Reviews (page 7 of 9)
Thank god someone finally forced me to really listen to them. Fantastic record.
Nice rainy day album, sad yet chipper at the same time
I have to agree it's mediocore, at least for me. I didn't remember anything after listening, nothing caught my attention.
The fathers of that twee Portland mid-aughts sound, like the shit Decemberists.
just can't care about B&S
Ain't for me
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.
If a department store needs a replacement for their broken reel to reel elevator music, this would fit.
Solid sound, but not my genre.
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
I quite liked their first album, particularly because it was done while they were students and was done on an ultra low budget and pre-record label contract. This album is around the same quality but is post record label contract which takes away some of the excitement.
I liked their Tigermilk LP because the first song was great, horns and strings were added to some of the others and I’m a baroque pop fan (a recent discovery thanks to 1001). And the lyrics were wistful yet funny. This time round the lyrics are still good, but the arrangements seem sparser and more acoustic, making the songs reliant on Stuart Murdoch’s limited voice. I’m surprised we’d get two releases (from the same year) from these guys.
This band is the quintessential, Proto Indie, chamber pop group. They influenced such great groups as Sufjan Stevens, Badly drawn boy etc. yes they’re Twee AF and they do have a breezy pop sound, but they aren’t pop, if you know what I mean. I think I like their subsequent album, The boy with the Arab Strap better (check out Sleep the clock around, it’s brilliant) but this is still a decent offering.
Schöne sanfte Songs
It's okay I guess. Too meh in terms of sound and vibe. I might need to understand it more to like it.
I like the vibe on this, but a lot of the songs sound very similar. Seeing Other People is my favorite track
I really liked Tigermilk and I really like this record, but I have the feeling that the farther I go in their discography, I might start getting bored. Not because I think the music will be bad, just that I can see them settling into their sound and…eventually the law of diminishing returns will kick in, you know what I mean? As it stands, though, I’m more than content to keep playing this record and Tigermilk over and over. They are *great* records.
I always liked a couple of songs...to me they feel like some sort of children's band that sings about adult shit.
Not a great start. Like a semi-talented theater kid with a very supportive drama teacher is putting on an original musical in the local Eagles hall. Why is this even on here?
Slow
J'ai vraiment préféré cet album à l'autre que j'ai eu de B&S. Dans la première moitié de l'album il y avait des pièces qui ont vraiment attiré mon attention et que j'ai vraiment aimé. Malheureusement, la deuxième moitié de l'album était un peu plus faible et plus similaire à mon expérience de Tigermilk. 6/10
3.1
Better I thought but idk if I'd listen again
3,5
Not my thing
This is the second album by these guys on this list. Never listened to them before. They're great!
Like many albums I don't know by bands/groups/people I don't know, "it was fine". Pleasurable background music to be sure, but nothing that really caught my ear as "wow! that's an undiscovered gem!". The most noteworthy item about this duo is that it is actually comprised of two Scottish guys both named Stuart.
The musicianship is good, and the lyrics are better but lead singer's voice ruins it for me.
Too Soft
I thought it was 60's folk... nope 1996 pop!
Whomever gave this guy confidence enough to sing should be given an uppercut. Uncompelling and a little irritating.
Ca serait un 4 si le chanteur avait pas une voix si geignarde
huita
Boring
meh, was not in the mood for this cutesy album
"If You're Feeling Sinister" is the second studio album by Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian. Chamber pop, chamber folk, indie rock, twee pop. Very interesting genre descriptions and appropriate. This album was recorded quickly after their debut "Tigermilk" in the same Glascow studio, CaVa Studios. The band signed to the Jeepster label which gave them more artistic freedom...no singles released. This particular album was very well received and is often ranked among the best albums of the 90's and many think their best album. An acoustic guitar opens "The Stars of Track and Field." It's melodic and builds and then slows down. A trumpet is added. It's about a girl who is a track and field star and all the boys like her but she may not like them. "Seeing Other People" continues the nice melodies with layered piano and strings. I think it's about gay experimentation. "Like Dylan in the Movies" was written about lead singer Stuart Murdoch's paranoia of walking through the park. Drums and bass are more prevalent. A guitar solo. Piano and strings. Great vocals by Murdoch. "Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying" is more in the folk vein. Murdoch's lyrics are brilliant as he seems to be fed up with mundane life as he looks out of window. Voices of children playing begin "If You're Feeling Sinister" and stay in the background throughout the song. A piano, guitar, bass and drumbeat carry the fast pace. The story of two people looking to the church but not finding answers. Strings add to an overall melancholy feel. The album ends with "Judy and the Dream of Horses." Acoustic guitar. Bass. Drums. A trumpet comes in and the pace picks up. A sad song of Judy who only feels good when she's sleeping. This is an excellent album. It does fit within several genres but is mostly chamber pop and folk. The layered melodies are great with multiple instruments including guitars, piano, strings, harmonica and a trumpet. Murdoch's soothing vocals and very creative lyrics. Beautiful sounding songs. Yeah, one of my favorites from the 90's.
I was wondering when this under appreciated band would show up as a recommendation!
forgettable. belle production 5/10
This was just okay. Not sure why there are multiple albums from them in this list.
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.
This is alright. I don't have strong feelings one way or the either about this album, it's perfectly average.
I love this album and I've loved it for like 20 years. 5/5
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
I get why people like this type of music, and I liked some of the songs, but it's just not in my personality to like pretty, sad, slightly whiny, songs.
This sounds like something Zach Braff would put on as mood music in an attempt to get laid. But then it got a little better and sounded like some of the early Kinks. Then I remembered Zach Braff started a Kickstarter to get financing for a movie no one in Hollywood wanted to make. Why's Zach Braff have to get hurt in this review? And more importantly, why is that clouding my opinion on Belle and Sebastian? I don't have an answer, but here we are. This is MY journey.
Such a great collection of songs well delivered.
A 3.5 but should revisit again, could be a legit 4
Bit boring
Lads
Wikipedia - "often ranked among the best albums of the nineties"?!?! In no way is this album "among the best albums of the nineties". The production quality is OK, and thats the most generous thing I can come up with. 1/5
Absolutely breathtaking. Definitely a new favorite. I can’t stop listening to it.
"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.
This one was a bit of a snoozefest, not gonna lie. I can tell they drew a lot of inspiration from artists like Donovan, as this is pretty twee. The songwriting was OK. Nothing really stuck out to me. Some good tracks here and there but overall a bit boring.
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.
hørte på det to ganger husker ingen ting fra det
If You’re Feeling Mid as Hell, why is this here?
Listened, but will forget. So it's not bad but also not too catchy
This is almost insufferably twee.
Banalotto
Okay to fantastic, music that seeps in like Winding roots. Music I may not return to but will remember.
This list makes me face my demons. B&S, how I’ve swerved around, fled and cowered from you without even knowing why. I suspect my fear was of what I perceived to be softness, which I grasped you rejoiced in. Weird isn’t it. That’s not a question. This is very good and I haven’t had enough time with it. There’s a play between folk, rock, dissonance and storytelling that feels both fresh and archetype-making. Soft? ‘Me and the Major’ is not soft: it’s pretty bleak! Same for most of the rest. Hard to judge greatness on a single playthrough, but that’s all I have. Going for a likely conservative 4. Now back to playing “Two Nuns and a a Pack Mule” really loud!
One of those albums where every song has been my favorite at some point. I remember how magical it seemed hearing this quite early on before anyone really knew who they were, like stumbling upon a forgotten classic from another time. I don't think they made another record nearly as good, although they all have their moments. This one is perfect. Mark - tell me how wrong I am!
ace
I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS
3 stars
Indie classic. Can we cuddle up in chunky sweaters and read a book in the snow/rain? This is college rock in a nutshell, the imagery is fantastic and the instrumentation is top notch. Pretty straightforward that this one is outstanding, but this still seems under the radar, which gives it a niche boost.
Easy twee listening, not remarkable. 2.
I just don't like the guy's voice that much, and it almost all lacks a bit of energy. Perfectly pleasant listen, but again nothing that's really stayed with me or caught my ear whilst I was listening. 2/5.
This is peak "pretend you're in an indie movie" music. Rich, layered instrumentation feels cinematic and lush. It's like if the Smiths weren't problematic! Still, nothing quite sticks with me enough to give this 4 stars, but it easily earns 3.
I'm not completely comfortable calling myself a B&S fan, but I love the first 4 albums so it's an instant 5 star for me.
Mildly melodic, quirky cutesy, and rather gutless and wimpy. 2.5.
3,75
Goed album, mooie nummers
1.5-2/5
Maybe there is lyrical genius here but it's just not my kind of music
There were a few moments that I thought this was just a little too precious or twee. But just a few. I want to keep listening to these songs again and again.
I liked this album very much. They sounded cute.
If no one's using Terry Underwear as their drag/burlesque name, I call dibs. I love B&S and I love this album.
Tigermilk made me fall in love with Belle & Sebastian years ago but I hadn’t fully explored the rest of their catalog. After Tigermilk appeared on this list I decided to check out this album and instantly it earned a place in the regular rotation. Needless to say this gets a top ranking. It’s a tough choice to choose a favorite between Tigermilk and this - and I’m not sure this can overtake my first love. Still, this is a terrific album that I look forward to hearing again and again!
Pretty good. Not my style, but good. 3*
Sweet gentle.
charmant
This album is super cute. not much more to say about it.
For 20 somethings
That was way too wishy washy
Really pretty and jangly twee pop. They're a very consistent band, with all their albums having more-or-less the same style, but in other albums I would try finding the highlights and forget about the rest. But I feel this one is their strongest, with only 3 tracks I'm not crazy about (but they're still good). Everything else is magnificent, with many of their best songs on here. The vocalists are recognizable and beautiful, and the arrangements are lush and peaceful, sometimes powerful but often quiet and melodic.
Nah. Not for me. I’ll forget about it a week from now.
Lovely really. Inoffensive, uplifting and a very enjoyable listen
Nice and relaxing, nothing more
I keep thinking what would be the best mood to listen to this album. Laying on the grass with a glass of your favourite drink? The album has some good tracks, my personal best is The Stars of Track & Field. I can't rate it as 4/5 because I don't like the manner with which he's singing.
Not my favourite from Belle & Sebastian, but I still can't give it any less than 5 stars. What other band sounds so upbeat and so melancholic at the same time?
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.
Haven't listened to these guys in a while. This is such a unique and interesting band. They strike me as like the Wes Anderson of music. IDK why.
Balanserer hårfint mellom kjedelig og spennende, men til syvende og sist er albumet ålreit. Litt morsomt er det når det konkluderes med at onanering kan løse personlige problemer bedre enn kristendommen.
So good. Definitely a must-listen.
It took me so many years to finally get into this band that I'm not letting go now. The lyrics are the driving force ably assisted by the laid back disinterested vocals and beautifully poignant musical accompaniment - guitar, drums and occasional trumpet (and even a harmonica!) The words conjure up wet Wednesday evenings contemplating doing your Geography homework whilst daydreaming about the girl in the French class who you like but don't know her name (you know someone who spoke to her yesterday so you're going to ask them what it is.......you hope it's something like 'Julie' or 'Lisa'). Bittersweet.
4.8
I did not like this at all. The singer was was so monotone and boring. The songs were some of the most borings songs I've heard, and the mix sounded really bad and boring. No dynamics at all, just flat and weak.
I just couldn't get into this one. Tried so many times but got bored and ignored it or changed to another album. Just not for me. I think i listened to all of it but can't mention a single track.
Good
Mostly boring, terrible voice.
This was a really nice listen and a great chamber pop album. The soft vocals and the instrumentals complement each other well. It just hits that Autumn feeling (it’s Summer, but I feel like this is a Fall album) so well.
Just bad, unoriginal, boring, weak singer
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
mostly decent but is kinda twee throughout in an annoying way. when it works it works, but when it doesn't the songs are just sorta there and don't really hit emotionally. best tracks: the stars of track and field, like dylan in the movies, the fox in the snow
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
Not my thing but I respect it
Cute and mellow
I’ve never heard of Belle & Sebastian before, so this is my first time listening. This is a decent indie pop/rock record, very reminiscent of Nick Drake on some songs. At times, the melodies are catchy. Favorite songs: Seeing Other People, Mayfly, Judy and the Dream Horses.
Lovely
Scottish! A band I have seen and enjoyed live! A solid collection of songs, with a few stand outs! Sounds like 4 stars 😃
:)
Pretty good but also pretty forgettable. A few good songs but nothing too memorable or catchy
Super generic at best, boring at worst.
OK, no Rollercoaster Ride or Sleep the Clock Around, but this could still be Belle & Sebastian's most consistent album. Great song-writing. There is a live version of Seeing Other People, which is even better than the album version.
Very nice songs with beautiful melodies, but I'm struggling with the vocal performance, as I was with Tigermilk. Okay, it has a fragility that matches the music, but there are passages where I am cringing at the singing.
This is wonderful, so very very melodic. It just flows completely.
Already a big fan of this. Very very strong just like their first album. It always annoyed me they didn't put singles on their albums
Nice album, surprised it wasn’t BWTAS but maybe that will come later
It grew on me more and more as it went on. I don’t love their sound enough to give 4 stars, but I do like this album.
Tempting fate to give me this so soon after Tigermilk, a real downer. This is much better! Really lovely mixing - everything is really clear and lively. The compositions are more varied and interesting. And the instruments too.
good. fun. smooth.
Belle & Sebastian's If You're Feeling Sinister is like a breath of fresh air after listening to Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' Murder Ballads. Where Murder Ballads is dark, brooding, and unsettling, If You're Feeling Sinister is light, whimsical, and uplifting. While both albums kind of dabble in the same area (songs that sound like they could be lullabies), they couldn't be more different in tone and style. If Murder Ballads is a creepy carnival ride, then If You're Feeling Sinister is a lazy afternoon spent lounging in a meadow. But despite the stark contrast, both albums showcase the power of storytelling through music. Nick Cave and Stuart Murdoch are both brilliant songwriters who know how to weave intricate narratives with just a few choice words. So if you're in the mood for something a little lighter and more uplifting, then If You're Feeling Sinister is the perfect antidote to the dark and twisted world of Murder Ballads. Just be prepared for Stuart Murdoch's infectious melodies to get stuck in your head for days.
Not too bad
not a fan
ew okay i think
Not for me. Too chill. Musicianship does not impress and lyrics uninteresting.
Lovely
While I thought this was pretty decent, I don't see myself getting in the mood to listen to this kind of music very often. Maybe it'll grow on me over time.
I know this is an unpopular, and probably politically incorrect, opinion, but to me Belle and Sebastian represent the pansy-fication of rock n' roll. To put it more bluntly, their music has no balls. It's soft and weak. It's easy listening music for people who want to believe they are cool. It's the opposite of everything that makes rock great - the rawness, the power, the guts, the bravado. 1 star.
Nope
Gentle is the word that comes to mind. It was a pleasant listen though it fell into background music as the album went on. I would have loved this at an earlier point in life, not my pick these days but still good overall. I feel like Ben Gibbard loves this band.
like a 3.5/5, I'll give it a 3 in the system I guess
Blegh.
Ok Album but not my thing
Nice songs. Simple, pretty well written. Not my style but decent songs.
This was a great surprise, I have stumbled on to a new artist to add to my rotation!
At the time, I was well aware of this band, but they've never caught my attention. This is not for me. Honestly the lead singer fails it for me. I don't jive with his tone. The songwriting sounds decent. Production is top notch. The entire album feels cohesive. When I was paying attention, the lyrics were really sweet. Overall I'd call this a good album that I'll never listen to again, but will give it another chance if the situation came up. PS: Sounds like Stephen Malkmus took notes from Me and the Major. PPS: I try not to research an album too much before a first listen. It adds bias that often ruins the experience for me. I learned how much critical acclaim this album has received after hearing this. I'm a little surprised but not shocked. I know it goes that way for me. Given that, I will probably take another stab at this in the future to try and hear what others hear, but I really think the lead singer is the killer for me. I hear there's a live version of this album, maybe I'll give that a try.
This album came out in 1996, you'd think I would have hear about it before but I hadn't. Honestly, it's a bit repetitive, and kinda slow. Every now and then I get a nostalgic 90s feel but. Not blown away.
The dynamic duo of Belle & Sebastian! Battling the sinister Dr. Insomnia weekly, the villain who tries to keep the world from sleeping. They're not the superheroes we deserve, but sometimes we just need a sound night of sleep, and when that's the case, call the dynamic duo, and allow them to tuck you in. Dr. Insomnia, you have been vanquished once again! Two REM waves out of five. 💤💤
Thoroughly enjoyed
First songs one of most beautiful of B&S, like their first albums better than later ones, more melancholy, less fun. This is a five star album easily
Good vibe music, none jumped out specifically but enjoyable all the way through as background music
yeah <3
Some seductive melodies here, even if the vocal affections can be wearing. Another group I was aware of, but hadn't really listened to until now. Overall I enjoyed it
A lush indie pop record.
Bom album de folk music mas não tem um diferencial
I wanted to like this more than I did. It just blended into the background for me in the end! Saved tracks: Seeing Other People, Like Dylan in the Movies, If You're Feeling Sinister
I struggle with B&S Some intriguing lyrics Some sweet melodies But overall it feels flimsy and lightweight And I hate his voice
Smell in A trashcan
Siren song of misfits in towns so small everywhere. This album will try in vain to take away the pain of being a hopeless unbeliever, but god will it try.
Again takes me back to when I was trying to be folky in high school hehe
Entspannte Musik, da hat bestimmt sufjan Stevens sich inspirieren lassen
I probably prefer the later albums with more lush instrumentation and harmonies, as his voice is sort of lispy on this. Still some great lyrics and tunes.
So on rateyourmusic, I'm stuck between a 4.0 and a 4.5. But translating that score to here no matter what it is between those two it'll be a five star. BESIDES THAT THOUGH, this is really good. I've been meaning to listen to this album for a very long time. The melodies of all of the songs are just so catchy and so earwormy. Mmmmmm.
Easily their best album for me and one of my favorite road trip albums. A perfect balance between bittersweet and playful melodies, I just love it.
Such a nice feelgood album. Will certainly return to this one.
Comfy music, I want to drink my coffee in a blanket and fall asleep on it.
It was like the good old british canterbury scene of the 70s translated into chamber folk/pop. Very light hearted music. I can't explain why, but I loved it.
Great alternative indie rock, loved it!
Wasn’t a huge fan
Good
Good
3/5
I got "Tigermilk" as my sixth album on this, and now at 639, I'll admit I don't really remember that record. Based on my review, this is pretty similar to that one, but I find myself enjoying this one a bit more than my rating would insinuate for that record (which received a 3). It's twee, subtle, but maybe the band came into their own, because after the first song, it won me over a bit. I don't think it's life changing, but it's certainly a solid record. Favorite tracks: "Me And the Major", "The Fox in the Snow", "If You're Feeling Sinister"
Like Dylan in the Movies
Very easy listening, very nice
Why have I never listened to this? People bang on about it all the time, and Tigermilk. I thought I had enough B&S with Boy with the Arab strap, and occasional forays into Dear Catastrophe Waitress. Plus as soon as I discovered Nick Drake maybe they weren't quite the same for me. Enjoyed this. Still not as many outright bangers as boy with the Arab strap though, for me, but no denying this is really good.
Not my kind of music. 3/1/23
Boring
It was good, a bit nostalgic and experimental at points.
Pleasant enough, sort of washed over me but a nice listen
beautiful songs, nice voices, but not completely my style
Me deja con ganas de mas, pero es demasiado bueno. 8/10
Not bad, but nothing in the music or lyrics grabbed me by the collar, shook me, and said "Damn it, I'm right here and I deserve to be remembered!"
this is an okay album. it can fade to the background too easily and thus become forgettable. it could be interesting at times, like with the use of a harmonica or piano. the lyrics weren't anything unique. the album became uniform quickly without much to distinguish, or intrigue. for what it's worth, i enjoy the album cover and title--it creates a good vibe.
This is a classic example of indie rock, and no doubt a point of reference for so many indie artists going into the 2000s -- it sounds so much like many of the bands of that decade, but without sounding too depressing or morose. This was a pleasant, low-key listen that managed to stay true to the indie scene of the time without falling below the threshold into 'boring' territory. This is the kind of music that you expect to hear backing nice hipster indie movies, as well. That said, while I find music like this to be listenable and certainly even pleasant, it often doesn't leave too strong of a mark. This album wasn't an exception to that. Therefore: good, but not great.
Was incredible, not much that’s bad to say
hørte sjukt masse på detta i fjor
Ganske dritt
May cause drowsiness. Do not operate heavy machinery or equipment while listening to this album.
While twee may be a cliche, this album is the reason why it was ever A Thing in the first place.
I had gotten Belle & Sebastian's album Tigermilk a bit ago on this generator, but knew of this album from my partner's love for it, so was hoping that may enjoyment from their prior album would just be heightened more in this, and it absolutely was. It is hard to explain what makes this album so enjoyable, but the melancholy feeling with the easy listening really are heighted with the almost "locomotive" feeling of some songs, while knowing when to reel it back to really make the album feel fuller. It's just a feeling that isn't quite folk, alternative, or anything else, but its own thing that is really quite enjoyable. Excellent listen.
This was a game changer for me when I first heard it (probably ‘08 or ‘09). A soft spoken album with a lot to say. me and the Major and Get Me Away are the classics but there are no bad tracks here. An ungenerous take could dismiss this as meek twee, but the execution is nearly flawless and it’s hugely influential.
I hated Belle & Sebastian and this album when I first heard them. Too fey for their own good, coming off as milquetoast instead of clever. I still think they are fey and sometimes milquetoast but love their music now. Not perfect, which doesn't matter when your heart is hanging off your sleeve
I waffled a lot between 3 stars and 4. There’s a lot to like about this album. Each song has a piece that makes me think I’d really like the music Stuart Murdoch listens to. But then in so many songs they add something like a harmonica or a triangle or a weird vocal harmony that distracts from the rest. Better than I expected, it got better further into the album, nearly but not quite a 4.
Didn't have high expectations for this, but pleasantly surprised. Jauntier than I was expecting and songs very melodic and ably performed
If an album was a sixth form common room
Ik word hier wel blij van. Singer / Songwriter achtig gevoel maar wel met de nodige variatie, zowel in nummers als instrumentgebruik etc. Erg fijne plaat om te luisteren. 4 sterren.
6,5/10
Great
A brilliant pop album with a dark underside. The music is multi-layered and classic while the lyrics have a decided edge. Classic
It was alright
Never been a huge fan of soft rock.
Nice. Just nice.
*shudders* that was a very strong shot of indie folk. The vocals were immediately off-putting and I really just don’t love this genre overall, BUT there were times when this internal hipster voice whispered “but isn’t this pleasant to drink your coffee too as morning snow gently falls outside your window?” maybe.
I found this album so boring, and that boredom transformed into irritation. It’s hard to explain. I just couldn’t stand it. I realize that this is objectively pleasant music so feel free to disagree but this was one of my least faves 1/5 sorry jare ❤️
Don’t listen to Kelly. This music is simple, but not boring. It has a special charm and sincerity.
I've never heard of this band but I really like hearing new artists so I'm excited! There's something oddly interesting about the first track. The lead singer isn't a technically perfect singer but it's keeping me listening. I'm super into the random harmonica at times, that's part of what's keeping me here honestly. Like Dylan in the Movies kinda reminds me of a Crosby, Stills, and Nash song at some points. I think it's just the harmonies though. Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying and If You're Feeling Sinister are my favorite songs. I wouldn't say it's a perfect album but I genuinely enjoyed my listen.
1/5 Couldn’t wait for this one to end. It’s like the worst Indy bookstore soundtrack ever.
Another miserable and painful experience. The vocalist sounds like he's about to die, which one of the tracks kind of confirms that (Get Me Away from Here, I'm Dying, where ironically his voice has the most energy). Besides good production there's scarce value here. Best song: Like Dylan in the Movies (thanks to supporting voices and passable guitar it's the most bearable song) Worst song: Judy and the Dream of Horses (chorus is awful)
The Stars Of Track & Field: 2,5/5 Seeing Other People: 2,5/5 Me and the Major: 2,5/5 Like Dylan in the Movies: 2,5/5 The Fox in the Snow: 2,5/5 Get Me Away From Here, I'm Dying: 2/5 If You're Feeling Sinister: 2,5/5 Mayfly: 3/5 The Boy Done Wrong Again: 2/5 Judy and the Dream of Horses: 2,5/5 Totaal: 2,5/5
Perfectly fine album. Not my style but in no way is it bad.
Bem legalzinho mas sem muito entusiasmo
favorite tracks - the stars of track and field, me and the major, the fox in the snow, if youre feeling sinister, judy and the dream of horses least favorite tracks - seeing other people, the boy who done wrong again
Wasn't my favorite. Good songwriting but something about the vocals just wasn't for me
Tive a miragem que finalmente conseguiria entender e curtir estes ícones do indie. Só que ao aproximar desta expectativa, ela ficou mais longe. O nome me enganou bem, não percebi nenhuma sensação sinistra. Só que esta decepção foi apenas uma nuvem, veio a tempestade atrás. Fiquei esperando em vão por dez músicas, o vocal da Isobel para me salvar. Realmente foi uma tempestade perfeita, nada de emoção ou a voz dela.
If Nick Drake wrote songs for Wes Anderson movies…
simply beautiful
Liked more than thought. Gorgeous narrative Some great tracks. Some are dreary and at times struggle with the voice
I enjoyed this album. The singer's voice sounded very similar to Nick Drake. Soothing sound.
This one holds so much nostalgic value for me that I can't rate it lower than a four. :') Highlights: Dylan in the Movies The Fox in the Snow
Nice change of pace from the last couple days. Pretty goood mix of tunes! Title track is so very solid. Judy and the Dream of Horses was a fave as well as Me and The Major
House of Love channelling The Shins whilst listening to the Kinks. The Fox in the Snow is a highlight for me so far. Just got a flavour of Sufjan Stevens.
Really like this album
I like one of their songs but it isn't on this album on the whole not really noteworthy
Derivative… of nick drake…
Pleasant enough. Forgettable.
Greatly enjoyed, reminded me of Sondre Lerche
Did not enjoy.
Utterly charming and winsome, and novelistically rich in emotional and intellectual content. It's easy to mock this band as the height of Millennial tweeness or cottagecore, but one finds it hard not to like and admire the work, given its orginality and the band's ability to do so well what they so clearly set out to do.
A great classic throwing back to influences from 60's early indie music like the Velvet Underground but never sounding like pastiche or copy-cat. The songwriting is stunning and the stories told through the lyrics are fun and diverse. Most of the music here is acoustic guitar driven tunes that are superbly elevated by beautiful orchestral arrangements. Some of the best examples of this are the trumpets on " Stars of Track and Field", the strings on "The Boy Done Wrong Again" and recorder, trumpet and organ on " Judy and the Dream of Horses". The influence of this album can be heard in great albums by Sufjan Stevens, Arcade Fire, The Shins and Fleet Foxes. For me the one-two punch of Tigermilk and If You're Feeling Sinister is one of the best combo of debut and sophomore albums of all time. Stunning. 9,7/10
O: 3.9 M: 4
An excellent record from a brilliant band. There’s a misfit quality to Belle and Sebastian and these songs of outsiders and strugglers makes the listener feel part of a secret club - a club sufficiently large enough to rally the fans on a nascent internet to vote the band best newcomer at the 1999 Brit awards. The album is catchy, charming and witty; the production is excellent, full of beautifully arranged lines and Murdoch’s vocals pulls everything along. Although later albums are even better than this, IYFS gets five stars in case this is Belle and Sebastian’s only appearance on this list. If you liked this album check out the live version of the entire album.
Love this album!
This crept painful close to minimum scores for me. They have done a couple of songs that I do really like but I found much of this excruciating. The twee and kitsch delivery just rubbed me the wrong way, over the Christmas weekend as well. Feel like they are maybe purposely straining notes to sound like Nico and/or Moldy Peaches. The final track - Dream of Horses completely pissed me off. There is enough pleasantness on here to lift it off the 1 star list though.
lite småmysigt men samtidigt rätt kass
Myspop!
- Very much giving me The Smiths vibes but I’m not mad at it whatsoever
I like the song The Boy with the Arab Strap but have never listened to anything else by them, so I was pretty excited to listen to this. It didn't disappoint at all, just a solid indie album, will definitely listen to it again
3 stars
It was ok
Fun, soulful music but not really my thing
Love B&S
Why do I have to vote?
Like a worse Neutral Milk Hotel
I really liked this one, nice instrumentals, cool vocals and gay little lyrics, I think with this project I'm gonna try and focus more on the lyrics of music, since I kindof underrate those atm
I think I missed my window with this band. Didn’t get into them when I first heard of them, simply because of their name. Sounded too froofy. I wouldn’t have liked them even if I gave them a chance. A handful of years later, they would have fit well with what I was listening to at the time, like Badly Drawn Boy, Devendra Banhart, The Shins, etc. Fast forward to now, it’s not catching for some reason. The melodies are really good and should work, but they’re missing the mark. I don’t know way. Maybe it’s the delivery. The vocals…do they just not pop? Overall good, not great.
Good album, I resonate with "get me away from here, I'm dying"
Liked this album a decent amount! Pretty simple, guess I liked the singer's voice and melodies the most. Could be a 3.5
Easy listening throughout with a few extra special morsels. These guys rose quickly for a reason.
Ruhig, richtung Simon and garfunkel style
I love this album and used to listen to it a ton, and it's great to revisit. Almost flawless.
More B&S Niceness
From what I read, one of the best albums of the nineties. I don’t see it.
I didn’t think I was going to like this album when I started it, but after it picked up a minute in I started to enjoy it. It reminds of Simon and Garfunkel type music and I’d probably enjoy this again when I’m in that sort of mood
Awful
Too twee for me.
The funny thing about digging into B&S at this point in life is the songs kind of lose the element of surprise, because it sounds similar to a ton of more modern bands that I've been listening to for a decade (Decemberists, Shins, Death Cab, etc). But I have to remind myself that these groups built their sound off of the blueprint B&S laid out well before. The songs here are fantastic: some of the tightest songwriting and performance are consistent throughout the entire record. Tracks will feature little details and flourishes that keep things lively, like the clips of children playing in the title track or the light keyboards and sax in the following track "Mayfly." It's an album that sounds as effortless as a breeze, as if they came into being as they were being performed.
Had heard the name but not any of their contributions. It may take repeated listens to unpick the layers but on the first run through it set sail and steered a pleasing course. The vocals were infectious supported by strong production. The songs has enough variation with some decent lyrics.
Never heard of this band before and when I read indie rock from the 90s I had my expectations what it would sound like and it ended up just like that. It's alright but could be more interesting.
Bops along sweetly, but is ultimately forgettable. Only a few days ago there was a Divine Comedy LP from the same era and similar stock, which I preferred.
Pretty decent, surprisingly doesn't sound like mid-90s indie and more 2010s, with less emo-centric verses. I'd argue about this album being on the list, but it does serve as a nice counter-balance to the other grunge and alternative coming out at the same time. 3/5.
Forgot how much I enjoy these guys and probably enjoy them more now at a slightly older age than when I first heard them. Solid 4.5
Ok, a bit dull
ok
Twee on outta here
File under "a decade or two ahead of its time". This sounds like the kind of stuff I listened to in college in the late 2000s. Definitely an early entry in the lo fi indy folkie genre that became so prevalent ten years later. I liked it!
Indie animado. No está mal...
No es mi favorito, pero ....5.
Very cozy to listen to
This the classic Belle and Sebastian chill vibe. Immediately recognizable. Judy and the Dream of Horses is a favorite on this record. And Like Dylan in the Movies.
Fantastic album that I'd never listened to before
Picked up towards the end. I would have absolutely frothed this as a teen.
90s alt, but not in a good Pearl Jam way… maybe alt meets bad campfire folk.
Chill indie music, just not the greatest.
I don’t have much to say about this album but I liked it. Felt like a more modern version of nick drake.
So great
couldn't get through this, too whiny
This sounds nice, like very nice, but I can see why someone would call it boring. Because while it’s nice, it gets boring. Unfortunately. If the vibe is right though this album can probably sound incredible. Great closing track too, I literally dreamt of horses. Album Cover: not feeling very sinister 2/5
Not bad just not for me. One and done.
Winsome 90s indie done beutifully
This is a wonderful album. I was right on this the minute it left Glasgow way back and once upon a time. There were other albums made, but this was the one that got me. Dylan in the Movies is the one I loved most. We were listening to it at the deluxe parties at the house on Park Street. You can't say it rocked, but it was different and alluring and it was luxurious to see all those drop dead gorgeous women vibing to it. Wish I could go back to one of those parties and hear it all again, once more, for the very first time.
This album is very adequate. Folk music for people who like cats. The vocal intonations make me think of Stereolab, but in less a good way. I expect there is a big audience for this, but I'm not part of it.
I can only take so much of B&S. This was almost too much.
I struggle to describe how I feel about Belle & Sebastian. Some of it works for me, and some of it doesn't, and it's kind of hard to explain why. The title track on "If You're Feeling Sinister" is darling and lovely. A few other songs on here, and most of their top hits from other albums, hit that same vibe. I think it's something about being jaunty and jangly? I can't bring myself to go back through the whole album right now for a deeper analysis of the songs I didn't care for, but I do remember thinking on some of them that I sometimes dislike Stuart Murdoch's voice even more than Morrissey's (The Smiths was the day before). But how is that possible from the same guy I enjoy on "Another Sunny Day" and "The Boy With the Arab Strap?"
Comfort album
Not a fan of Indie music
meh
Listened to at some point 4/5 Favorite song: get me away from here, I’m dying Wonderful indie vibes and super easy to listen to
Big fan 💕💕
indie pop folk. 3.4/5 ok as background, decent instruments but voice is annoying sometimes
not my favorite
Boring
I don’t like the voice of the singer. Songs are not my style. Wouldn’t listen to it again.
A twee masterpiece. One of their best!
Don’t like the voice much. No, I don’t like this.
Meh.
So unimaginative and cringe
This is my first listen of this album & likely the first time I’ve taken notice of this band. And I just have to ask….who has hidden them from me for my whole life??? I love their sound and am loving this album.
First listen to this. I’ve always thought Belle & Sebastian are a bit too twee for me. This LP has a nice feel to it. There’s nothing wrong with this but it doesn’t hold my attention. It’s a bit Nick Drake, monochrome, there are a lot of clever lyrics squeezed in here but I’m more about melody than lyrics. It feels more like a book than music, it’s like an LP for people who love books. Nothing at all wrong with that, it’s just not my cup of tea, my loss. The music is too background to the lyrics. It’s easy listening but slightly depressing, a bit of a stoned early 70s feel to it. Grey day solo bedroom music, it doesn’t really go anywhere but there’s certainly a feel to it. I’m not sure I enjoy that feel though.
Felt like there might have been something going on here but it's really not for me.
I didn't really get much from this. It's not bad, but I don't care for it.
Great acoustic. Singer songwriter album. Me and the major has an upbeat tempo. Lots of good tracks to listen to.
You owe me $45. This was so boring that I fell asleep and drooled all over my keyboard. Couldn't leave this review until I replaced it. 1/5.