Tigermilk

If The Eagles are an IKEA table - assembled and available for people who simply want a table to put things on rather than anything else - then Belle & Sebastian are an artisan working out of their own woodshop, hewing tables out of trees they've felled themselves. Sure, you have to pay a bit more, and sure it won't be ready for at least 6 months, but when the table does arrive you'll want to show it off: imperfections, visible carving strokes, notches, resin stains and all. Because this table will carry stories with it, and it will lend itself to further stories, and it will surprise you with the joy you feel every time you come into your dining room and find a one of a kind table sitting there; your table. Table.

I'd have never paired Beauty from Beauty and the Beast with the crab from The Little Mermaid, but Disney have done it here and it has resulted in a fairly okay record. It hasn't blown my mind in the same way a collaboration between Scar and Princess Jasmine would have.

ok this is a hipster's dream. boring folky songs with very light marching beat drums, singer(s?) never raises his voice high enough to know if he can actually sing or not, general sound like the postman pat theme. So inoffensive it makes me want to go commit crimes just to make up for how fucking boring it is. 2/5 because I pity it more than I outright hate it.

Beautiful, eclectic indie pop album. Everything fits together and is meaningful with each second passing. Each song has a life of their own and presented in their own take. A musical journey of an album that set up an unique, intriguing sound from this group. Stand-Outs: The State I Am In, We Rule The School

I know they're twee and often cloying (and beloved of the cardigan brigade) but this was a revelation to me: truly bumming lyrics clothed most often in upbeat, layered music. Real kitchen sink stuff with occasional moments of pure elation across a remarkable debut album. 'Expectations' and 'She's Losing It' are stars amongst several all-timers on here. And it's all the result of a Scottish welfare scheme. This was the first album I bought when I moved to the UK in the late '90s, probably because it had been rereleased on Jeepster. Proof that those listening posts in HMV Oxford St really worked.

I am torn ... is good, easy-listening, nice music to wake to. But I don't find it exciting in any way. Listened to a few newer songs (Tigermilk is their 1st album), and they are still similar. So for me, it is still just "meh".

Not really anything positive I can add for this album unfortunately. I found it supremely mediocre and extremely boring. None of the tracks sounded like they differentiated from each other and each song was like listening to a replay of the last. The first and last songs could be passed as the same without too much convincing. In addition to this the music is mediocre and nothing to get excited over. I honestly fail to work out how this album would make it’s way into any top 20,000 list let alone 10001 of all time. 1 Star

"I gave myself to sin, I gave Myself to providence and I've Been there and back again The state that I am in." (The state that I am in) "Tell Veronica the secrets of the boy you never kissed" (Expectations) *heart emoji*

They're in full flower on Tigermilk, surfacing on tunes throughout the album, but crystallizing on the skipping "She's Losing It," rushed "Expectations," '60s throwback "I Could Be Dreaming," and, especially, "The State I Am In," a masterful melodrama that points toward the richness of If You're Feeling Sinister, which arrived just a few months later. Those are the moments when Belle and Sebastian feel preternaturally gifted, seeming to know precisely who they were right out of the gate.

Cool debut album from one of the first indie bands to warm our hearts. Twas a refreshing listen!

I was convinced I wouldn't be rating this above 4 stars. I'm a fan of the band, but have always much preferred the sublime "If You're Feeling Sinister", which I had on here a few weeks ago. "Tigermilk", while a very assured debut, doesn't reach the same heights. Still, as I listened to it with fresh ears, I kept waiting for a reason to knock it down, for the weak link... and none came. It's got "The State I Am In", "Expectations" and "She's Losing It" as an opening triage which are all incredible. Perfect balance between detailed, vivid character studies and warm, reassuring melodies. "Mary Jo" gives "Eleanor Rigby" a run for its money as a study in loneliness. "My Wandering Days Are Over" is up there with my all time favourites by the band. "Electronic Renaissance" is the outlier, sure... but at least it's an experiment with a different sound. So they're going to have to take my five stars- sometimes nothing else will do.

I really love this album. It is like being Cleopatra and getting into a lovely warm bath of milk (Tigermilk).

To my mind one of the best Belle and Sebastian albums. The lyrics are wry, well observed and witty. Every time I listen to it I smile to myself, and even if I am feeling tired it always perks me up. The brass work on Losing It is terrific and really lifts the track. My favourite track is Expectations. It is sobering to think that the references to Debenhams are somewhat dated, how social trends evolve!

I just adore this album. it's twee as fuck, and I don't care!! It's awesome!! I feel weird giving it 5 stars because I think their output continues to improve in the next two releases, but ... oh well!

Beautiful

Love this one, Thanks for introducing me

Belle & Sebastian is a group that I’ve flat out failed getting into despite being a perfect band for me on paper. So many of their influences, contemporaries, and bands that cite them as an influence are all favorites of mine, yet I’d feel something revolting inside of me every time I’d try to give them a go. This is a perfect example of why I wanted to take on this project. I left my preconceived notions at the door before giving this another shot, and I’m happy I did. I think my biggest hurdle with them has always been Stuart Murdoch and his whispy vocals, it was a problem I was still having initially this go around. Then I got to Electronic Renaissance and things seem to be finally clicking into place. I Could Be Dreaming helped me further, and by We Rule the School I was doing a firm 180 on how I felt about their sound as a whole. The entire back half won me over, and as soon as it ended, I played the whole thing again. Most of the albums I’ve been reviewing on here have been based on initial impressions after a single play-through, and that’s where I’ve left most of them at since, but I’m halfway through my fourth play-through and I’m really beginning to love this album. Looking forward to more by them when they no doubt show up again on this list.

Belle and Sebastian are a band that, frankly, should’ve graced my eardrums much earlier than 2022. I’m a huge Matador Records fan, and I love a lot of their contemporaries - Yo La Tengo and Stereolab for starters. They were always on my periphery, but I never really took the time to listen. I think I probably fell victim to the stereotype on this one - that they are/were exceedingly twee. Not gonna lie, they kind of are, but Tigermilk is still a fantastic record, especially if you love 60’s psych/pop filtered through the lens of 90’s indie rock. The production is great, the songs are well crafted and to the point, the instrumentation is varied and impeccably played. This is a really great record and I’m disappointed in myself for not giving Belle and Sebastian a chance before now. RIYL: Yo La Tengo’s “Fakebook”, Stereolab, The Shin’s “Oh, Inverted World”

It's a soft, sweet, and wistful album. If it was a tad more twee it would be too saccharine for me but this is juuust right! This Aussie gives it four arvo cuppas out of five.

If I was a guy that ordered a double Tito's with just a splash of water and essence of lime when everyone else is drinking Busch Light, I'd probably love this album. It has a beautiful well crafted sound, but it feels so pretentious.

3.3 I had an initial aversion to these even before listening but couldn't think why. After one listen I thought I'd do a bit of reading and realised it was because Jack Black's character in High Fidelity referred to them as "old sad bastard music" which somehow stuck with me for the last 25 years. Yet on second listen there was a bit to like - the more Nick Drake-esque the better..the first half of the album therefore hits slightly better, with the latter half a bit on the duller and OSB-side, so the album peters put slightly.

'You're just a baby' is Robert Plant's favourite from this. The guy loves babies. Not in a good way.

I mean it's nice music and all, but this is just that kind of music that I cannot stand. Jingly jangly wishy washy boring waffly indie. Get out of my ears!

Fragile contents. Handle with care. Second B&S album on 1001 and I wish I was converted. Maybe once Arab Strap shows up sometime in 2023. I just can't get on board yet. I feel for you Belle. You're a gentle underdog. You see beauty and sadness in subtle corners. You still have the lightness of youth. You're a bit irritating to hang out with. Delicate stemware. C

Impossible to rate neutrally. This is my second favorite Belle & Sebastian album in general but my favorite that has made the 1001 Albums list.

Perfektes Debut, der kalifornischen Schotten, mit gleichbleibend hohem Niveau in puncto Songwriting, eigener Handschrift & Alltagsgeschichten wie aus Indie Movies entlehnt, die erst noch gedreht werden mussten. Ihre Ästhetik bedient sich in Verweisen auf französische Nouvelle Vague, Jonathan Richmans Ringel-Shirt mit Halstuch und Literatur im Allgemeinen und dabei sind sie so aufreizend mühelos stilprägend, denn ihr leiser Tonfall war im Britpop des Jahres 1996 eher die Ausnahme, Quiet is the New Loud als Mini Hype noch nicht erfunden und auch mit nur einem Finger den Nuller Electroclash ("Electric Renaissance") mal eben angestupst und wieder im Schrank versteckt. Vor allem aber haben sie vieles andere überdauert, sich bis zu einem gewissen Punkt ("The Life Pursuit") weiterentwickelt, bis es einfach nicht mehr weiterging, ohne sich selbst zu karikieren. Werde immer etwas melancholisch horny wenn ich eines ihrer frühen Alben höre - ganz unabhängig von diesem Cover. schmachtende 4.7

I listened to this

Nr. 23/1001 The State I Am In 4 Expectations 3 She's Losing It 5 You're Just A Baby 4 Electronic Renaissance 4 I Could Be Dreaming 4 We Rule The School 4 My Wandering Days Are Over4 I Don't Love Anyone 3 Mary Jo 3 Average: 3,8 Fantastic little pop album

I used to love this album when I was younger, it was exactly how I felt. But now the undertone of sadness inherent in the lyrics is a little too painful. Still, one of the better albums out there.

I thought this was a solid debut for them. The melodies are pretty catchy and they straddle the line between cheery and depressing with the combination of their instrumentation of lyrics. Favorite Track: The State I Am In Least Favorite Track: Mary Jo

The album cover is so???? Either way, I don’t feel any particular way about this album.

Some good tracks but too slow for my taste.

Love Belle and Sebastian, but only in small doses. This album is like being served your favorite meal 12 times in a row. By the 4th time, you start wondering if it’s actually your favorite. By the 12th time…

Pleasant in places, dull in places. Straight down the middle then.

Pretty boring but okay as music during another activity. 3 stars or C.

I'm not quite sure what I make of it. It's nice, peculiar in a good way. Low 3 I think

Inoffensive - not something I'd rush back to listen to but happy to have it on in the background

103 Un día, chata de estar escuchando pura música que me carga en este challenge, decidí que iba a saltarme la lista de discos y poner este disco porque tenía hartas amigas a las que les gustaba esta banda y... meh. Sorry. Tuvo momentos entretenidos, no lo odio, pero...meh?

Belle & Sebastain have been described as "the most sensitive band in indie rock, patron saints for daydreaming boys and girls". And there is a place for that, and they do it well. It's a cozy album, even if the cover is a little disconcerting. But is the unique selling point of this album the legend of its creation and its obscurity (at least initially). Is there really any reason that both this album and 'If You're Feeling Sinister' are on the list? Everyone seems to agree that Sinister is their masterpiece, but the story of Tigermilk is compelling. Personally, I find the listening experience basically interchangeable.

Meh. It’s fine background music. As a flute player, I enjoyed the intro to Mary Jo. Maybe I need to listen again to focus on the lyrics… but in first listen, it’s a 70s-throwback pop album, but not something that compels me to look up more from Belle & Sebastian. Honestly, as a band I’ve seen lauded repeatedly over the years, this is disappointing.

Eh, shouldn't really be on here, it's closer to a collection of demos than a great album. I grabbed a bootleg of this after playing "If You're Feeling Sinister" to death, and was sorely disappointed. Such an awful cover photo too. Probably ruined them for Mark now, thanks a lot..

The relentlessly prosaic lyrics border on the ridiculous. The mellifluous vocals border on the ridiculous. The band's obsession with melody borders on the ridiculous. The sum total of this ridiculousness? The sublime. If you want to figure out how, remember that pop music thrives off excess. This is just a different type of excess than we're used to.

I liked this within the first 10 seconds. The vocals are a combo of folky, lovely and depressing. I like how the different well played instruments move in and out and the many style changes including a very captivating electronic tune (Elec Ren) after which the instruments really come alive on “Could be dreaming”. To top it off, just when I was thinking I had it w ambience, Mary Jo ended and did Tigermilk. It's nice to see cool school projects that don't involve blowing shit up.

Belle and Sebastian were big on the “Juno” soundtrack which I listened to for some reason when the movie came out. Teenage angst music for gay kids? Songwriting is pretty good and some of the songs are catchy but it kind of seems like the same song 12 different ways. I didn’t hate it by any means but it’s nothing I’ll be coming back to. 2.5

2.0 Liked the titties, didnt like the songs

112/1001 Belle and Sebastian - Tigermilk Heard before? ❎ Revisit? ❎ Twee Scottish indie is not the one.

Soft indie band crying over spilt milk. Everything that was bad about the 90's exists here. Electronic renaisance - What is this rubbish it literally asualted my ears. Guitair style really grates for me as its a jolly strumming that just never ends or varies. typical of the genre and time. Best thing about this album is the album cover!

Nope. Not gonna do it. Fingernails on a blackboard, mixed with children's songs and bubblegum. But not in an interesting way. One star due to rounding error. I don't have to listen to this before I die.

Fajne

good stuff. I enjoyed this album

10/10

I think some later B&S albums are even better (Sinister, Arab Strap), but this still an amazing debut, and an easy five stars

Belle and Sebastian was an integral part of my courtship with my partner. Their albums were on frequent rotation as we sipped wine and got to know each other. Twenty-five years and two kids later, we still both smile when we put them on. Sometimes nostalgia is an integral part of how we all experience music. This band makes music that makes me happy. Tigermilk is the debut album from the band with an origin story that is wild enough that Pitchfork made a documentary about it. Pop is not typically my main jam, but Belle and Sebastian grabbed me from the first time I stumbled across their music accidentally while attending a music festival shortly after its release. This album is full of catchy tunes with arrangements unique enough to be interesting. The lyrics are smart and often moving, sometimes witty, and the singing is gorgeous. Some have likened the music to a more upbeat version of The Smiths, which is apt. The entire album is remarkably cohesive, especially considering that it was recorded over three days at a time when the band was not even fully realized. It still holds up for me almost 30-years later. If you like this album and were previously unfamiliar, I strongly recommend it follow up, If You're Feeling Sinister, released shortly afterwards. 9/10. A great album, but the rating includes a personal bias bump because I love my wife more every day and this album reminds me of where it all began.

Fantastic album...love B&S. This one is honestly bangers front to back. 4.5/5

This is their debut album, but when it was first released in 1996, only 1,000 copies were pressed. It wasn’t until 1999 that a larger label picked it up and gave it a proper re-release. Overall, it’s classic chamber pop, and Belle and Sebastian are definitely one of the flag bearers for the genre.

Oh yeah. What a treat. From the first note, absolute class.

I liked it a lot

One of my all time faves

Pretty darn good. I’ve had plenty of exposure to B&S via friends/mixtapes/etc and always enjoyed it, but for whatever reason I’ve never bought anything by B&S. While listening to this album after work, it inspired my wife to dance around the kitchen and squeak a clown horn. I’m borderline 4 and 5 here, but a debut album being this good tips me over to 5.

Wow, who knew tables could be so catchy.

Len Houmous claims to have drunk 3 pints of Tigermilk after one of his famous acid trips at the zoo. Apparently it was the same night when he bedded both Belle and Sebastian! 4.5 5/10 Electronic Renaissance

I just. They're just. Isn't it so great

Delightfully chill

One of the greatest albums around. Listened to this non stop when it came out. The sound was fantastic for a Scottish band, fresh and original.

10/10 you can’t go wrong with any Belle & Sebastian, it all works perfectly

Brilliant early album with knockout songs that established B&S as leader of a new movement of twee pop.

Great music of it's time 👐

I don’t even know how to really describe this is just so good

I remember being 18 and playing this album over and over on a burnt CD

This is the hundred ninety ninth album I’m rating. I really only know this from the album cover. Adding to my Playlist - The State I Am In, Expectations, She’s Losing It, You’re Just a Baby, Electronic Renaissance, I Could be Dreaming, We Rule the School, My Wandering Days are Over, I Don’t Love Anyone, and Mary Jo. Not Adding to my Playlist - Nothing. All in all I liked 10/10 songs. Some of the gayest folk ever.

I love my twee Scots.

Stuart’s lisp will be forever charming to me

I LOVE THIS ALBUM, it has curveballs like electronic renaissance and tender moments like Expectations (and most of the album). Teenage Harry is dancing, being reminded how to feel. Every listen I find some new little detail, I love the layered lyrics and composition. Obviously a 5/5

The first five tracks on this album are damn-near perfect. The second half is a bit less memorable but still fantastic.

so nice, calm it had a great effect on me, it made me focus more on emotional part of myself i forgot the outside world, my fast thoughts and focused just on those long ones… those that are connected with emotions those that i (maybe we) should listen to more often!

Top song: she’s loving it

There's a lovely low key intimacy present, like a bard or a sage telling you a secret fable in a hushed voice over a gentle acoustic backing. Comparisons to Donovan and Nick Drake seem inevitable but Stuart Murdoch's voice and tone reminds me of Peter Daltry, from the 60s UK psych band Kaleidoscope. Although it's fairly twee and whimsical music the lyrics are often darkly poetic and that is a nice contrast. And there's a vibrant splash of colour added via trumpet, violin and cello. All in all this is well crafted music right up my avenue.

One of my dumbest life choices has been failing to listen to Belle and Sebastian more before this

I bought this album rather late in the day as a vinyl re-release. Despite its occasional bout of twee-ness (not unexpected given the band's name derived from the kind of kids' broadcasting from 1960s BBC), I think this is a strong debut album of confessional type songs. It benefits from not just being a singer-songwriter effort, with a proper band playing.

This is one my favorite albums of all time.

Belle and Sebastian were already one of my faves, so I really enjoyed this album

MARAVILHOSO UM DOS MELHORES ALBUMS OAT

A heck of a debut. Band is already fully formed and firing on almost full throttle. Such a lovely record… great instrumentation, wonderful harmonies, great stuff.

The pictures this paints of small town life and the stories it contains make me smile everytime. The fact that they are laid over beautifully done pop music with a healthy dose of quirk and charm makes it even better. I loved it then and i love it now

I used to listen to Belle & Sebastian all the time. In the Stone Age, back when I used iTunes, I’d literally filter the Belle & Sebastian discography every evening and just let it play all night. The output of this band is such a vibe, and going back to Tigermilk brought back so many memories. It’s impossible for me to rate objectively, and for that, I’m blessed.

They really had it from the jump

Yes it could be seen as twee and fey but so bloody good. Many of these lyrics and melodies have been living in my head for over 25 years now and they still stand up, fresh and timeless. Some astonishingly good songs, well-produced and perfectly sequenced. What the heck, it's nearly flawless in its own unique, imperfect way: give it a five.

Really good.

Pleasantly surprised by this one. I previously only knew Fox in the Snow by them, which I adore. First song is so good, really set the tone for the rest of it. It really only gets better as it goes too, weaving a lot of prominent genres of the time together while also sounding a lot like the indie rock that was yet to come at this point. My best reference point is to describe it like a better Arcade Fire way before Arcade Fire existed. This is such a strong debut album. I will be listening to this all day.

Up until about 2005 I genuinely thought that Belle and Sebastian had figured it out, that they were the one band people would obviously enjoy, if not love. Still kind of crazy to me that that’s not the case, especially with their early stuff in mind, but apparently it is.

This is one of my all time favorite albums and the uncontrollable glee I felt when it popped up only reaffirmed that. Such catchy tunes that have a sort of timeless indie sound. Knowing the backstory of the album, which was essentially funded by a public Scottish arts fund for out of work musicians, only adds to its genius because of how improbable its existence is. My favorites as always were "The State I Am In" (which amazingly endures as one of their best songs despite being the very first song on their very first album), "Expectations," and "Electronic Renaissance."

Listened on the back of a motorcycle through mountains. Very nice moment. I like the spaciness of the sounds at points and the liberal use of flute.

I adore this record. It fills me with hope and joy. Forthright and utterly unpretentious, both musically and lyrically (which is extraordinary for a debut). Ear worms in abundance. Gorgeous and super interesting production.

I love this album! First time listener but I’m hooked. Driving music, excellent vocals, smooth delivery. Definitely adding to my home collection.

5/5

I like it, the sound seems to be just right up my alley. Jangle-pop ish, for sure indie sounding. This is what I love about the 90s, a sound like this seems familiar to the era. Love this album

A delightful album that I've been listening to for decades

This album is quite relaxing, and sweet.

Still a top album and it's bonkers that it was created as the final project for their course at college

About 30 seconds in I was very dubious and this one but holy crap what an album. Stunned me how much I enjoyed it