chamber pop instrumentation. I like it
What an absolute delight
Classic sleepy indie! I loved this sound and I was honestly surprised to see this album was from 1998. It almost feels ahead of its time considering the volume of this type of music that came out in the 2000s. Great listen. Best Track: Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying
The algorithm thinks I should like this more than I do
This is the kind of wanker shit I'm way into.
I feel like objectively I should give this album two stars, but the tunes were pleasant enough that I actually went back and listened to a couple songs again. Much more than I can say for most of the albums I've heard here.
7/10… baroque pop/ Indie folk / *1996
Begint vrij langzaam, maar uiteindelijk ben ik in het middenstuk van het album wel echt hooked. Overall vrij rustige & relaxte muziek met een fijne stem. Het pianowerk in dylan and the movies erg mooi.
Smart, bookish, and influential, belle and Sebastian deliver a great record
good
I think they listened to a lot of Nick Drake when making this.
I’d heard of Bell and Sebastian before, but I’m not sure if I’d ever listened to any songs from the band. They’re described as indie pop and they do have a very poppy sound. One of the first things I noticed was that there are points in the opening track, The Stars of Track and Field, which reminded me of Brown-Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. So, if you enjoy that song, then I think you’d like Belle and Sebastian. If You’re Feeling Sinister, which is a great album title, was the second album from the band. It seems as soon as it was released, it was heralded as one of the best albums of the year and decade. It came out in 1996, so at this time, I was still deep into metal and the grunge movement. This wouldn’t have even gotten on my radar. Plus, we were still buying music back then. I mean, please, buying music? How old-fashioned. Listening to it now, I’m quite blown away at how great this album is. It reminds me of The Kinks circa Face to Face or Something Else. The band employs a wide variety of musical instruments and the songs are very well-crafted. As you go through the album, suddenly a saxophone pops up and you notice that it’s the first time you’ve heard a sax, but it’s not out of place. It works. The lyrics are really beautiful and are almost always telling a story. It reminds me of Simon and Garfunkel that way. The whole album sounds like it was influenced by the 60s folk music revival, but the songs are poppier. While the lyrics can be very gloomy, the music is so beautiful that it puts a smile on your face. Plus, I'm gloomy right now. If You’re Feeling Sinister is an album that, if you didn’t know it came out in 1996, you’d be hard pressed to nail its release date down. I can see how it went on to inspire the indie pop music movement in the 2000s. Belle and Sebastian found their people, and those people went on to make their own version of this music. I don’t know if it’s because I’m in a down mood, but I really, really dug this album. I’m glad I heard before I moved on outta here. I think you’ll dig it too.
Incredible sense of feelings and music, melodies with emotion.
If You’re Feeling Sinister I feel similarly about this as I did Tigermilk, although I think I prefer that album, as it had a little more variation than this, which does stick to a quite narrow template musically. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as I do find their whimsical strumminess with bite beneath the sweetness very enjoyable. As with Tigermilk there are large dollops of Nick Drake in his vocal tone and style, and there seems to be quite a bit of Nico in there too. It perhaps lacks a real stand out song, but there is some great stuff; Stars of Track and Field, Me and the Major with its harmonica, the Victoria sounding Like Dylan in the Movies, the stately and pretty The Fox in the Snow, the title track, punctuated by some lovely country touches and a great melody, the vaguely forlorn The Boy Done Wrong and it’s nicely toned descending bass, and Judy and the Dream of Horses balance of sunny melody and bittersweet lyrics. Although I think it's probably a touch below Tigermilk, it's still a 4, it’s a lovely album. 👈👈👈👈 Playlist submission: The Fox in the Snow
I don't hear or feel much difference between this and Tigermilk. I don't, at this current time, understand why both are on the list. That being said, this is probably the stronger collection of tracks, with some nice shimmering melodies that develop with repeated listens - not least the opening gambit 'Stars of Track & Field' (I'm a sucker for a trumpet; and the same trumpet brings the final track 'Judy and the Dream of Horses' to life). After feeling a bit feeble, like Terry Jones' effete son in The Holy Grail, I ended up enjoying it a lot, and not wanting to move on from it. Whilst it does have a couple of exceedingly ordinary tracks, namely 'Mayfly' and 'Me and the Major', the album skirts with being excellent; it's borderline in truth - but I will bump it to a 4, as I believe it to be best in class in the anaemic-folk genre.
Lowkey charming.
Cool introduction to their catalogue.. Will be listening to more of them.. Great mood music as well as some cool lyrics.. Old school cool..
Never listened to a full B&S album before, thoroughly enjoyed it. A keeper and a grower
Picture this: you're 17 and dating a boy who is a little *too* into Belle and Sebastian and looks a little *too* like Frodo Baggins (does correlation imply causation?) Anyway. As a result you write them off for years, and when you finally do listen to a full album, it is exactly the sort of miscellaneous soft indie movie music you expected a pretentious frodo baggins-lookin teen to like and nothing more. Fairly enjoyable to listen to but a bit dull. Now, this isn't their fault, but on the second track I thought it really kicked up a gear and was tapping along like wow this is awesome! But it turned out I had pre-queued a track by The Blue Stones. 🤘
Recognize "Get Me Away from here, I'm Dying". Must be in a movie. I'm familiar with Belle and Sebastian, but never a full listen. It was ok. Easy listening, indie stuff.
Kind of Charlie Brown theme music with melancholic, sing-songy vocals? I don’t know. I liked it. It’s not my first time listening to Belle and Sebastian, I’ve just only listened to different songs before and not a full album. I like the mood this set, it's not completely my kind of thing but I did like the majority of the songs!
**_If You're Feeling Sinister_** by **Belle & Sebastian** (1996) is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved indie pop albums of the 1990s. It blends literary storytelling, melancholic introspection, and delicate melodies into a quietly ambitious work that has aged remarkably well. Here's a detailed breakdown of the album across its key aspects: --- ### 🎤 **Lyrics** The lyrics are the album’s beating heart. Stuart Murdoch writes like a novelist, crafting vivid character studies filled with emotional nuance, existential doubt, and sly humor. Songs like **“The Stars of Track and Field”**, **“If You’re Feeling Sinister”**, and **“Me and the Major”** introduce us to characters who are lonely, bookish, sexually confused, or spiritually adrift. These are not grand narratives but intimate snapshots of ordinary, intelligent people navigating life’s quiet disappointments. Murdoch’s characters often feel like outsiders—queer, religious, or socially awkward—and he treats them with empathy and wit. Lines like *“Hilary went to her death because she thought she’d never feel this way again”* or *“Chances are you’ll probably feel better if you stayed and played with yourself”* are both devastating and darkly funny, showcasing his gift for emotional ambiguity. --- ### 🎸 **Music** Musically, the album draws from 60s pop, folk, and jangle rock, with a heavy nod to artists like **Bob Dylan**, **The Velvet Underground**, and **Felt**. The arrangements are deceptively simple: soft acoustic guitars, brushed drums, gentle basslines, and the occasional trumpet or string flourish. Tracks like **“Like Dylan in the Movies”** and **“Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying”** build to subtle crescendos, while **“The Fox in the Snow”** is a stark, haunting piano ballad. Despite its lo-fi aesthetic, the music is melodic and emotionally resonant. The band’s ability to make melancholy sound beautiful is one of their greatest strengths. --- ### 🎧 **Production** The production, while charming, is one of the album’s more divisive aspects. Recorded quickly and with limited resources, the mix is often described as “murky” or “undercooked.” Some instruments feel buried, and the vocals occasionally lack clarity. Murdoch himself has expressed dissatisfaction with the original recording, later re-recording the album live in hopes of improving it. Still, the rawness of the production adds to the album’s intimacy. It feels like a secret shared among friends—imperfect, but deeply personal. --- ### 🧠 **Themes** Thematically, _If You’re Feeling Sinister_ explores: - **Alienation and isolation** - **Sexual identity and confusion** - **Religious doubt and existential searching** - **The quiet despair of everyday life** - **The redemptive power of art and literature** These themes are often filtered through Murdoch’s own experiences, particularly his battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, which left him housebound for years. The result is a deeply introspective album that finds beauty in boredom and meaning in mundanity. --- ### 🌍 **Influence** The album’s influence is immense, especially in the American indie scene. Artists like **Sufjan Stevens**, **The Decemberists**, **Death Cab for Cutie**, and **The Shins** have all cited Belle & Sebastian as a major influence. The band’s blend of literary lyricism and melodic sophistication helped redefine what indie pop could be—emotional, intellectual, and quietly subversive. --- ## ✅ **Pros** - **Brilliantly written lyrics** filled with literary depth and emotional nuance - **Memorable melodies** and sophisticated yet understated arrangements - **Strong thematic cohesion**—a fully realized emotional and narrative world - **Influential and enduring**—a cornerstone of 90s indie music - **Intimate and relatable**, especially for introverts, outsiders, and bookish listeners --- ## ❌ **Cons** - **Lo-fi production** may feel underwhelming or dated to some listeners - **Mood consistency**—the album’s subdued tone can feel monotonous if you’re not in the right headspace - **Lack of dynamic range**—some tracks blend together due to similar tempos and textures - **Not immediately accessible**—the subtlety of the songwriting may take time to appreciate ### 🏁 **Final Thoughts** _If You're Feeling Sinister_ is a quiet masterpiece. It doesn’t shout or swagger—it whispers, and in doing so, it draws you into its world of lonely bedsits, library daydreams, and half-finished love letters. It’s an album for the bookish, the heartbroken, and the hopelessly romantic. While its production flaws are real, they’re also part of its charm. Few albums capture the ache of being young, smart, and sad with such grace. **Essential Listening For:** Fans of literate indie pop, introspective storytelling, and emotionally nuanced songwriting. **Standout Tracks:** - *The Stars of Track and Field* - *If You’re Feeling Sinister* - *Like Dylan in the Movies* - *Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying* - *The Fox in the Snow*
4,5
The singles are overly played but the deep cuts are incredible.
Lyrically a bit too inane at times but lovely tunes.
A bit twee on the whole, but at the same time I, too, cry at endings. It's been a pleasure to meet B&S. ✅✅✅ Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying ✅✅✅✅ If You're Feeling Sinister
Great from start to end. One of the best twee albums. 8/10
I was pleasantly surprised by this album. It’s very lovely. It took a little to get used to this style of vocals, but I think that it really suits the music. It has a very lovely sound, even when the lyrics are on the darker side. It has a pretty unique style and enough variety that even though much of the record is slower, it doesn’t ever get boring. 4/5
Len Houmous famously bedded both Belle & Sebastian after one of his famous acid trips. 3.6 10/10 Judy And The Dream Of Horses
Excellent. Peerless.
Favorite Track: Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying
Agradável e melódico. Eu gosto da voz do cantor, e admito que fui um dos enganados pelo nome da banda, achando que haveria duetos entre um homem e uma mulher. E é engraçado porque eu tenho três CDs da banda na minha coleção! Comprei-os por gostar de suas capas, mas fui procrastinando ouvi-los. Aparentemente, hoje é o dia de ouvir ao menos um deles. Admito e não escondo que álbuns nesse estilo songwriter não são totalmente minha pira. Mas mesmo assim, consigo apreciar um ou outro, como os do Leonard Cohen que já gerei até então. E felizmente, este disco também entra nessa célebre lista. A instrumentalização é interessante e muito bem temperada. Com isso quero dizer que ela salienta muito bem os momentos mais quietos e os mais barulhentos. E além disso, a produção, de forma geral, é um prazer aos ouvidos. Melodias agradáveis cantadas por uma voz agradável, narrando canções quase adolescentes. É bem gostoso. 4/5
Creative, talented, varied, pretty. Really enjoyed this
I quite enjoyed this. it has the same indie pop sound of a few artists I listen to yet I've never heard of them. I can't say it's anything particularly special but I think I'll listen again. I have found that I often grow to like this kind of music more over time.
Good sound, the vocals are very 60's folk. You can hear where later indie bands would be inspired by this sound. It definitely scratches an itch of indie-folk-pop that I enjoy.
cool
Really good and Chad. 4.5
pretty good
Repetitive
I was obsessed w/ Belle & Sebastian for a bit a little over a year ago. Rlly enjoy this. might come back and change to a 5.
A couple great songs and some alright ones
I can't do all the Belle and Sebastian albums anymore (some just bore me), but this one was catchy enough to make me a little sad when it ended. I was kind of getting into a groove and almost put on some more B&S (before remembering that this is the only album I probably still like). Still shoegaze, but solid hooks and enough solid songwriting to sound more "indie" than "boring" to me.
Beautiful stuff. I think I prefer my belle and Sebastian when there more rocky, but the eccentric songwriting - lyrics and harmony - is still there.
Pretty nice, but no strong feelings from me 3.6/5
Like dylan in the movies, fox in the snow, get me away from here i'm dying...son temas que me llevan flipando años 🥰🥰
De kan ju omöjligen ha mer än ett album med på listan. Så varför detta och inte Dear Catastrophe Waitress eller Boy with the Arab Strap? Fyra bara för att det är B&S.
Amazing. No time to explain but yeah
Really liked this record, songs are lyrically dense with almost sad wistful lyrics but offset with upbeat fun indie pop melodies. The vocal delivery is somewhat reminiscent of Nick Drake. I can imagine they were a huge influence on indie pop bands of the 2000s.
Не самый большой фанат инди музыки, но альбом замечательный. Крайне меланхоличный и невероятно душевный, заставляющий поверить в лучшее. Думаю, исходя из названия альбома, в этом и была его самоцель, - дать слушателю надежду
uhh das tönt spannend! sehr intim me and the major isch chli nervig allgemein isch de vibe aber iwie mega schön, sehr kuschelig und ruhig omg if you're feeling sinister kenni vo iwo her? so oder so hanis megaaa gern!! han nöd sooo vill z sege iwie, aber ich hans echt no es schöns album gfunde. wird jz glaub nöd ständig zruggchehre, aber die ruhige und intimi art hetmer gfalle if you're feeling sinister banger!
So this is the apex of twee pop, according to RYM. Hmm. I often sees twee pop as a super naive sounding music genre. And I know I am wrong as this album stood somewhere between the sentimental bullshit of French pop, the jangly guitar of the Smiths and general 60s folk rock. But this blend of genres made me of unease more. Although the lightly bittersweet and breezy atmosphere is something I am usually found of, the majority of this album feels not on my radar. And some arrangements have a weird country tinge, especially on the title track. You know I don’t like country. I’m feeling sinister so I would like to give this a 3. No, a 4. Honestly many songs are not so bad but they are just not that for me.
Stor positiv overraskelse! Meget mere varieret og interessant end den sidste vi havde med dem
A friendly pleasant soothing folksy album. Didn't think I would enjoy it, but it was perfect for a bike ride.
Pour une fois, les labels "pop indie rock" n'ont pas débouché sur un truc sans intérêt, c'est notable.
pretty good but nothing special to me
Fint og finurligt
Слушал два раза. Альбом заинтересовал.
If You're Feeling Sinister is not my favorite Belle & Sebastian album, though it is a good album. I think I prefer Tigermilk and a few of their later albums to this one. I think Dear Catastrophe Waitress may be my overall favorite. If You're Feeling Sinister is still a really good album and if you know Belle & Sebastian's work then I think you will like this one. I know the music can feel very "twee" and that's not really an accusation the band can avoid, mostly because it is true. For me, this album has some really big highs and then other songs I just think are decent Belle & Sebastian songs. If you liked Tigermilk then I think you would like this one as well. The best songs are: Stars of Track & Field Seeing Other People (great song) Like Dylan in the Movies The Fox in the Snow Get Me Away from Here, I'm dying (great song) If You're Feeling Sinister
Skemmtilegir textar og þægileg plata! Mjög gott stöff.
Thoughts before listening: "Twee" indie pop, whatever that means. My recollection of Belle and Sebastian is light, poppy folk-inspired indie rock with some very catchy songs. I have liked what I have heard from them even if they never necessarily became one of my favorites. In fact I don't believe I ever owned or even downloaded one of their albums, despite them being covered on the same sites and playing the same festivals as the bands I did latch on to. Review: The Allmusic review for this album calls it a mixture of Simon and Garfunkel with the Smiths and I think thats probably accurate. There is definitely a folky, acoustic underlying sound going on here, albeit run through a certain shimmery indie rock filter. I like this...in fact I'd say its hard to hate something that is so catchy and inoffensive (I'm sure people will find a way though). My favorite songs are the ones that pick up the pace a bit and lean on the indie rock side of their sound: "The Stars of Track and Field", "Me and the Major", "Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying", and "Mayfly". 4-stars
The Stars of Track and Field Like Dylan in the Movies The Fox in the Snow Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying Judy and the Dream of Horses
Fox in the Snow is absolutely breathtaking.
Another enjoyable album that was fine to listen to, but t just didn’t excite me much at first. But as it went on, I really found myself enjoying it. I’m getting a lot of three star albums lately but this is somewhere between a three and a four. In a perfect world, it would be seven out of 10 but on a five star scale I’ll round up to four.
Just like maybe any other Belle & Sebastian album, it's an overall sweet and relaxed listen, with some earworms here and there. If you're feeling sinister, the song, is also quite special to me as it reminds me of the day I bought my first car and then went to a life drawing class, and I made my best nude drawings ever while this song was in the background and I wasn't feeling sinister, but very accomplished, but that song made me happy anyway
Beautiful and well crafted indie pop songs. Eclectic instrument choices for what is primarily a guitar driven genre.
Музыка, которая кажется затянутой и скучной, пока не послушаешь достаточно. Очень нежное, и при этом очень странное. Музыка часто звучит очень однообразно, но почему-то не скучно. Вайб. Мне Тайгермилк больше нравится, но это тоже прекрасный альбом, особенно на спокойный вечер. Лучшая песня - If You Are Feeling Sinister.
Voetl een beetje sad aan maar tegelijkertijd ook vrolijk. Best wel gevoelige muziek maar ook fijn. Blijft je aandacht houden. Ben wel fan van dit album.
Pretty good. Little slow
I’m really torn on this one. The music and instrumentation are solid, but the vocals and overall style just don’t do it for me. There’s an adolescent vibe to the whole thing that makes it feel like it’s not really aimed at someone like me. Still, I have to admit there’s something unique and original about it, even if it’s not entirely my thing.
Nostalgic for some reason
If You're Feeling Sinister is a standout album that perfectly captures Belle & Sebastian’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and beautifully crafted melodies. The songwriting is rich with character and emotion, drawing listeners into vivid, intimate scenes. Favourite Songs: The opening track, The Stars of Track and Field, is a gentle, gorgeous introduction—its wistful tone and subtle build set the stage perfectly. Seeing Other People follows seamlessly, offering another slice of poetic melancholy. Both songs are beautiful and create a strong emotional foundation for the rest of the album. Least Favourite: Honestly, every track on the album holds its own. There isn’t a weak link; each song contributes to the cohesive, dreamy atmosphere that makes the album so special. Album Artwork: Belle & Sebastian’s album art is always distinctive, and this one is no exception. The cover for If You're Feeling Sinister is striking in its simplicity, complementing the introspective mood of the music.
4.5
Never heard of this band, overall pleasant listen
Sometimes there's just something really nice about 10 simple folk pop songs that are just great at what they do. And that's exactly what this album is and I love it for that.
I really like the chill vibes of this album. It honestly sounds super ahead of its time to the point where it really could come have come out in the past few years and fit in with any other singer/songwriter album being released.
Ultimately not my thing but it’s an iconic sound that they totally perfected.
I let this one wash over me a bit. That’s the beauty, and sometimes rare for an indie album that doesn’t drag. It’s good xxx
Highlights: Stars of Track and Field, Dylan In The Movies, If You're Feeling Sinister, Get Me Away From Here I'm Dying. In a nutshell: whimsy sleaze. Belle and Sebastian IS NOT sad bastard music. If anything, Belle and Sebastian songs are wide ranging. They're introspective. Low key horny. Joyful. Obliquely spiritual. Relatable. They capture the disconnection between reality and own reality. The universe they craft is part La Nouvelle Vague fever dream part coming of age tele-drama. The lyrics- especially from the Belle’s early albums- resonated with people who in some way has been isolated from everyday life and observing from afar. Stuart (Murdoch) wrote these songs during his late teens and throughout his twenties during a long M.E. (ie Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) flare up. Stuart didn't have the physical energy to do things that other people his age did- travelling, dating, full time uni, having a job, etc. So all he could do is stay at home until his body was ready to face the world again. So, what do I have to say about “If You're Feeling Sinister”? It's good. The sound quality is better here compared to Tigermilk, helped by recording in a different studio. Personally I would have dropped The Boy Done Wrong Again and Seeing Other People (I am convinced that the piano is a nod to the Peanuts theme). They interrupt the flow of the album. It needs to emphasised - Stuart Murdoch is an underrated songwriter. The title track, Dylan in the Movies and Stars of Track and Field are prime examples. They are a unique band. Belle and Sebastian were one of the last bands to have some mystery to them. They protected their anonymity. They distanced themselves from the promotional circus while they created music- on their own terms. All the while, they fostered a cult like following. Of fan-zines, button pins, whimsy, curiosity. A deep connection to their fans, which still stands to this day. Overall: 7/10
High 4, absolutely loved this, definitely a fan of this band after previously only hearing I’m a Cuckoo (on The Gloaming)
I really did like If You're Feeling Sinister. It is certainly surprising to see that this album came out the same year as it's predecessor Tigermilk but i guess it isn't the first time i have seen something like this on this project (this happened with Queen with Queen II and Sheer Heart Attack). While this album does lose what uniqueness Tigermilk had with the songs here now all using the same formula. I still can't deny that this album is still a good listen since it has all the relaxing vibes that the first album did and still has some very good lyrics. I would typically be put off by the lack of deviation but this album was too short for me to find an issue with that. I still think that this is a really solid album. Best Song: If You're Feeling Sinister Worst Song: Judy and the Dream of Horses
I really enjoyed the songs. Very lofi vibes.
Twee chamber pop. Certainly there is a strong theme of sentimentalism that runs through these songs like butter and sugar. But what makes this album stand out is the pure strength of the melodic lines that stretch like cats throughout the album.
Interesting lyrics
This was really fun and pretty. This band always surprises me.
A nice vibe of an album, and a very pleasant listen. I enjoyed it and will listen again in the future. 4/5
fantastic and poetic
I'm feeling heavy Velvet Underground vibes in this one. Not something I would listen daily, but I shurely apprecieate the bittersweet felling in it. Like a dawn on a day I enjoyed very much
I love Scottish gnome music, and this hits the spot. Not my favorite album of theirs (that would be Boy with Arab Strap), but this is still an excellent album of pop delightfulness.
Lovely twee pop that reminds me a bit of Blind Pilot.
Internal
A band who were never quite on my radar, coming to prominence as work was reducing my music listening time. 4 stars may be a tad generous, there's some nice songs but it becomes bit samey.
It's nice but nothing mindblowing
Sweet memories. Working in Glasgow and hanging around the West Emd I moved in similar circles to them. They were a class apart though and this album shows exactly why they were critical darlings.
Хороший приятный спокойный альбом
*the* belle and sebastian album of all time. haven't relistened to it yet but what a fun time it is
Twee heaven
lot of toe tappers on here but doesnt push past that into special
Sounds very influential for the type of introspective indie that came in the aughts — The Shins, The Decemberists, etc. aka…. My wheelhouse!! Standouts: “Like Dylan In the Movies”, “If You’re Feeling Sinister”
First time really listening to this group. It was clearly the touchstone for so much music I liked in the early 2000s. Throwback, light and airy, and just enough in-group pretense to make it hip. Not quite a perfect statement but a time capsule for my musical life.
Incredibly charming songwriting and arranging. Absolutely phenomenal highlights, like GMAFHID and LDITM.
4/5
Smooth music for autism people, if that's a good description(it is not). What I want to say is that this album has that "just minding my own business in the corner" vibe, it doesn't try to sell you anything (apart from really good music, perhaps). Really fine tunes, especially "If You're Feeling Sinister". A general 3.5/5, I grew fond of this one as time goes by. Beautiful, calm, and nothing else really matters.
Really loved this. For some reason not what I ever thought Belle and Sebastian sounded like - deffo need to listen to them more. Simply simply lovely.
Infinitely more interesting than Tigermilk, this second album from Belle & Sebastian is at times still too velvety soft for my tastes, but there's just enough exploration of the indie genre going on to keep me intrigued throughout.
So much better than their debut album, which they released less than half a year before this. The songwriting is way more interesting, the instrumentation feels more alive and the overall vibe is just day and night - though it's still obviously the same band. I'm almost handing If You're Feeling Sinister 3 stars, but the number of songs stuck in my head after the first listen makes me feel generous.
I seem to find that there’s a limit with what you can say about these sorts of albums, the ones that Belle and Sebastian are most known for, this nice, upbeat, twee sound. And I suppose it depends on the person listening to this. If you’re someone who exclusively listens to heavy metal, or rap, or one distinct genre, you’ll probably pass this off as throwaway indie rubbish. But why not settle in for ~40 minutes in this lovely soundscape? That’s what it is. Nice. And I don’t want to pass it off as just nice, it has some complexity from what I can grasp with my limited knowledge of music theory. But... that’s all I can say. One of the great ‘nice’ albums. Nice.
This was a very pleasant and enjoyable record.
Great album. It sounds folk, but it's pop. He's got a sweet melody voice. I believe that if The Stone Roses released an acoustic album, it would be sounding just like that. I'm gonna give 4 stars today.
The soundtrack to a Wes Anderson movie that never got made.
"If You're Feeling Sinister" is an album that, despite its timid sound evolution, shines mainly due to its refined production. The delicacy of the arrangements, combined with Stuart Murdoch's soft voice, creates a nostalgic and intimate atmosphere, elevating the introspective and melancholic lyrics to new heights. Each track is meticulously crafted, reflecting an aesthetic that, despite its subtlety, captures the essence of youth and human emotions brilliantly. It is a work that, despite its conservative sound nuances, stands out for the richness of its production and the sensitivity that shines through in each chord.
Again, love B&S, so I loved the album.
De har gjort så många fina låtar. Den här är inte favoriten men det är ändå jättebra.
Beautiful indie rock album. Kinda sounds like a combination of The Smiths and Nick Drake. Favorite song: Me and the Major
Describing this as “twee” is very accurate. The lyrics are very well written and the instrumentals are consistently great. I liked this more than their first album. I really love when the trumpet comes in on the final track. Favorite songs were The Stars Of Track And Field, Me And The Major, The Fox In The Snow, Mayfly, and Judy And The Dream Of Horses.
I enjoyed the album, I've never heard of the group but will look into their other works.
Some elements feel a bit one-note, but I do think it’s a sonic step up from Tigermilk. Murdoch is not a particularly strong vocalist in my opinion, but he’s such an expert melodist that it’s hard for him to not deliver said melodies at least somewhat effectively. As was the case with Tigermilk, I think the opening track (“The Stars of Track and Field”) is the main winner, but I was also taken with “Me and the Major”, “The Fox in the Snow”, “Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying”, and “Judy and the Dream of Horses” in particular. 4/5
una fantasía
Pleasant tunes! I never gave these folks a chance before because I was a snob who hated their name… but I’m glad they came up on this list. I don’t know if this is required listening but I enjoyed my time with it
Muy buen grupo y gran disco. Buenas y agradables canciones.
Enjoyable, joyful even a little melancholy. I like the review that says it’s for cold weather days when you need a cozy blanket and a cuppa tea for company. Add some Belle & Sebastian and it’s a complete day.
Nice music
Schön und verträumt, kenne Lieder davon, wahrscheinlich nicht (mehr)
Such a wee indie gem
This has a fun little vibe to it. Really had some good grooving going on! 4.5
Belle and Sebastian is always enjoyable, despite being a genre I normally wouldn't enjoy. I don't know if its their choice of chord usage, or arrangement, but for some reason I have a soft spot in my heart for this band.
great indie
This was a lot better than I imaged. It sounded like Eric Burden singing Morrissey lyrics while Frente plays in the background.
(8.2) ★★★★
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
4.5
Har alltid lite svårt att komma in i dehär albumet men de e ju faktiskt riktigt bra
I'm always going to be biased when it's the music that was the soundtrack to my college years. I used to listen to Belle and Sebastian's first 3 albums quite a bit. I might like some of the songs on Tigermilk more, but this one is probably stronger overall. I find the front man's voice soothing, and the band member harmonizing blends so well with him. Very easygoing, good study music.
Belle and Sebastian is like a blanket and warm cup of tea. It’s hard not to feel cozy listening to this music while the rest of the world sucks.
Still solid
Some list quibbling first - this AND "Tigermilk" should not be on the list together - they were released the same year and they're doing the exact same thing! The only way an artist should get two albums from the same year on the list is if they do something radically different in both of them - that's understood, right? That's just natural knowledge - the beasts of the field understand as much! 😠 Anyway, now that that's out of the way, yeah, this is good - Belle and Sebastien doing their thing. I don't like it as much as "Tigermilk" purely due to the lack of nostalgia - I never obtained a copy of this, never built up a relationship with it. The early 2000s were a dark time when it was not possible to access basically any music you wanted within seconds, so these kind of gaps in listening were frequent! Fave track - "Me and the Major" on these playthroughs. It's all charming stuff though....
This was a really nice and cathartic listen. Good melancholy songs with soft vocals that are very soothing. The album took a little to get going, and I was afraid that it would veer into whiny and airy territory after the first few tracks. But it's a really solid listen once the songs settle in. Top tracks: Like Dylan in the Movies, The Fox in the Snow, If You're Feeling Sinister
Very good at lulling me to sleep.
I was introduced to Belle & Sebastian with 2006’s The Life Pursuit. I LOVE that album. Alas, it’s not on this list. But on this list is what is supposed to be their finest album, If You’re Feeling Sinister. It’s a good album. But it doesn’t have “Sukie in the Graveyard” or “The Blues are Still Blue.” So, enjoy this, but for some extra fun meet me over at The Life Pursuit afterward.
7,50
November 5, 2024 HL: “The Stars of Track and Field”, “Me and the Major”, “The Fox and the Snow”, “Get Me Away From Here”, title track Can’t decide between a 4 or a 5, so we’ll remain at 4 for now. Belle and Sebastian popped up pretty late on this list (with Tigermilk this summer), and yet I don’t find myself comparing them to the many other folky acts I have heard this year. Very cozy 🛌 This one deserved 2 full listens; one for music and one for lyrics.
Great album from a very talented band.
Nice opening, chambery, lush, slowly developed, vocals and harmonies grabbing, great intro to the rest of their catalogue. Pop as it should be. The upfront vocal clarity belies the engaging deviousness of the lyrics. A keeper.
I was decidedly not a fan when these guys were popular. All my friends seem to like them and I just didn’t understand what all the fuss was about. I got into one of their later, albums, dear catastrophe waitress. Anyway, I had high hopes that maybe today I would enjoy them more. And I did. Yes they’re a bit twee. Yes they’re basically one note. But the storytelling is interesting and arrangements are cool and a couple of the songs got stuck in my head all day. It’s definitely music for certain mood. But this strikes me is one of his albums where every song might come my favorite song on the album at some point. I’ll probably be returning to this.
happy joyful sounds
Ce groupe semble un peu décalé, comme surgi des années 1970, et le chanteur a un type d'inflexions qui m'énerve généralement. Or, je ne résiste pas aux mélodies, au rythme qui semble toujours un peu décalé, comme s’il y avait trop de notes, qu’on trébuchait dans les paroles. Une cascade.
A good album, I enjoyed Like Dylan in The Movies.
A well loved album
One of their better albums. A good selection of tunes. I've heard it a few times back in late 90s but kind of forgot about it. Good to give it another listen. 7/10
Great then. Great now.
Good album, some very catchy intros. The singer is comparable to Nick Drake, his voice being a little higher. Enjoyed this.
chill af, surprisingly edgy lyrics coming from a cherub voice
Geen idee of we hier nu Belle of juist Sebastian horen zingen, het klinkt een beetje als de jaren negentig-versie van huiskamersingersongwriters als Nick Drake, met een beetje meer tempo. Een prettig geluid, heel fijn op een regenachtige woensdagmiddag, maar misschien moet dit nog wat langer rijpen om een echte klassieker te worden. Het had ook geholpen als de man gewoon onder zijn eigen naam had gezongen in plaats van dit rare pseudoniem. Dat soort dingen maken verschil.
Super hippie shiz with a dash of 90s languish-pop
I like Belle & Sebastian. This is not my favorite album, but it is a pretty good one. A nice and comforting listen. An album I'd throw on if I just wanted to chill out for a while.
I knew them by name but never listened to their music. It reminds me of other indie acts from the late '90s/early '00s I like. I like the atmosphere of this kind of indie bands. It's simple but well carved compositions, not pretentious, just good music.
Feinfühliges Album, das die schottische Indie-Folk-Szene auf wunderbare Weise repräsentiert. Die Musik erinnert an das Erbe von The Beautiful South, jedoch mit einem einzigartigen, melancholischen Touch, der Belle and Sebastian auszeichnet. Musikalisch bietet das Album eine reiche Palette an sanften, aber eindringlichen Melodien, die von akustischen Gitarren, Klavier und Streichern getragen werden. Die Arrangements sind sorgfältig ausgearbeitet und schaffen eine intime Atmosphäre, die den Hörer sofort in ihren Bann zieht. Besonders hervorzuheben sind die harmonischen Wechsel und die subtile Instrumentierung, die jedem Song eine besondere Tiefe verleihen. Lyrisch überzeugt das Album durch seine erzählerische Qualität. Der Hauptsongwriter, schafft es, Geschichten zu erzählen, die sowohl persönlich als auch universell sind. In “The Fox in the Snow” wird die Einsamkeit und das Streben nach Zugehörigkeit thematisiert, während “Like Dylan in the Movies” eine Hommage an die Jugend und die Suche nach Identität darstellt. Die Texte sind poetisch und oft melancholisch, was dem Album eine nachdenkliche und zugleich tröstliche Note verleiht. Das Album ist konzeptionell hervorragend arrangiert und bietet eine durchgehende Atmosphäre, die sowohl zum Nachdenken anregt als auch Freude bereitet. Es ist ein Werk, das man immer wieder gerne hört und das bei jedem Durchlauf neue Facetten offenbart.
I liked this quite a bit. It's quirky, but musical, and clearly there's a lot of thought behind the arrangements.
Scottish music 🎉🥳. Was so good each song was beautiful and different loved it very much. 8/10
While nothing hit me as amazing it hit in a way I am not sure I have ever felt before. There was something oddly familiar about this album and it felt like it could have belonged to almost any time frame from the 60's on. It was comforting like a glass of hot chocolate.
I went through a Belle & Sebastian phase where I sat in cafes on rainy days drinking Americanos and reading JD Salinger.
Great album. 4 stars
The melancholic atmosphere that surround these tracks feel like a bittersweet memory that one looks back on with both a soft smile and a tinge of regret. Very mellow, nostalgia inducing sound. Great Chamber Pop record, quite enjoyed this.
Maybe some of the best songwriting I’ve heard on an indie pop record. Very pleasantly surprised.
Didn’t think I was going to vibe with this one (folk is usually a hard sell), but listening on speakers with the lyrics attached really made this an enjoyable listen. Like the ‘pop’ elements to this album that surrounded some really nice storytelling. Last couple songs got a bit tiring, but overall this was a nice listen. Would throw on again during a calm evening where I want some lyric focused music.
Great listen.
Enjoyed this one, light and smooth.
light and easy listening
Nah, too gay for me 8/10
4/5 - nice album
I really like Belle & Sebastian, but I appreciate their fuller 'Dear Catastrophe Waitress' era more. Still cooks, though! A 3.5. but actually bumping up to 4.
Fun little 90s indie album. Would listen again.
Beautiful album, definitely see the through lines to bedroom music and singer songwriters of today. Pleasantly surprised
4.0
Hadn’t heard this before. Thought I wouldn’t like it. Didn’t hate it. Might be a grower. Currently a 3.5. Might improve.
a warm and fuzzy soft touch indie album that feels like it was recorded in the 70s. music for a nostalgic and wistful roadtrip back to your home town.
Quite liked this one. Nice singing and musicianship
I thought this was quite enjoyable.
This was good
Nice and soothing indie rock.
I've had a run of uninteresting indie albums from the '90s, so I wasn't expecting much from this, but I really enjoyed. The songs are catchy, and Sebastian's voice really works for me.
At one point this album was a 5 for me but it’s not anymore sadly. Still a great and somewhat unique album that I’ve listened to a lot since I’ve found it. The stars of track and field and the title track are highlights for me, but I think this album also has some snoozers like Fox in the Snow. My grandmas name was Judy and she loved horses, so I always smile at that last track, but I still think it’s one of the weaker tracks.
I was a bit meh on this when the album first started, but it grew on me. It's like The Smiths but without having to deal with the insufferable Morrissey and his annoying lyrics. Good stuff. I liked the themes of the album — there's a lot of exploration of loneliness and trying to fit in, both from the perspective of an adolescent and an adult. The music is very typical of what's become known as the indie sound — lots of quiet songs and simple guitar parts (as well as the aforementioned similarity to The Smiths and The Cure), but it's well done. 4/5
Starts off super cheery and light which I wasn't really expecting given the title. It keeps up that vibe throughout but if you listen to the lyrics it's not quite as sweet and happy as it would seem. I get a kind of 90s-pop meets the Smiths feeling from a lot of these songs. I think it's the vocals - it's almost like he's a sweeter voiced Morrissey. Overall, this record is nice, sincere, uncomplicated but not to it's detriment, and very well recorded and produced. I dig it. 3.5/5 rounded up to 4.
Somehow I had forgotten this album - it’s gorgeously sweet and pleasant to listen to - a good length and well balanced.
When I first listened to this album, I was kinda meh on it. But man did it grow on me. This is the kinda guy-with-his-guitar shit I like. I was boppin around my kitchen doing chores to this shit at like 10pm last night. 🔥
This album was a nice surprise. Another artist I am pretty sure I had not heard before. Thoughtful songs in a singer songwriter style with well constructed melodies and arrangements. Notable songs include "The Stars of Track and Field", "The Fox in the Snow" and "Judy and the Dream of Horses". I give it a 4 because this definitely was an album I am glad I heard before I die.
The type of pop everyone wishes they could write. It could be more engaging, but the breezy, effortless mood is alluring.
While I was never hugely into Belle & Sebastian, I did have one of their records, and this was the one. I haven't heard it in well over a decade, so this was quite the trip down Memory Lane. Not quite as twee as I remembered it. It's really quite clever and catchy, and I instantly see why I used to like it. Stu doesn't have the greatest voice, but his lyrics more than make up for it. Cute little indie pop album.
Like it
I could barely figure out the volume equalization for the first track, which was a serious detractor.
I’ve been listening to this for years, so I’m already here for this.
Wait… British people can make good music??
FUCK YEAH! One of the best bands from Glasgow. I’ve loved this band for years and I think this record is one of my favorites. One of the coolest bands to exist if I’m being honest. Their musicality, lyrics, and the recording of this really takes off from their debut but I would argue this one shows off a more mature and polished sound. The album starts with a quiet little number Stars of Track and Field, which is a great track and gives you a taste of what’s coming. Like Dylan In The Movies is another great one with their trademark soft riffs over strings. The vocal arrangements are also great with Stuart, Stevie and the crew. When they play live they all sing and it’s fucking cool as hell. I love almost everything this band has put out because yeah it COULD be super pretentious indie rock but it isn’t. It’s fun well written music that calls back some nostalgia but still feels modern.
Ive loved Belle & Sebastian since high school. So, you know, things were really easy for me.
Didn’t like it at first but it really grew on me
Excellent afternoon chill jam. Not too crazy. But solid
Very nice. At first the tunes reminded me of David Bowie. Somehow. Other than that, it's a very good example of an indie album. Chill, rhythmic, soothing.
3.75 Pretty good. Easy to listen to and enjoy. Really don't know them or the album at all before now.
very amusing and interesting, loved listening to it. 8/10
Чёт звучит будто сборник би-сайдов... я ещё удивился, что этот альбом тоже в 96 году вышел, как и дебютник. Но как и с тем альбомом, это всё такая же наивная музыка... и чем-то цепляющая Забавная песенка про Дилана, которая не про Дилана, на самом деле
All I could think as I was listening to this was "How remarkably... UK." The sound, lyrics, instrumentation and even the cover you could tell they were from the United Kingdom. That's not an indictment of the album, just something I noticed. There was a very particular vibe here, the songs sounded very... restrained. Like the band was holding back, keeping their emotions in check. It was weird, but I kinda dug it. It did remind a little of Nick Drake in that aspect. Riming Sinister with Minister in the title track... I mean, that's really the only way to go isn't it? I liked it, but I wish that there was more vocal variation or emotion. Nick Drake's albums do it better, I think. Top songs: "The Stars of Track and Field," "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying", "If You're Feeling Sinister", "Judy and The Dream Of Horses"
a beautiful listen
Be interested to see if there's more entries - Boy With The Arab Strap or The Life Pursuit. Just on the side of four stars and an enjoyable listen from Belle & Sebastian.
Likeable and gentle politecore
mellow pop music. nice listening!
Feels like a bridge between some softer 80s new age and more modern folk or singer/songwriter type music. Very pleasant and chill. Also it’s cool to see a Disney process and the companion of another Disney princess do a collab
Belle & Sebastian is like chill Spring afternoon, put it on headphones while you ride your bike and pretend you're in a Wes Anderson movie type music. They also have the ability to craft these super catchy and memorable pop songs and they will bust that out a few times per album. Stars of Track and Field and Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying will be stuck in my head for a few days. All of their albums have these cool, iconic, monochrome covers. No complaints.
4/5. Wonderful, catchy and sing-able songs, relaxing and relatable lyrics. It feels like I'm growing up again, going through all those emotions in a safe space. It's not quite a perfect album with every song being really good, but the atmosphere the album brings is worth the listen for sure. It's sad and aching with some sense of optimism in the face of death, a.k.a. the average teenager.
pretty good
Right there between a 3 and a 4...
If You're Feeling Sinister is the second album from Belle & Sebastian, a Scottish indie pop group. This is a collection of songs that helped define indie pop: thoughtful, self-aware, and perhaps anxious tracks written with thoughtful lyrics and supported by catchy melodies and interesting arraignments The band was very well received critically, and more popular than the band members expected. The band's character fit the songs - they were reclusive, avoiding publicity and the trappings of fame through popular music.
good folk
Damn this is a banger, love their vocals, and every song sounded great. 3.8 what a wordsmith I am
Pleasant enough album. I had heard of these guys but never really listened to them. I will listen to this a few more times. Reminds me of mi-60’s Kinks. Which is a good thing
This is one of B&S’s most beloved albums and I think it perfectly reflects the sensibilities they’ve projected in their albums in the nearly 30 years since. It doesn’t sound like 1996, or any other time for that matter. Original melodies, peppy rhythms, and simple but lovely production. 4.2
Quite liked this one. First time I have heard of this band. I've saved to my favourites
Amazing songwriting. With some talented musicians and more fleshed out arrangements most of these songs could be really good.
Before I saw the band once at a festival I actually thought this was a duo of people named Belle and Sebastian. Strangely enough I think more female vocals would benefit this album. It didn't really catch me in a mood for it and I can't put my finger on what mood this does fit - it sounds so melancholic but not depressing. Still enjoyed it.
Very cohesive. Incredible constructed. Flat production but indicative of the style.
Pleasant listen, title track was memorable especially
Not really what I was expecting - expected something much more wet and bland but sounded quite Velvet Undergroundy at times. Good stuff!
Mun ennakkoasenne tätä kohtaan oli, että "ei saatana taas tätä indiehöttöä", mutta täähän oli todella tyylikäs levy. Nyt kyllä nöyrryn ja nielen ennakkoluuloni. Helkkarin hyviä biisejä, ilman sellaista tunkkasuutta ja jotenkin itseisarvoista suhaa ja pipertämistä. Hieno levy! 4/5
Vaivatonta indietä! Tykkäsin enemmän kuin Tigermilkista. 4/5
Band and their music, and this album, all new to me. I really enjoyed this one. I like their sound and style. The songs are well written — maybe the right word is thoughtful (in a mature artistic way) — and performed with a nice balance of laidback and familiar yet also musically strong and precise. I’ll have to check out more work by this group.
I always liked this album pretty well, though there are just a couple standout tracks
Love Belle & Sebastian. There is something so comforting about them. Seemingly doing so much with so little. I haven't heard this album but think I've heard a couple songs. I love Stars of Track and Field especially the trumpet and buildup at the end. Seeing Other People is another great one that builds and adds layers of different instruments. Some songs start to sound pretty similar to each other I think because of the voice, but still very calming indie rock that hits me in the right spot with random instruments going in and out during songs. Feels very intimate. I think I'm actually going to use my IMP rewards points to go see them at the Anthem since it was just announced WEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Normally this isn’t a genre that I’m into but I think there are some aspects of this artist that I want to revisit. There is some Potential here.
Nice rainy day album, sad yet chipper at the same time
This band is like the Simon & Garfunkel of the 1990's. I never really listened to them at the time, so I'm always prepared to hate them when I hear them. Alas, I don't. I enjoy the songs, but appreciate them more. It deserves to be appreciated - good musicians, unique melodies, clean instrumentation. I like music that sounds simple but is difficult to pull off. This is that.
Such a lovely one, so mellow and beautiful. Might actually be going on my must-have list.
Un gran disco indie. Arreglos muy interesantes, además de grandes lineas melódicas y ritmicas, tanto de parte de los instrumentos como de la voz, lo cual me gusta bastante. Usan cambios de tonalidades interesantes, pero me gusta como siempre vuelven a la tonalidad mayor con la que empiezan. Me sentí muy agusto escuchando este disco. Entra en el top 10 discos indie sin pedos.
the only tune i know by Belle & Sebastion is 'expectations' and its enjoyable. 4 tracks in and im impressed. I had no idea this was late '90s tunes. sweet. nvm ive heard 'get me away from here, im dyin'. I think its from Juno. Great film
Velvet underground mixed with frank turner
3,5
Very good. Similar to the CURE.
Very enjoyable. Something quiet to carry you along you day.
Never heard of these folks before but truly a delightful album. Great songwriting, great melodies.
Belle & Sebastian are another act who I am surprised to learn, in fact, rule. And they do, too! This has some hauntingly beautiful melodies that blew away my indie folk-indifferent heart. At their best, this stuff does actually feel kind of sinister! B
A 3.5 but should revisit again, could be a legit 4
"If You're Feeling Sinister" by Belle & Sebastian is a whimsical and introspective album that encapsulates the band's signature indie pop sound. Released in 1996, it's a charming collection of stories that melds witty lyricism with melodic arrangements. Tracks like "The Stars of Track and Field" and "Judy and the Dream of Horses" showcase the group's ability to craft delicate and captivating narratives. The album's production is modest and intimate, which complements its introspective nature. "If You're Feeling Sinister" remains a timeless gem for fans of indie pop, a testament to Belle & Sebastian's ability to transport listeners to a world of introspection and imagination.
La banda escocesa alcanzó su peak con este hermoso trabajo. Tomando las mejores tendencias británicas que le precedieron, construyeron una hermosa colección de canciones, que hasta el día de hoy se puede considerar como el mejor álbum de su catálogo. Realmente un imprescindible.
Goed album, mooie nummers
charmant
This album is super cute. not much more to say about it.
Lovely really. Inoffensive, uplifting and a very enjoyable listen
Nice and relaxing, nothing more
Love the Guarldi style piano. There are some very good songs here, and I generally dig B&S, but Joey's be honest, this is the aural requirement of a Wes Anderson film.
So good. Definitely a must-listen.
For a very long time, Belle And Sebastian were my definition of "twee". And consequently, I couldn't really bring myself to give their records the attention they fully deserved. Maybe old age has turned me into a mellower listener, but it's easier for me to immerse in their music now. As "twee" as the latter still sounds to me sometimes. This record is probably one of the two or three "must-have" in their discography (with *The Boy With The Arab Strap* and maybe *Tigermilk* as well). 2006's *The Life Pursuit* is also pretty good, in a more streamlined, "professional" way. The gems on *If You're Feeling Sinister* are "The Stars of Track And Field", "Seeing Other People", "Like Dylan In The Movies", and "Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying". And if you like or love them, you'll probably appreciate other cuts from the band, even the deeper ones. 4 stars. Number of albums left to review: 568 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 209 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 101 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 126
Love a bit of Belle and Sebastian. Uniquely twee but in a good way. Not my favorite of theirs but will need a few more listens to really appreciate it
Cute and mellow
Lovely
Scottish! A band I have seen and enjoyed live! A solid collection of songs, with a few stand outs! Sounds like 4 stars 😃