Reviews (page 5 of 9)
lalala i drank a tea and then i saw something so devastating lalala
Fresh sounds, clever wordplay, teeny pop late ‘90’s style.
Good
The vocals are weak and the musical arrangements are simplistic and unimaginative. Not very engaging. It just strikes me as weak pop. Disappointing.
Gear: ZMF Bokeh Artwork: 👱♀️☹️🟥 Production: 🙄🤔🤷 Music: 🙄🎭✂️ Rating: 👢👢/5
I love this record. Get Me Away From Here is one of my favorite songs ever.
1. track - 1.5 2. people - 1 3. major - 2 4. dylan - 2 5. foz - 2 6. dying - 1.5 7. zinizter - 1.5 8. may - 1 9. boy - 2 10. judy - 1.5
While I’ve never listened nor searched for this band or duo or whatever they’re called, it was meh. Lots of want to be emo, want to be REM and want to be whatever but to be honest… it was just noise. Emo noise. Doesn’t want me to break out eyeliner and cry about life
This felt very uninspired. The music was at best adequate, but the vocals are very blah. This was like an acoustic emo band. I feel sorry for the people who truly love and obsess over this band. This was a blind listen as I had heard of the band before, but never sought them out. Well, there's a reason why I never did, because they kinda suck. If you're feeling sinister, listen to this album and you might just try to kill yourself.
This is music that really wanted to be part of the Garden State soundtrack, but it wasn't even considered because it was so bland and lifeless. It's like that one friend that hangs with the group, but everyone really doesn't enjoy their company. It's so uncomfortable listening to this. It feels as if they are trying so hard to make something good and are continuously failing to do so. The singer sounds so unsure of everything he's singing and you can hear the lack of confidence in his voice. It's uncomfortable to the point of eliciting pity for the rest of the band from me.
Maybe I would feel more generous towards something that seems romantic, but I just got out of a 10-year relationship, so it's hard on the ears for me right now. Definitely skillfully made, but it just didn't land for me.
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.
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.
Mayfly was pretty catchy but overall I'm not a fan of the whispy vocals much. Judy and the Dream Horses I've heard somewhere, a movie soundtrack maybe? I do kind of like that song but not overall enough to raise this album beyond a 2.
Not feeling it at all. Somewhat updated 60s brit-pop. Singer is a bit too twee for my taste. 2 stars.
I made the mistake of listening to this album while sleep deprived. It sounds like an album of music they play in a dentist’s office waiting room. Every instrument and all the singing was performed with care so as to not offend the listener. God damn is it boring. I’d imagine it’s a good album to slit your wrists too.
Mediocre at best
I guess it's fine. I really expected a male / female duo. Not really music that I like but it sounds ok. I just don't like the vocals. They sound flat most of the time and even out of tune at times. And I feel they are very dull.
absolutely, deeply rizzless the whitest music i've ever heard and somehow charming
TIL this isn’t a guy/girl duo
I was alittle underwhelmed by this album. I had a few songs by this artist saved already, and after I listened to the album I went and listened to those songs again and I felt like those individual songs were better than this album as a whole. I didn’t hate it, it wasn’t bad, it just kind of never really grabbed me UNTIL “Judy and the Dream of Horses”. That’s the stand out of this album. It totally made the whole album worth my time. In fact I ADORE that song! The only thing that bothers me is that the only other song that I remember is “Me and the Major” which I also liked but the album as a whole is a little forgettable. Seriously though if your curious just listen to those two songs, they are so good I’d actually buy this album just for those songs.
Interesting lyrics
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.
348/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑
very mellow once again, but i did enjoy!! it did get a bit samey after a while but you can’t really do much with acoustic songs so i can’t blame belle or sebastian
I am still midway I will give my rating proper on the gc . I just want to know the next album I’m going to be honest but so far I’m really enjoying the lyrics .
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
Had me hooked at the beginning, but then faded off into light, lilty singer-songwriter stuff, and just bored me. It's ok.
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.
This was really fun and pretty. This band always surprises me.
I probably would have liked this more in my high school days.
I thought it was okay.
I don’t like this band, but they remain the best band I’ve ever seen live. Funny how that goes.
really enjoyed!!!
A nice vibe of an album, and a very pleasant listen. I enjoyed it and will listen again in the future. 4/5
Simple and beautiful with some infrequently expressed ideas, what's not to love?
fantastic and poetic
It's well made and all, but kind of sleep-inducing.. not my cup of tea I guess
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
One of many albums where I'm glad I relistened to it a few times. My initial reaction was to give this a 1 and move on. I really did not like the guys voice at first. In fact, initially, I hated it. However, it gradually grew on me and by the end of the day I was hooked, and now I'm interested in hearing more Belle & Sebastian. Favorite songs on this album are "Me and the Major" and "Like Dylan in the Movies." Is this something I'm likely to come back to? Again, probably not, but it was very soothing and I'm glad I spent the day listening to it. Not a whole lot to talk about here other than that. Just a bunch of chill beats to vibe to. Succeeds in what it sets out to do.
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.
Songs are well done, but become a bit too similar. Not a bad album, just a little too slow for me. 2.5/5 Probably won’t listen again
Was sure I was gonna enjoy this but I must have been in the mood for it, decent, wouldn’t mind listening again
Internal
Boorrriiiingggguh!!!
Charlie Brown-ass music. It's a very high 3, and I was going to give it a 4 at one point, but it went on a little too long, and for a 60's inspired folk album, even 41 minutes felt a tad indulgent. Maybe cut one song towards the back end or something and it'd be a perfect length, around 35-36 minutes. Me and the Major is probably the standout for me. Easily the most urgent, fun song with some great harmonica. Dunno if I'll playlist it, but yeah.
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.
Ok
It's nice but nothing mindblowing
While I'm not sure I'd agree that is their best collection of songs, let alone one of the best albums of the decade, it's a great sophomoric showing from the 5 members of the band and helped launch them in colleges in America
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)
A bit of a cult band from what I understand. Not unpleasant but not entirely my thing either
One of my favourite albums of all time. The songwriting and performances are great. I love Stuart Murdoch's Vocals and the melodies on this album are so catchy. "The Stars of Track and Field". "Like Dylan in the Movies" and the title track are some of my favourite songs of all time 10/10 Favourite: If You're Feeling Sinister Least Favourite: None
Not my thing
One of the albums I've listened to most. Perfect companion to both Edinburgh mist and sunny days in Glasgow. Feels in my blood.
Nope, they’ve never really held my interest
It's totally fine. Nothing to stand out for me I saw them live last year and they were quite boring.
Easy to listen. Like the harmonica. Some catchy choruses but nothing that stuck with me.
Boring, too twee, sounds like the same song over and over for 40 some minutes.
Don't know what to expect. Their band name sounds pretty forgettable. Liking the red in the album cover. Hoping to be entertained. The Stars of Track & Field Clunky title. Barely audible guitar. Obnoxious writing style. Strange voice. Questionable chorus. Don't mind the trumpet, sounds pretty good when repeating the vocal melody. I don't get it. 2/5 Seeing Other People I can't stand the writing style. The really uninteresting instrumentation doesn't help. I get the concept, but I just don't like it very much. Doesn't work for me at all. 1.5/5 Me and the Major The instrumentation is at least pretty interesting. I like the tempo and I liked the way the harmonica is implemented at first, though it gets really obnoxious at the end. The vocal melody is alright, though I still hate the way the lyrics are laid out. Not my thing. 2/5 Like Dylan in the Movies Some decent melodies in there, don't mind the chorus. His voice isn't my cup of tea, but it works better in this track than the previous songs. I'm not in love with the instrumentation, though I see what they're going for. Doesn't sound bad, it's just not what I'm looking for. Fine. 3/5 The Fox in the Snow Wish I got this, sounds like something I'd enjoy, but I just don't for some reason. Just has an off-putting aura to it. Reminds me of Phil Elverum, who I'm generally a huge fan of, so there's no reason for me to dislike it, I just do. Did not like. 2/5 Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying Genuinely hate everything about this song. Just does not work at all for me. Hope someone else can find enjoyment in it, but to me that was awful. No thank you. 1/5 If You're Feeling Sinister The children in the background are pretty distracting. Vocal melody is pretty nice. The instrumental captures a calming tranquility, sounds great. Don't mind the lyrics that much, some lines are a bit cringe, but it's fine for what it is. Decent. 3.5/5 Mayfly Decent instrumental, feels nostalgic for some reason. This song is kinda pretty, I think the lyrics although a bit strange work pretty well. The additional vocals add a nice texture to the song. I like the guitar a lot here. The mayfly concept paints a pretty relatable image, I see the vision here. Good. 4/5 The Boy Done Wrong Again No that's just cheesy, the alternating vocals at the start is not a great choice. Such a vocal focused track doesn't work when the listener hates the vocals, can't fault the artist here, but I don't like his voice at all. There are some moments of instrumental beauty here, the strings have some really resonant composition to them. The lyrics are fine. Average. 2.5/5 Judy and the Dream of Horses Every critisism I have for this track has already been said about different tracks. Feels like an amalgation of all the things I've disliked about this album. The main emotion this makes me feel is annoyance. Obnoxious. 1.5/5 Really not my cup of tea. I know it comes down to personal preferance, but from the moment I heard the first song I knew I'd have some major problems with this project. Firstly, his voice is so grating to my ears, everything from the inflections to the pitch, even the energy just does not work for me at all. Secondly, the writing style doesn't land. There are many attempts at storytelling, but I'm just not a fan of how it's laid out. Which elements are emphasised, which lines are repeated and sometimes the general structure, the way these are set up doesn't feel captivating or poetic to me at all. It's just off-putting and messy. Finally there's a lack of variety. There isn't much change in energy from song to song, and a fair few of them is condensed mostly into vocals and guitar. While that in itself isn't necessarily a problem, the real issues start when it's combined with other parts I don't like. There really isn't one big elephant in the room for me to pick apart at, there are just these smaller annoyances which stack on top of each other which really ruins the experience. I do however see how some people could relate more to this than I do. I definitely won't call it generic as I think his voice and narration style sets it apart from similar indie projects of the time. For me this exact style was a detriment, but for others I think it might be the selling point of the album. In the songs that really worked I genuinely felt that I was transported into the scenes that were described. There is definitely some potential in there for vivid imagery. I'm also gonna add that I thought the production was pretty stellar throughout. Each instrument felt crisp and alive, and the mixing really put the right emphasis on which element was the most important at all times. The orchestral moments were definitely a highlight, the classical sounds contrast well against his shrill and personable voice. Not bad, don't really like it though. I see how people could enjoy this so would recommend listening to it if I knew the person was into this era of indie music. Won't personally be returning to it. 2/5 Fave Track. Mayfly Least fave track. Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying
The cure for insomnia.
I feel like if I listen to this in college, I would have liked it. But I'm kind of not into that whole vibe anymore. The music is fine though.
I love this album so much I even have a t shirt of it
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.
Very pretty; I like this a lot. Shades of Vampire Weekend and Billie the Vision and the Dancers
Perfectly mid and I don't plan to listen again.
I liked it, it was chill. Would be pretty cool for some background music
Somebody please give these people a coffee and tell them melodies can do more than dance around the same three notes.
Хороший приятный спокойный альбом
3/5 no single songs stood out but it was all enjoyable
Reading all of the "Donovan of the 90's" comparisons makes a lot of sense now after listening, although I hear a little more Nick Drake here. Some decent tracks here and there, not sure how influential this would end up being after its release. Maybe somewhat in an indie rock sense. Sounded and felt pretty middle of the road for me, though.
Kinda cool but campy. Sing songy and almost nursery rhyme like. Can get boring. But all in all some okayish britbop.
Good album from an artist I have heard of but have not heard much from. It does start to feel a bit mopey about halfway through. Enjoyable listen though. 5.75/10 (2.875/5)
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.
*the* belle and sebastian album of all time. haven't relistened to it yet but what a fun time it is
It was chill some great ones but the album didn’t feel extraordinary to me
Twee heaven
This album sounded a little undercooked, like a bunch of demos. Pretty boring stuff.
This was a little tedious - another band that I feel like on paper I should like, but I have never warmed to. I find Stuart Lee Murdoch's voice equal parts boring / annoying. I'm sure this band was a huge influence for many bands I do like, I just got nothing from listening to it.
I wish I felt any kind of way about this. I’ve heard multiple times about how good Belle & Sebastian are, but listening to this gave me no emotion whatsoever. I didn’t hate it, love it, like it, anything. It’s rare that I feel this much indifference to music, which makes it a failure in my book. But it’s not technically “bad” so I can’t only give it one star.
Meh 2.5
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.
Not strong feelings
Proto indie hipster bullshit
Interesting
lot of toe tappers on here but doesnt push past that into special
Not gonna lie; Indie music shrinks my dink. (Opposite of floats my boat?)
Just wimpy music. It wasn't awful and grew on me a bit but it just left me sad more than anything.
Wow, that was boring. The album was so unimpressive that it didn't even get on my nerves, even though I didn't like the vocals. 2/5
Fav: Get Me Away From Here, I’m Dying Least Fav: The Stars Of Track & Field There’s no Belle and there’s no Sebastian either, what’s with the band name?
I can see how this is the blueprint for late 90s early 2000s indie rock. I've never listened to b &s before. It's nice, upbeat, pretty light, a little pretentious.
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.
First reaction: wtf is this crap? Sounds like the long lost link between whiney '90's Portland grunge and early '00's corporate indie music. It should have stayed lost. Most likely in a Wes Anderson film that I won't watch. I really don't understand the appeal of music like this. The bland melodies and lyrics that are written by a freshman English lit major with a thesaurus and too much time on their hands just make me want to scream. It feels like music written by some insecure boy trying to impress a girl that is way out of his league, wrong for him, and will eventually completely ignore him because she realizes nobody wants to be with neurotic losers. Which will probably only further spur the boy to write more bad music like this bemoaning that no girl wants to date him.
This was ok. I think there are better Belle and Sebastian albums available. Maybe another listen would bump it up a bit.
Almost wants you to pull the trigger. On & On... It's easy listening, for sure.
Maybe 2* is unfair, because there's nothing really wrong with this album. My problem with it is probably that it sounds like some people just did a load of drugs and tried to make a Bowie Album. Drugs and music are a bit of a match made in heaven, but this is a swing and a miss. Maybe they weren't on drugs, in which case that could be the problem. Who knows.
Not my favorite. It made me think about the Gilmore Girls world. Same vibes 🍁🍂
Not my cup of tea, I found everything either boring, lame or both (and I'm not doing a second listen to verify any of those claims). Still better than Bob Dylan or Elton John's albums lol 4/10
5/10. Just very mid
Incredibly charming songwriting and arranging. Absolutely phenomenal highlights, like GMAFHID and LDITM.
Absolute classic album and deserving of it's inclusion on this list. Not the happiest listen all the way through, so if you're feeling a little down, you may want to shelve this one until you're feeling better.
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.
Too twee for me
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.
enjoyable but was missing a wow factor
Hard to listen to this and not be transported straight back to my college years. Never got super into them, but this was my favorite album of theirs, and I always respected them. Chill morose-but-optimistic vibes.
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!
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.
Ok bit musac
Ganz nettes und melancholisches Album, aber ohne große Überraschungen 3/5
2 - kinda a strange listen with nice melodies but nothing very captivating or entertaining for me
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.
Very underwhelming
This was a very pleasant and enjoyable record.
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.
There are a few runs on this that are very nice, but mostly I didn't care for the writing, the music, or the vocals, so not much.
Very quaint and cutesy. 6/10
This is some soft twee bullshit that sucks. I fucking love it.
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 recording quality sounds good. The whole vibe of the album really reminds me of 70s singer/songwriter/folk types. Nothing really grabbed me, but it was a pretty decent album. I wanted it to end just because I wanted to listen to something more interesting.
The soundtrack to a Wes Anderson movie that never got made.
This album is bad and if you like it you should feel bad. 0/5
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.
It’s hard to give an album that can almost make you cry anything lower than a three. There is something that keeps me from fully embracing this band. Maybe it’s the singers affectation? Their mark on indie pop in the decade after their work is apparent.
Decent indie album. I enjoyed it but I don't think I'll listen to it again.
Musically it was ok. Vocally it left a lot to be desired.
This one sort of passed me by in the background. Pleasant enough, but I don’t quite see how it ended up being called one of the greatest albums of the ’90s. Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying
vocals fucking sucked
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.
"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.
Twee pop and indie folk. Haft store indflydelse på senere indie bands. Recorded over få dage og med et lavt budget.
73% Best: Me and the Major; Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying; Mayfly Must-Hear? No
как-то скучновато для меня оказалось, простите
Again, love B&S, so I loved the album.
Great indie rock that I have never heard before. Great music and lyrics. I'm not sure how I missed this in the 90s because it would have been right up my alley. I'm glad that I heard it and will be listening to it again. Great for a lower energy activity or gathering.
Again, I think B&S and I may be destined to never quite see eye to eye. Their particular brand of indie-pop just doesn’t chime with me like it does with others. That said, I’m definitely warming to them and did enjoy this album. I still felt a little like an outsider straining to try and get in on the joke (probably because I don’t tend to understand the clever subtext to their lyrics that I’m sure must exist), but I think I managed to absorb at least some of what’s good about this band anyway.
first time heard like 1.5 round down to 1
De har gjort så många fina låtar. Den här är inte favoriten men det är ändå jättebra.
Bietj saai. Vind zijn stem ook niet zo interessant.
Its Ok probably could be seen as their generations Simon and Garfunkle. Nice voice, good composition great arrangements. Not my music but good enough for background listening while cooking. In general a really good produced album.
Fine. All around fine. Rock my world, it did not.
Enjoying, light background music.
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.
One of my favs
I enjoyed the album, I've never heard of the group but will look into their other works.
Not the worst, but this singing style is a bit annoying after a while.
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
Pleasant tunes on a sunny day.
It was ok but I will probably never listen to this ever again
I liked it.
I enjoyed this one alright. Late 90's kinda chill acoustic hipstery sound.
Definitely not their best album. Could have generated at least 2 of their other albums, which are much better.
Belle and Sebastian have never been my thing. Still aren’t, I guess.
2.5/5
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.
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
Like dylan in the movies me ha gustado mucho. Igual porque es la más directa con ese estribillo buenisimo. En general la voz me sobrecarga un poco, especialmente la que tenía escuchada de antes, entiendo que es el hit, con el pachelbel de las narices (the boy done wrong again).
Ok
Not really my thing but I can see why people like it. Its a little too low energy overall, but I think it suits them well for their sound. I think Like Dylan at the Movies encapsulates them pretty well.
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.
This was some South Park sounding bullshit
Not my cup of tea. However I dug the Ray Davies style vocals, but still found it hard to grasp.
Managed to get through it. Quite annoying songs. The voice of the singer is quite monotonous.
Very good coherent piece, with hints of acts like the Smiths, which I quite enjoyed. The strange vocals and sadness in the lyrics where punchy en effective. Got nothinh mych more to say, overall a good indie record, but nothing particular that blew me away. Favorite track: Seeing other people. Overall score: 6.0/10 .
Good lyrics are the only saving grace of this one. Disliked it as much as I thought I would unfortunately. It's proof there's something out there for everyone lol - I just could not get behind it. There was no direction
Not for me
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.
90s indie - if Nick Drake was from Glasgow
Nice music
Schön und verträumt, kenne Lieder davon, wahrscheinlich nicht (mehr)
Wusses seem to like this so should be on this list to ensure future wusses are pleased. Other wuss-rock is available.
I didn't really like the vocals and the pacing was very slow for me.
1/2 borderline. Not great. Not chains banging trash can lids, but no reason to have had to listen to this one.
Such a wee indie gem
Me atrajo y recuerdos que fluyen sin sesar
This has a fun little vibe to it. Really had some good grooving going on! 4.5
i always thought I might find Belle & Sebastian boring. and I did!
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.
Previously rated: Tigermilk (3/5) ********************** This guy's voice and singing style piss me off. I want to grab his guitar and smash it against the wall. The music is OK, nice sometimes, but that boy needs to grow a pair. Paul Simon thinks this guy is a puss. I had to turn on some Van Halen afterwards to feel like a man again. Best track: Me and the Major
Bit bored with it to be honest
frankly deadly
Pretty good
Groupe inconnu. Rien de bien original, je ne suis pas allé au bout. =>1/5
great indie
This one didn't grab me
The voice was a coin flip on whether it worked for me, but it was pretty beautiful instrumentally.
Good
This was a lot better than I imaged. It sounded like Eric Burden singing Morrissey lyrics while Frente plays in the background.
I think I hated this
Good Songs: Me and the Major Like Dylan in the Movies If you're Feeling Sinister The Boy Done Wrong Again Judy and the Dream of Horses
Tried to get into B&S years ago and trying to remember why they didn’t click. Oh well…it’s a good album. Maybe I’ll listen to some more of their’s.
Nice little indie album for Thanksgiving day. Nothing really jumped out to me though.
(8.2) ★★★★
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
4.5
Pretty humdrum, lightweight work. Has a dash of Smiths, Simon & Garfunkel and 60s easy listening but just feels like a sterile mixture and also all so twee. Songs and chord changes are usually pretty dull. Singer’s voice is a bit of a constant annoyance, almost has that Nick Drake wisp but with no fragility or emotion and is probably more like David St Hubbins singing We Are The Flower People. Instrumentation throughout is generally cool and relaxed although for some reason the trumpet solos set my teeth on edge. Mayfly with its Telstar flavours for its solo is probably my favourite track. Low 3.
Har alltid lite svårt att komma in i dehär albumet men de e ju faktiskt riktigt bra
Not my thing but not too bad for what it is
I hate to say it but this album gave me sexual predator vibes Music: pleasant. Lyrics: 🚩 Sinister indeed 2 ⭐️
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.
meh. weirdish vocals, not great songwriting or lyrics. some good grooves though. Liked Seeing Other People. 3/5
Very enjoyable overall - some good song-writting and interesting melodies. Maybe it didn't stand out enough to make it a fantastic album but if all stakes were perfect we wouldn't have hot-dogs 🤷
Wonderfully lofi like
Still solid
I am not sure what is going on here
Again not my thing, but think it was very well done.
Jack Black's character in High Fidelity calls Belle & Sebastian "old sad bastard music" and I couldn't agree more. It was painfully boring so much so that even the trumpet couldn't save it. Favorite song: none Least favorite song: all of them Knew before? No
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
Belle & Sebastian don't seem to really click with me. They sound promising enough but I just never quite get into it. It looks like I gave Tigermilk a 3 and I was trying to be generous with this one but even a 3 feels generous. Faves: The Fox in the Snow, Judy and the Dream of Horses
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
Melancholy
Cheerful background music
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
Ok, not essential
Aika lällyä menoa, liian lällyä omaan makuun.
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.
DNF
- Angenehm und entspannt zum durchhören - Manches erinnert an die späteren Sachen von Kings Of Convenience, aber ganz so awhr konnte ich trotzdem nicht connecten - Insgesamt aber schon schön Rating: 3/5
Boring
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.
I liked this one more but it unfortunately still will suffer from me being bummed out about the country/world being doomed
Never liked this band, they always sound so clearly impressed with themselves and their inability to express anything vulnerable or interesting
Great album from a very talented band.
The best Belle & Sebastian album.
I prefer The Boy With The Arab Strap but this is nice too
I had previously heard of this band but had never listened to them before. I didn't hate it. But, I had also gone to a High on Fire show the night before and probably ruptured my eardrums. Why couldn't Everything But the Girl have been up next?
As far as weird awkward voice and mellow music goes, this wasn't too bad. Oddly enough found myself liking it by the end. Not 4 stars kind of liking.
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.
1 extra star for nostalgia. Makes me think of HS and college. The Stars of Track and Field, Get Me Away From Here I’m Dying, and If You’re Feeling Sinister were highlights.
There was a reason I never got into Belle & Sebastian - this album is pretty meh and kind of boring.
This was cool, not bad by any means just personally not my jam. Glad it was shown to me because I respect the talent and musicality, just personally not gonna add any of these songs.
Not my favourite B&S album, if I'm honest.
Upbeat, but a little the same
Þessi er næstum þrjátíu ára já... hún er bara alltaf fullkomin og frábær. Dásemd.
Mediocre
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.
This is as twee as it gets and I’m not sure if the first song was just a cynical ploy to be on an Olympics playlist. Pleasant to listen to but I was never a huge fan. Classic 3.5 for me.
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.
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.
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
This artist was clearly influenced by some of the great 1960s bands, I mean you can hear the Simon & Garfunkel. the Birds, etc as inspirations. Its was ok, not shabby for an indie, but doesnt hold up to its contemporaries as anything special.
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.
01) The Stars of Track and Field - 7,5 02) Seeing Other People - 7,0 03) Me and the Major - 7,0 04) Like Dylan in the Movies - 7,5 05) The Fox in the Snow - 7,0 06) Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying - 6,5 07) If You're Feeling Sinister - 7,0 08) Mayfly - 6,5 09) The Boy Done Wrong Again - 6,5 10) Judy and the Dream of Horses - 6,5 TOTAL: 6,90 (69/100) Current ranking: 233/334
A good album, I enjoyed Like Dylan in The Movies.
I love this album but there were some things that sort of annoyed sometimes like the (fake?) accent and some of the songs sounded the same. Gotta say though it brought me back to a good moment in my life!
Not my fav of theirs but still that good B&S brand of clever, honest, peppy, depth.
That was annoying, think I can die without hearing that.
A well loved album
I am conflicted on this album. I enjoyed it but when I was done I kind of forgot that I listened to it. The second listen gave me a better view but I think it was so soothing and mellow I was having a hard time embracing it without falling into a meditative state. Like Dylan in the Movies was the key song followed by Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying. It was overall a well made album with good performances. I would could listen to this again, if I remember it.
I listened to this and only one track stood out for me; “Like Dylan in the Movies”. I’m familiar with Belle and Sebastian but it was never my jam. B&S have a distinct vibe and it is probably a love or hate thing for most. Being the indie guy I am this should but up my alley but I find it just alright. I have no hate for really any music (minus Joanna Newsom) but I find Belle and Sebastian very meh. Maybe someday I’ll get it but for now I won’t seek it out but I also won’t actively avoid it.
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
Down to my last 10 albums. Delighted to see Belle and Sebastian on the list. BUT why this album. I reckon 100 albums on the list are wrong choices made for the right reasons. Like he was trying to hard. Just choose the ones with the hits that everyone loves.
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.
I would pay a significant amount of money to never hear Sebastian's voice again in my life
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.
I'm seven songs in and I have to tap out. This is just bad.
Not nearly as good as Tiger Milk.
I worked with one of the most pretentious people I've ever met and this record was his Neil Young's Harvest. I didn't like this guy. And his music taste was rather awful. As if he enjoyed them ironically. This record was boring. Very amateur in sound. It didn't sound like the instruments were in time with one another. The singing is awful. It was more Sebastian than Belle. I don't know why this record is on here. This whole list is stupid. I'm almost a year in and I think I have less than a 3 star average. I understand when Bowie is on here, Elvis, AC/DC, Beatles, or Aretha Franklin... Etc etc. These are names that still circulate amongst music lovers. But Belle & Sebastian? Come on. They're not the worst band, that's for sure But they are a Solid 2 star band. There's nothing that screams "YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS!" unless you're looking for boredom and maybe at best, a side smirk and eye brown raise worth of enjoyment.
I’m sorry, this is just a middle of the road Indie album and I’m not into the vocals at all. 2.4 stars
Just a stellar album!
This album feels like a quiet afternoon, soft and introspective. The melodies float along, simple and sometimes playful, with a bit of melancholy just beneath. It reminds me of early Simon & Garfunkel but with more of a bookish charm. The lyrics tell little stories, almost like conversations you overhear. It's easy to get lost in the gentleness, though some tracks feel too similar, blending together by the end. Still, there's a warmth here that's hard to ignore.
not my thing
6.5/10 Was never a huge fan of B&S, but their appeal clicked slightly this time. The influences on this album are mostly American, especially folk- psychedelic- and country-rock of the 60s. This will have sounded very different to the uk indie of the time. Musically I enjoyed all these influences and the arrangements, the album had a really nice vibe The vocal harmonies worked very well, but my biggest hesitation on this album was not massively enjoying the lead vocalist too much. Add that to the slight tweeness in the music and songwriting and there was a ceiling to how much I would like this. Best: Like Dylan in the Movies
Found the music and vocals well done. Soothing/east to listen to
Hyvän mielen musiikkia. Vähän solistin ääni meinaa olla turhankin munaton ja kuuntelukerroittain vaihdellut mieltymys.
Voisi toimi paremmin sunnuntaibrunssilla, jossa tarjoillaan pohjattomia mimosia. Työpäivän aikana ei niinkään.
Wel geinig verhaal
i see the appeal but this band aint for me
It was okay
Just soft pleasant music.
Kind of gives me Simon & Garfunkel meets John Lennon vibes. I don't dislike it, but it also doesn't really keep my attention very well. 3/5
chill af, surprisingly edgy lyrics coming from a cherub voice
5/5
Very chill and easy to listen to. I really liked it.
I'll be honest I hit play, didn't realise I was on track 3. It's perfect background noise but the songs do kinda merge into one and you just assume your listening to one long song.
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.
Wat had ik hier vroeger een hekel aan, zeg. Maar als ik het nu hoor, valt het me ook wel weer mee. Het heeft zeker kwaliteit. Het is alleen soms zo ontzettend saai. Het past niet helemaal bij de rest, maar ik ben toch blij als er iets vrolijks voorbij komt als Me and the Major. Bij elkaar moet ik het, ondanks mijn vooroordeel, toch een voldoende geven.
Ik dacht uiteraard altijd dat dit 2 mensen waren, een heer en een dame, maar het blijkt een compleet ensemble te zijn. Ik ken denk ik wel een paar nummers, maar van dit album komt me eigenlijk niks bekend voor. Behalve het sfeertje misschien. Het is een soort hang naar nostalgie, gemengd met wat modernere festivalmuziek. De zang lijkt namelijk heel erg op Ray Davies van the Kinks. Wiki maakt een vergelijking met the Smiths en Nick Drake, maar ik vind het dus zogezegd veel meer op de Kinks lijken. En dan in een iets moderner jasje. Het is niet vervelend, maar ook niet heel enerverend.