Tigermilk

4/10, 40%

Expectations is a fine indie tune. Some acoustic strum with horn accompaniment. Solid production that evokes a vague Grizzly Bear mixed with John Mayer vibe. This seems like music for people who like lyrics. Which is not to say I don't like lyrics, I just don't care to pay attention to them right now. More horns coming in on She's Losing It. This is a boppy little pop number. I think this is my favorite song so far; a lot of depth to the composition between the horns, drums, background guitar, and lyrical guitar work towards the middle. Electronic Renaissance is the first song to actively command my attention here. Interesting introduction that inverts on top of itself before plowing forward into a synth-heavy rhythm. Interesting song -- I'm into it. I Could Be Dreaming is another jam with some psych guitar feedback effects and samples towards the end. Unexpectedly strong mid-section to this album. Album kind of petered out from what I recall; I'll have to listen back through again. All said, this was a pretty solid indie album with good production and composition. There were a few standouts that commanded attention, but otherwise the songs were more lyrical than I had attention for at the time of listening. I fall at a 3 leaning 4 on this one; rounding up because I think I would enjoy listening to it again.

day 27. a great morning listen, lots of very infectious tunes with stories that draw you in, just enough melancholy to give it depth, but not too much to tip the scale into depressing. felt very balanced and I really liked the flow of the album. standouts - Expectations, She's Losing It, The State I'm In, I Could Be Dreaming ... yeah I feel like I could keep going, this is good. misses - I Don't Love Anyone, You're Just A Baby 4/5

Easy. 'She's losing it' is giving drive to a beach, adore the violins. 'You're just a baby' sounds like a begin again song! Electronic Renaissance is quirky and i love it. vocals: a minus point!!!

This is an interesting one to review. It clearly is of its time, yet quite strikingly different to its better known contemporaries. The queer is strong with this, but in a very 90s way. It seems quite astonishing 25 years later that the world was ever as closed off as it was in the 90s - but there we go. I can't say that I like it. I can understand its place and its influence, but I don't think I'll be opting for repeats.

This was great, indie, pop, folk, rock whatever category you want to put it in, it was an enjoyable listen. I particularly liked "The State I'm In" and "She's Losing It". The Pachabel Canon in D that comes through in "We Rule the School" was also interesting. Overall a good album

love them, love this album

This will be another bias review for a Scottish band I like, brilliant indie pop album, I’m more familiar with their second and third albums, but this is still great.

Knows what it is, which is a beautiful little indie pop set if tunes. Perfect for a summer afternoon.

Kinda beautiful

Mainstay on my rotation. Pithy perfect pop music.

Great but I really like the later stuff with more harmony and instrumentation better

I always thought of Belle and Sebastian as just light, fluffy, twee pop. And most of this album is that, but I was surprised to find a little more experimental sound in some of the middle tracks. Overall enjoyable and a little surprising, but I probably won’t be listening to this one often

Enjoyable

Me gusto el instrumental súper tranquilo y con pequeños detalles, las voces se acoplan muy bien con el estilo, me gustó en general, lo escucharía nuevamente

This is one of those "oh, that's who made that song" moments. Overall I love the simplicity and enjoy the cynical lyrics. May not be great in large doses, but the album is great.

4.3 mega chill men også noe man bare kan høre på

I love some Belle & Sebastian. This isn't my favorite, but it's much better than the newer stuff that I can't get into at all. 4/5

Never thought that I’d learn to appreciate Belle & Sebastian, but the guitars sound incredible here, and their songwriting can be quite soothing. Ultimately still not going to be my first choice, but I get it now. B-

I'd drink that

Nice debut album. not too long, great cohesion.

Why 2 Belle And Sebastian albums on the 1001 list? I don't know, but... It was great! The song "Electronic Renaissance" was a huge unexpected surprise and just became my favorite track from them.

One likes this less than If You're Felling Sinister and The Boy with the Arab Strap, but still enjoys it for the craft, the intelligent/literate songwriting and general vibe. The second half of the record is much the stronger. "We Rule the School" is lovely, the best of this lot. "Wandering Days" and "I Don't Love Anyone" and "Mary Jo" are also strong. "The State I'm In" is essential B&S and "Electronic Renaissance" an engaging diversion.

Eðal-albúm!

Kinda reminds me of Spoon or Barenaked Ladies. These are fun, upbeat songs. Electronic Renaissance is different, but I really like it. Overall an album I enjoyed and would listen to again. After reading about it on Wikipedia I don't really understand why it's on this 1001 albums list. Something about the record label's success, maybe?

First full album I’ve ever listened to by Belle and Sebastian. Really enjoyed it. Seemed like nice music to listen to while walking through the park on a nice September afternoon

Indie darlings. Great music to listen to in the morning whilst sipping on coffee. Arrangements are pretty beautiful. Will seek out more Belle & Sebastian.

I should have appreciated B&S more than I did in my punk-pop 90s heyday. Granted, these are simple songs - mostly two or three chords on a loop for 4 minutes at a time. If I heard one person singing this in a coffee shop I'd probably hate it, but the arrangements and the instrumentation are really well done. It can be hard to make a simple song interesting - much less a whole album of simple songs. I don't know if Toad the Wet Sprocket is a far comparison here, but they trigger the same happy spot in my brain.

Enjoyed it quite a bit

Tout le monde va évidemment parler de la performance vocale de Sébastien mais que dire du pelage de Belle... Il est doux et soyeux, avec une couleur blanche brillante. De plus, il est facile à entretenir et à garder propre grâce à sa texture lisse.

Belle et Sebastien viennent ici se présenter en tant que tauliers du générateur. L'amitié liant Sebastien à son chien est une nouvelle fois des plus touchantes, et l'on se réjouit d'avance de visionner le prochain épisode.

Jaunty, lovely, peppy. When the trumpet pops, it's tingles down my back. Very solid, bit slow.

Debut album for these guys. Nice chill indie vibes, they definitely have their own sound, while at the same time showing the Scottish independent scene really well

Svag för debutalbum.

This was super pleasant to listen to. All of a similar style but upbeat musically (maybe not lyrically) so nice to listen to.

4/5. A sweet and beautiful album that feels innocent and young, riddled with trauma and sadness. I will have to see if that feeing lasts to bump it up to a 5 but is definitely a relisten.

Already know and love this record. Brilliant.

Great.. too samey though.. idk. Kind of blends. First 3 tracks are really great. Nothing really special, basic jangly indie-pop-rock with British guy singer + clean smooth folksy-tinged sound. Seems like it influenced a lot of 2010s indie pop/rock. No amazing melodies, nothing outstanding. The Pumpkins and Nick Cave records were significantly better Edit: nvm. Relistening to this. It's growing on me.

I found some of these tracks musically kind of cute, and others a bit disappointing...kind of like under-seasoned food that smells great but tastes kind of bland. It was just like a little something was missing at times for me.

I really like Belle and Sebastian but I find their songs really hard to tell apart and they have SO many! This isn't my favorite B&S album but it's nice.

I love this album and all its tweeness. On a side note, I do think this list would be greatly improved if they didn't include multiple albums by the same artists. This is my second Belle and Sebastian album in a week and even I will say they are an acquired taste

More of a feminist text than an album. It doesn’t quite compare to Sinister, but still a lot to like. Electronic Renaissance and I Don’t Love Anyone we’re the highlights.

a selection of some really cute and some really trippy tracks. i enjoyed this way more than i thought i originally would

The debut record by Belle And Sebastian is a very earnest one. Some songs get autobiographical at points, mainly the beautiful "The State I Am In". It sets the bar very high for the rest of the album, or even their career. But the album features plenty of other great songs, with beautiful arrangements and lovely lyrics. Favorite lyrics: - Soon you will know that you are sane. You're on top of the world again. - When the first cup of coffee tastes like washing up. - If you had such a dream. Would you get up and do the things you believe in? Key tracks: The State I Am In, Expectations, She's Losing It, Electronic Renaissance, We Rule The School, My Wandering Days Are Over, I Don't Love Anyone 8 out of 10

The unmistakable sound of B & S... Love it

2nd February 2023 Listened in the morning and worked from home. 12 week scan in the afternoon, finished US traitors in the evening. Cracking bit of classic indie, sounds like the most intelligent kids in your class got together and recorded and album.

The State I Am In- 7.5 Expectations- 7 She's Losing It- 7.8 You're Just a Baby- 8 Electronic Renaissance- 6.2 I Could Be Dreaming- 7.2 We Rule The School- 6.7 My Wondering Days Are Over- 8.2 I Don't Love Anyone- 8.4 Mary Jo- 8.3

Nice indie pop with a warm feel; not conventional enough to feel boring yet the more experimental passages felt like they could use some expanding upon. All in all a nice collection of songs to sing along to.

Decent

Every bit as intriguing and introspective, lilting and lovely as one expects from B&S but, honestly, a notch below their best (Sinister and Arab Strap). The merits feel as literary or novelistic as they do musical, though light touches of excellent craftsmanship abound. Nobody does wistful young despair or hopelessness as well as Murdoch – see "State I'm In" and "Don't Love Anyone" and "Wandering Days" as exhibits A-C. One admires their hiding out from the media for so long and retaining their mystery, which was additive to the brand.

Here's me again, disagreeing with how Apple Music labelled the genre on this. It remains to be seen why that bugs me so much. I'm surprised this came out in 1996 as it sounds like early 2000s indie singer-songwriter. I'm shocked, SHOCKED that nothing from this album is on the Garden State soundtrack. If you liked this album, you'll love that soundtrack. Anyway, I really liked this. Singer-songwriter is hit or miss for me, and this album was a bit of both. I preferred the peppier songs; not so much the slower ones. I'll be saving a few songs to my 1001 Highlights playlist.

I love B&S. Spotify reckons they’re my 3rd most listened to band since I joined in 2009. Despite that, Tigermilk is for some reason one of their albums I haven’t ‘milked’ as much. On a whole I think this a good record with the delicacy and intricacy you expect from B&S. It’s not their best though. It sounds to me like a young band finding their way, before perfecting it on follow up albums (If You’re Feeling Sinister in particular being a gem of a follow on). I can’t bear to vote them anything less than a 4, as they are such a special band, but this album isn’t quite as special as others. And it’s the album up for review, not the band. But I love them. Perhaps if I spent as long working as I have agonising over an arbitrary star rating system, I perhaps wouldn’t have to work late tonight.

Tweeee

I generally like their sound. People call this twee but listen to the lyrics.

Another chill album that I enjoyed listening to.

Quite nice, starts out a bit slow, but ends on a high note, Mary Jo is a beautiful song.

This is really damn good. Seriously evocative and atmospherically unique, with some very inventive and imaginative lyricism and storytelling. Gorgeous tunes!

Indie, folky pop. I quite liked it honestly! Something nice to relax or take a stroll to. Would be nice to go out for a walk to listen to this again but it's too damn cold outside today. I think this is one I'll come back to though! Favourite: She's Losing It

Electronic Resistance seemed out of place at first but I was pleasantly surprised by the departure from jangly pop into jangly electronica.

Love Belle & Sebastian. I like how their sound is quite twee and nice but their topics can be pretty grim and the lyrics are cleeeever.

This album is often described as chamber pop, and it is probably one of the best examples of the style. A good, moody album for listening in headphones on a stormy day while polishing off several cups of coffee.

Really loved this album in late highschool/early university. 4 stars

Oh man, another one of the bands I got introduced to by my awesome, music loving, hipster co-workers in the early 2000s. This used to be on heavy rotation in the office. Love the lush sound - the strings, horns, unique and peaceful vocals. Great album

Thought i whole album of belle and sebastian would be too much for me, but it didn't grate at all.

8/10 will listen again. good mix of vibes but overall a peaceful and sometimes funny feeling.

7/10. Maybe only a 6, but idk these guys are starting to grow on me a bit

Another pretty alright Belle & Sebastian album. Fucks me up that it’s a band named Belle & Sebastian and not two people with those names. 7/10

Enjoyed this for a long time. Lo-fi jingly jangly songs about real things and real life- vocals are sincere and vulnerable but have impact, great stuff!

A beautiful album, wish it had a little bit more grab but there are some great songs here. Precursor to a lot of aughts indie.

Early alt indie. Cool!

I really like Belle & Sebastien...The Boy With th Arab Strap, If You're Feeling Sinister, Dear Catastrophe Waitress all 4 star albums in my book. But somehow I never heard this album, I certainly knew of it but never heard it before today. It is on a par with the other three albums. Very upbeat, as is typical superbly arranged and beautiful whispy vocals that draw you into the complex yet accessible melodies. A beautiful album 4.5 stars

All the songs are good in the same way, but they all sound the same in different ways

C'est comme avec les tâches ménagères, je me suis laissé depasser

on tourne un peu en rond mais mimi

Just enjoyable. Songs had a similar sound but changed it up enough for each song to be discernable, and the big change ups like the electronic focus in Electronic Renaissance was always nice. Nothing hugely amazing here, but would happily listen to the entire album again, and I'm looking forward to their other album on the 1001 list.

Lush yet simple and very heartfelt production quality.

Ofboðslega falleg plata. Takk fyrir mig !

I have always thought of Belle & Sebastian of a band not of its time. Then late 60s influence is apparent in both the lush music and introspective lyrics. It is very impressive, especially for a debut. At the time it stood out for its overt melodicism, especially compared to Britpop. Very good, but not great melodies costs it a star.

This was a good album. I really enjoy the energy of this album and would re-listen to pretty much all of it. "Electronic Renaissance" being one of the lowlights of the album. The first two tracks were probably the best of the album with my personal favorite being "The State I Am In". "I Could Be Dreaming" was a song that I enjoyed, but didn't necessarily feel as though it fit the album in the way I wanted it to. "My Wandering Days Are Over" was another song I liked quite a bit. Overall a really good album that I would enjoy listening to again.

Quite enjoyed this, might be the album, might be because I’m at the beach on holiday…

Witty, worry and pop-literate. Lots of fun, with a delivery from the 'ex-choirboy who's seen some shit' school.

A really lovely debut with some truly beautiful songs. Electronic Renaissance was an... interesting diversion that I don't think quite worked, but everything else was great

A nice mix of classic and alternative. Good texts too.

Initially, I wasn't feeling it...but it got better. From track 5 on, there were some eclectic instrument choices — trumpet solo, tambourines, strings, electric guitar — that kept it interesting. It was a strange journey and really felt like a throwback pop sound, even some surf rock, but then closes with like a HELLA 90s vibe. Love that.

Mostly good to great stuff. Big fan.

Great folk album. Style for days. I'll have to check out more from belle and Sebastian

Of the records I’ve listened to so far, I know next to nothing about this group. I’m reminded of the Smiths and just about every indie group ever. I love “The State I’m In.” “Expectations” is also great and I’m struck by the immersive imagery and unique turns of phrase. The first four songs are great tunes, though I felt that the “Electronic Renaissance,” though fun, is a weaker track. The second half of the album is still strong with compelling lyrics and catchy hooks. Not a super revolutionary record but the songs are pretty great with clever and at times melancholy lyrics — I can see if this album is legendary in the indie/twee sphere!

Never heard of this group, was very enjoyable, pleasant surprise. Chilled out airy stuff.

Already a big Belle & Sebastian fan (seeing them in a few months) but only know a couple from Tigermilk. 'The State I Am In' has immediately become on of my favourites from them. Overall a great album - if you like Belle & Sebastian then you'll like this. Real easy-listening and lovely melodies.

Intro de The State I am in é interessante. We rule the Scholl é boa

4.5

I've been wanting to get into this group for a while and what a perfect way to start with the debut. It's amazing this was all recorded live in three days, 'cause it sounds so realized and so full of potential. These are some amazing tunes with equally thought-out lyricism and message.

You know what. It's actually pretty bloody good.

Not bad

Wow - a second Belle And Sebastian album? OK let's do this... I suspect my feelings on this are the same as they were with my first B&S review: I would have hated this 30 years ago and now I hear it as gorgeous and shy and delicate and introspective - highly melodic, clear instrumentation... Just lovely and another keeper. 8/10 4 stars.

Sweet and kind-hearted feeling

I had no idea what to expect, but ended up really enjoying this one. It's a really nice, soothing pop album to have playing in the background. I can't quite give it 5 stars though.

much better than I expected...could be a 5 with more listens.

Ik ken iemand die Sebastiaan heet. Ik weet niet of hij ook zo'n beest met borstvoeding is. De muziek klinkt eigenlijk veel serieuzer dan ik zou verwachten. De melodietjes zijn vrolijk, soms doet het wat Mexicaans aan met de trompetjes en de Spaanse gitaartjes. Mijn favorieten zijn "She's Losing It" en "My Wandering Days Are Over". ****

A beautiful, melancholic album full of clever observations and melodies.

A lovely folky, twee debut. You can tell that this was very influential on so many 2000s indie bands. 4.5

Indie pop agradable. Venga, un 4 por ti.

For whatever reason, I went into this album assuming I wouldn't like it. I was wrong and ended up really liking the chilled, almost indie, sound.

p778. 1996. 4 stars. So this is what the bastard love children of Donovan and Albert Lee sound like. Bittersweet songs, sharp lyrics and a sense of melancholy. All that is missing are some standout tunes. On the replay list.

B&S er søte greier. Jeg hadde ikke hørt på dette albumet før. Kult cover. Søte sanger. man kan kanskje argumentere for at alt de lager er likt. Men siden dette er det første albumet, så da er det kanskje litt tidlig å spille ut det kortet. Vokalisten oser ikke tradisjonell maskulinitet - men jeg liker stilen. We rule the school var et høydepunkt. Minimalistisk start, og svulstig avslutning. Fin oppbygning. Nokså sårt. Jeg opplever at det nikkes høflig til Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D-major (jeg googlet meg frem her til komponisten). Jeg elsker slike sanger. Mary Jo var også fin. enkel og søt pop. Hadde dette bandet bestått av kosebamser og enhjørninger ville jeg ikke blitt overrasket. det er lyden av rosa og sukkerspinn.

I quite liked this. Good back story to the band too.

Absolute Banger. Rarely any downtime. Only a a few skippable tracks

listened to again warm and fuzzy indie jams

Is nice, I like

twee and enjoyable.

Nice easy melodies. Interesting lyrics.

gentle bedroom acoustic indie for poetry writers and people who made mixtapes

Always #available for some B&S

I know this is from the 90s, but this sound is so 2006-2008 for me it's wild. I've always loved Belle and also Sebastian equally. Their initials spell BS, but you know what this album isn't???

Back in the late nineties Belle and Sebastian made quite some impact with their first three albums. The album opens with "State I Am In" - perhaps their most definitive song: either like you this song and the type of lyrics and you will like the band ..or you don't and in the latter case there is not much need to check out the rest of their oeuvre. Some other highlights: I Could Be Dreaming and Electronic Renaissance. The album overall has a demo feel and still has its charms. It is not their strongest effort though (and I was a bit surprised to see it on the list). Some of the songs are a bit too twee for my taste. So I would not be inclined to give this album the full five stars but still rate it as a very solid 4.

Pleasant sounding, very melodic indie album. The gentle vocals remind me of John Cale's singing, but at times they sound a bit too weak for my taste.

The group come out peeking from behind their dole cheques for their debut. The template for what they were is here. Stuart Murdoch comes across as the Morrissey who would be ok to hang out with. Possibly too twee for some, you can't fault the lyrics and melodies. Put on your horn rimmed specs and sit back a listen to the misery and neuroticism hiding underneath those pretty melodies. Ignore that electronic track though - it's shit. Best Tracks: The State I Am In; Expectations; I Don't Love Anyone

I am familiar with BELLE AND SEBASTIAN and two side projects, having their various first albums and EP’s, but overall I remember liking the B&S off shoot, THE GENTLE WAVES, which is ISOBEL CAMPBELL's solo work and her first album, THE GREEN FIELDS OF FOREVERLAND. As to B&S, itself, TIGERMILK, struck as most memorable but did have much replayability to it. After re-listening to TIGERMILK, my first reaction was very favorable not listening to it for about 15 years, but repeated listening led to a slight downturn overall, some tracks seemed annoying at times. The vocals are sometimes too fast and it is hard to decipher what is being said. In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, besides the debut TIGERMILK is included, also the second release, IF YOU'RE FEELING SINISTER (1996) Rate Artist: BELLE AND SEBASTIAN (4.0) Rate Album (Year): TIGERMILK (1996 Original) (4.5) Ranking of BELLE AND SEBASTIAN - TIGERMILK songs No. Title Length 01. "The State I Am In" 4:57 08.5/10 02. "Expectations" 3:34 07.0/10 03. "She's Losing It" 2:22 10.0/10 04. "You're Just a Baby" 3:40 09.0/10 05. "Electronic Renaissance" 4:50 08.5/10 06. "I Could Be Dreaming" 5:56 10.0/10 07. "We Rule the School" 3:27 09.5/10 08. "My Wandering Days Are Over" 5:25 09.0/10 09. "I Don't Love Anyone" 3:56 09.5/10 10. "Mary Jo" 3:30 08.0/10 Original 1982 Release 89.0/100 = 8.9 / 2 = 4.45

didnt think id like it but i did!!

It can be a bit too twee at times and it's not something I can just listen to anytime, it's a very specific mood. However it is pretty damn enjoyable when I want to listen to it.

Bit twee but lots of good pop songs on it.

tempted to knock off another star just for 'You're Just a Baby'

I suspect they don’t fight much

It's 2020. Quarantine started. Almost everyone locked themselves at home, away from the terrible mess of the outside world. It was a weird time. Stretching for months and months. A lot learned to plant, to cook, and other stuffs that are popular in the DIY world. This event accelerated a trend. No, I'm not talking about TikTok, I'm talking about people's inclination towards sentimental, minimalist stuff. Plants. "AESTHETIC" designs. Crafts. Journals. And of course, lo-fi and indie music. My teenage sister would blast moody acoustic songs, thanks to this trend. These songs are oftentimes mediocre and frankly, boring. But I do enjoy some of them, but only if they are close to rock. Biases, I know. And this album, "Tigermilk" by Belle and Sebastian, is a perfect soft quarantine-vibed indie rock. I'm not a fan of this kind of music, but this is actually well done. I love the oftentimes lo-fi instrumentals. The vocals are pretty mediocre, but I think it's appropriate. Overall, a nice indie album. I just wish I discovered it during quarantine, maybe I'll enjoy it more. I wonder if my younger sister would enjoy this piece from 1996. Maybe she would, despite it's age and the fact that TikTok probably (fortunately) haven't touched it yet.

Different than I expected, quality.

Pretty good. Didn't know they started in 1996.

Sufjan Stevens esque instumentals with Smiths esque lyrics

Indie with good pop sensibilities. Well crafted lyrics.

Un bon album rock inde. Probablement d’angleterre.un bel album fin 90 qui sonne tres bien. Su talent cest certain.

Just had "If You're Feeling Sinister" the day before, so it's interesting to compare so closely together. I like this album too, it's got that same whimsical yet sardonic lyricism I appreciate from this group, and it seems to be a peppier album overall. Instrumentation is wonderful, enjoying it a lot.

Wasn't expecting to enjoy this that much, not as slow as I expected

Way above average 90s pop rock. I liked it even thought not in my listeningvwheelhouse. 3.6

Nice instrumentation

One of their best

poeticism without pomposity. expectations is the perfect combination of whimsical and depressing. some of it sounds more dated than vintage, but for the most part it works out for the retro folk thing they’ve got goin

Generellt sätt var albumet vackert och behagligt att lyssna på. Det som rörde mig mest var albumets drag av elektronisk musik. Låten som därmed gav störst intryck hos mig var Electronic Renaissance. Albumet lyckades förvåna mig med unika och intressanta instrumentala val som stack ut från den banala komfortzonen. Detta lyfter albumet högt i mina ögon. De vågar och lyckas med något annorlunda. Samtidigt förblir musiken vid andra tillfällen det tråkiga och ordinära som hörts tidigare. Däremot har albumet ofta en bra grund och potential för att bli något mycket bättre än vad det är vid detta tillstånd. Med en starkare uppbyggnader och mer komplexitet hade kvalitén ökat drastiskt. Detta märktes mest enligt mig under låten I Could Be Dreaming.

I think it's a shame that this album will always live in the shadow of the masterpiece that is If You're Feeling Sinister, because it's a great album on its own merits. It has a weak back half (at least until it gets to the wonderful "My Wandering Days are Over," then the final stretch is quite good), but overall it's an album all indie heads should listen to at least a couple of times.

har bara lyssnat på den här plattan en gång för kanske 15 år sen och då tyckte jag den var kass. nu tyckte jag mycket mer om den!

I like this, it needs more time to grow on me.

VERY good! I liked it a lot. It started off a little bland, but got better. Kind of wish it hit a little bit harder, though. Not sure if that's an issue with the production, or maybe the singers just needed to be a little better? I don't know, but I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

Ok album, nice relaxing, 3.5/5

Not quite as standout as Arab Strap but really enjoyed it. Some great moments on there.

I think I had maybe never listened to this - or possibly any B&S - all the way through before. You know, it's pretty good.

We listen to this in the car a lot (along with the rest of the B&S back catalogue). Having gotten used to how it sounds over terrible speakers with the drone of traffic in the background, it's surprising how rich it sounds over headphones via iTunes. I think I gave to my wife on vinyl for a Christmas present a few years ago. We've seen the band a bunch of times, including at ATP Minehead (Bowlie 2), talked about going to the Boatie w/e cruise in the Med, and have talked about going to the next one (if borders are open, the stars align etc). Good album.

A precocious debut from a band that went from strength to strength.

Enjoyable, if a little one paced. First band in this that I have seen live, albeit 5-6 years after this album. First Scottish band too, and quite a change of pace from Metallica! You're just a baby and I could be dreaming were my favourites after one listen

Surprising to see this album on the list, not because B&S don’t deserve to be but because later albums such as If You’re Feeling Sinister, The Boy With the Arab Strap and Dear, Catastrophe Waitress refine the model of easy going, dreamy, chamber pop with catchy choruses even further. This album points to the direction of travel, especially with the witty opener The State That I Am In (although I prefer the stripped back EP version without the added organ). A great band, great live (they love their fans). (If I have your attention, do check out The Avalanches remix of I’m A Cuckoo which is an interesting odd little gem)

Incredible song writing

Classic chamber pop album. Love the vocals and pretty instrumentals.

My favorite twee Brit-pop band. This one is better than the last one on the list and a step closer to the perfect 5 B&S album, but not quite there. A couple fives and a lot of other solid songs. Electronic Renaissance is off the beaten path and ahead of its time. Good listen.

interesting songs, lacks a real hitsong, great melodies and the topics are non standard

Everything I know about Belle and Sebastian is from the book and movie High Fidelity. I can say, that if this is sad, bastard music, I'm a sad bastard, and I don't know what you'd call "In the Wee Small Hours," which is way more sad, bastard than this. The State I'm In - interesting rhythm. This song builds nicely, and it's lyrically interesting. I am not quite sure of the message, but it is certainly from the perspective of someone with regrets. Expectations - Another jaunty song with cryptic and and verbose lyrics. This song mentions Velvet Underground, and I did get vibes of them with the style of this music. There's a coming of age bit in here that echoes the confusion of adolescence. She's Losing it - Another ironic song in that it is a happy tone with some real tragedy in the core. Feels like a continuation or appendix to Expectations. We are also getting names now: Chelsea, Lisa You're Just a Baby - More about school and an upbeat song that feels dangerously exploitative of a younger girl. And the album artwork gives that same sense. "Kiss me on the cheek before you know what's sweet?" But then he says you will be crying in the morning and you will be married in the morning, so maybe it's more about someone who's marrying the wrong guy. Electronic Renaissance - Clearly the first think I think of is Kraftwerk with this one. The electronic sound is a stark contrast to the first three songs. An attention to dates (at least years) is a theme. Also a rave/drug vibe here. I Could Be Dreaming - after the previous song about "dropping a pill and going," this feels like a continuation. Like someone's weird drug fantasy. We get a return to the idea that there's some abusive guy causing harm to a school girl. We Rule the School - Another song with a school theme. NC is another person we get named by initials, who is not Chelsea or Lisa I guess. Then the line, You Know the World was Made for Men repeated at the end. And then, "And not us." My Wandering Days Are Over - We get Michael named, and a sense of growing up. Leaving the disco boots behind, but also innocence. They also (Belle and Sebastian) name themselves in this song. Is this the song about how Belle and Sebastian got together? I don't Love Anyone - Stream of consciousness. I don't love anyone, well maybe my sister, maybe my brother? Reminds me of that scene from the Jerk when he says he doesn't need anything...nothing...well I need this. Mary Jo - Last song, another girl's name. Very High Fidelity I guess. Lots of women just listed. She's reading the book mentioned in the first song. This was a fun album. I feel like there's more to be read between the lines, but overall, this was a solid album of theme, instrumentals, lyrics, and ambition.

Gives me The Proclaimers vibes, really liked this album, would buy on CD if I saw it!

Favourite track is just a baby, proceeding song was aptly named Electronic renaissance, bringing a stylistic shift. That renaissance didn't last however, as I could be dreaming is gritty, grungy rock which is more in sync with the early 90's. My wandering days are over is a wonderfully dreamy jam. Never heard this before, really liked it.

Nice, sounds like the grandfather of a lot of similar music to come in the 00s onwards. I may have a bias towards this type of indie-pop, so although it sounds quite familiar, a very pleasant listen.

First pop album I really enjoyed, 8/10

Melodías dulces y tiernas que te alegran. A mi me levanta mucho el ánimo. No me parece igual un disco que me vuele la cabeza. Para mi es un "Ok esta re lindo" 4 efes

I like the style of singing, I will definitely come back to listen to it better

Made by a strange group from Glasgow. Fat-lipped vocal quality, a little wispy too. Lyrics are almost unfiltered in their simple, undressed honesty. The band’s center had just overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and that means everything. Each song is full and slight. Electric Renaissance strikes me.

Jangly guitars, atmospheric chords, some double-tracked vocals reminiscent of later Beatles, and the occasional trumpet accent. Interesting and varied.

Bright, breezy pop folk that was recorded at the other end of a long room to the band. I liked this one, even the distant production worked. Turn it down, put it it the background. It's nice.

Very driving beats, smooth trumpet lines, almost giving me Of Monsters and Men vibes, high energy, yet serene, favs - Expectations, I Don't Love Anyone

Best Songs: Electronic Renaissance, My Wandering Days Are Over Worst Song: Mary Jo

Gentle voices with good stories, no hate. Very good listening to this

I like Belle and Sebastian. I liked this album. Yes, I would listen to this again. 4 stars. Potential favorite tracks (but this was only a first listen): "My Wandering Days Are Over", "I Don't Love Anyone", "She's Losing It".

Awesome lyrics. Really good, took me by surprise.

I enjoyed Belle and Sebastian Tigermilk and more. Even added it to my You Tube music.

This absolutely slaps. More of this pls list

Chamber Pop at its finest. Belle & Sebastian show why they have been putting out music for years with some of their highest quality in a sweet and pleasant release.

Schönes verträumtes Album. Erinnert mich an Sommertage Ende der 90er. Nach der Schule direkt zum Schwimmen, lange Ferien und ein ganz anderes Zeitgefühl.

Mary Jo

false

On first listening I was disappointed. I was prepared to really love it. It was good, but not exceptional. I've listened to it 3 times now, and it's grown on me.

I've always had a huge soft spot for "twee-pop", despite absolutely hating the term twee-pop - I'm sure NME are to blame, they usually are. The world would be a little less fun without the jangly indie of twee bands from Talulah Gosh to the mighty Los Campesinos!, and Belle & Sebastian are up there with the very best of them. This isn't their best album but it's a strong debut, especially considering it was thrown together in a week and none of them had played together before recording. Oh, and the album cover is a woman breastfeeding some sort of toy tiger fish, so there's that.

Pues batstante chido, no esperaba pasármela bien con algo que en mi prejuicio suena a "rock indie". Supongo que por el eclecticismo del album me pareció chido, un poco de todo, ruido, synth, cuerdas clásicas, post punk vibes, ondita alternativa. Favs: She's losing it, Electronic Renaissance que está chida la idea, y My Wandering 0Days are Over. Mood: cuando dujeron I Don´t Love Anyone... I really felt that.

Sweet and almost soothing tracks. Nothing really struck me, but strong across the board.

Pretty cool. Need to listen again when in a sentimental type mood

Not the biggest fan of indie, but I found myself enjoying the songs and harmonies on this album. A good album overall.

Reminds me of 2000 - Hope St. Always preferred Boy with the Arab Strap, think the pop jangle of Dirty Dream #2, sold me on Belle and Sebastian.

It grew on me pretty quick... I liked Expectations and The State I'm In the most, though the rest of the album was enjoyable as well (Electronic Renaissance probably the least). Mellow style and engaging lyrics.

Upbeat, and diverse with rich tones and sounds

Album was so, so, but their later music was much better!

I really really enjoyed this. What a gem.

Incredibly strong for a first album. I didn't LOVE it like I've loved their newer stuff, but I was very impressed. Some of the lyrics are a bit out-there and sometimes uncomfortable, but the soundscapes and overall composition is exciting and unique.

What a cool little album. I'd heard of Belle and Sebastian for a long time (I think starting with High Fidelity), but I don't know that I'd ever actually listened to them. It was certainly different, but very fun to listened to. Solid alternative pop music 4/5

Entertaining and enjoyable indie pop with some good harmonies and melpdies

Lækker vellyd og feel-good easy listening rock pop. Absolut et genlyt værd

indie pop, twee pop

Uhhhhh... It's good

Very lovely. That's all I can say, really. I appreciated the atmosphere. 4.5, not quite 5 though.

Listened before

Really diverse set of offerings here. Astounding that it was recorded in five days as a school project. It’s like proto-Sufjan.

Better than I expected it to be since I always think Belle & Sebastian are gonna be lame because of the joke made about them in High Fidelity. Definitely something I'd be willing to give another listen down the road, reminded me of a early Snow Patrol but with less rock influence.

Perfectly pleasant but can't say it left much of an impression

Very impressed by this but I can't put my finger on why. Need more time but I'm also trying to keep up with the relentless LIST. First spin left me wanting more and definitely sounds ahead of its time. The first track sounds so good. Super clean and a pretty subtle but sick organ. What is that accent? Who are Belle and Sebastian? Do I need to know? Remins me of Vampire Weekend.

I like the Zach Galifianakis joke that his balls are named Belle & Sebastian. I liked this guys alot at one point - never this album though, so no nostalgia to worry about living up to. I still like their vibe, (Dear Catasrophe Waitress I think is their best? Anyone that writes a whole song about Mike Piazza is worth something), but they are definitely the white bread of indie pop, and this album is even more bland that their other stuff.

Bello

It was fine, but pretty boring. 5/10.

Tigermilk was an album I appreciated more than I loved. The songs are pleasant, melodic, and easy to listen to, but after the first few tracks, the similar vocal delivery started making everything blend together for me. There were enough changes to keep things interesting. “You’re Just a Baby” stood out, “Electronic Renaissance” offered a welcome change of sound, and “I Don’t Love Anyone” picked up the pace toward the end. Still, I kept coming back to the same thought: I’d probably enjoy these songs more sprinkled throughout a mixed playlist than listening to the entire album at once. Good coffee shop music. I’d happily listen if it were playing, but I’m probably not choosing it myself.

it was alright, that's about it. pleasant enough to score over 2 stars though!

I like them quite a bit and will likely listen again, but the lead singer’s voice is a little wimpy for me.

Average

It insists on itself.

Some good tracks but too slow for my taste. 2.5⭐️

Light and easy to listen to. Favourite Track(s): She's Losing It Least Favourite Track(s): Electronic Renaissance

Can’t not like a bit of B&S every now and then. 3.5 stars

What band does this remind me of? Donovan? It was nice?

mg pero no me voló la cabeza

Favorite Track: She's Losing It

Good listen! I had never listened to this album before. I’m somewhat familiar with Belle and Sebastian, but I’ve never really taken a full plunge into their catalog. I was pleasantly surprised by the album as a whole. I thought that it sounded very Kinks-esque. Overall, I didn’t think any tracks were significantly memorable, but the whole vibe was positive.

OK

бля обложка пиздос

A little too mumbly for me. I enjoyed it for what it was.

It seems I am but a simple hipster

Though it lacks the song craft that came later, there’s at least a wide sonic palette and occasionally a little power to counter-balance their sometimes overwhelming tweeness

I had never heard of this group. I thought this album was good and it left me with the desire to check out more if their discography. Another good find from the project.

Ok album. Har inga problem med att lyssna på det igen, men kanske inget att sätter på själv. Glad indiemusik.

The first impression is super deep, then it gets a bit mellow and repetitive. 3.

I'll fully admit, the most-liked review of this album initially biased me against it. It's not that I'm some massive Eagles stan who's just SO INCENSED that anyone would dare take their name in vain, no. I know how many people quote that one scene from 'The Big Lebowski.' I'm used to it. I just don't think we should kid ourselves about "authenticity." As if the Eagles were only craking out soulless product just because they made slickly produced soft country rock — just as Belle And Sebastian aren't any more soulful and "real" just because they made twee-ass soft indie pop. They're all performers; everything they do is an act, to one extent or another. But just because they're acts doesn't mean there's not any soul in them. Of course, soulless music DOES exist; go look at the A.I.-generated album Tyga put out if you want proof of that. When I listen to "Desperado", however, I can get some pretty clear emotions out of that — ones that, y'know, probably wouldn't exist if the Eagles were truly only just pumping out product they didn't believe in. Similar goes for 'Tigermik' as a whole: I don't believe that Belle And Sebastian didn't believe in their music. What I mean is, it'd be very easy to make the argument that Belle And Sebastian are just pandering to the twee hipster crowd. "Look at OUR TABLE; it's so HAND-CRAFTED and ARTISAN and REAL. Not like those tables that probably came from IKEA! Ours carry STORIES!" So on, so on. It'd be an easy argument to flip. I'll freely admit, there were points during the album I was getting that impression. Maybe because of that review, or maybe I always would've thought that anyway. I suppose I'll never fully know. But thinking about it carefully: no, I don't believe this music is pandering. I think it's legit, just as so much other music (and art in general) is legit. Though of course, just because I think it's "legit" doesn''t mean I LOVE it. I didn't have a bad time with this album, far from it. If I was more into this variety of twee indie pop, I could tell, this album and Belle And Sebastian as a whole could probably be favorites. But halfway through this album, I did actually put on "Lyin' Eyes" and "Desperado", and I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy those more. Possibly because I'm more familiar with them than all of 'Tigermilk,' sure, but the point still remains. It's good, but just not exactly for me, and I came out the other side thinking it's just fine And that's the opinions portion of the babble. But however I feel about it, I just can't call it inauthentic. As if that would mean anything anyway; I'm sure I like plenty of music from people who didn't mean it. It's entirely possible that the Eagles never actually did, or that Belle And Sebastian didn't. Sometimes I think plastic can be pretty. But Belle And Sebastian aren't, and neither are the Eagles. I can feel them through their music. And whether or not I like their stuff, if I can feel it... That can be worth a whole of a lot more sometimes.

Chill vibes 3/5

Quand même cool en vrais

The 90s was a bit of a lawless wasteland. This was all over the place. Track 4 was a disco electronic bop? Some ballads in there. Some rock riffs. I think my favorite track was the first one with the piano and vocals especially.

Lindo como siempre B&S ... Pero no me mató ninguna canción.

Melodic and pretty

This is a very good album made for someone else.

A lovely album. Perfect early morning music to enjoy while drinking coffee.

Nice listen...their songs all kind of bleed together so I think I'll keep it at a 3.

Classic indie pop rock. Nothing super special but still enjoyable.

Reminds me of Nick Drake in terms of vocal delivery, and the folk vibes. -1 for the cover art though.

This may be the most three-star album ever made.

Highlights: Electronic Renaissance I could be dreaming Good music to lose focus to. It's weird because I remember there being more interesting instruments for indie pop like the violin and the trumpet but I don't remember those songs as much as the highlights. High 3

It's ok. Not really anything to get excited about for me though.

The cover has me asking some questions. The songs don't, really. It's unobtrusive, bordering on a bit bland. But I just gave a pseudo-tango-fusion-wallpaper-muzak album 2 stars, so this deserves at least 3.

it’s fine

I never quite know what to do with this genre: it's easy to listen to, but also feels like it sacrifices creativity to be safe and inoffensive. This was certainly more adventurous, fun, and higher quality than things like the XX or Arcade Fire, so I guess it gets bump

Pretty good actually -

I tend to want to write this off as some absurdity, but it's fine. Not my cup of milk, as it were, it certainly started drifting into annoyance toward the end. And the album cover... let's just say I hate it. So a three with caveats, I suppose.

I don't know. it's a decent debut record. All the elements are here, but they didn't really come into their own, compositionally, until their second album. Not sure this one really needs to be on here.

Good but it got really shriekey and shrill. Didn't like that.

Sorpresivo, interesante y deprimente a su vez, no porque álbum sea malo, sino porque algunas canciones te tocan el corazón. Igualmente es aburrido por momentos al estar siempre en esta misma vibra. Recomiendo pero no es para todos.

Nice and easy. Great mood, melodies, and interesting songwriting.

This is #day701 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… here's to crossing another band off the list, as this is my second and final Belle & Sebastian record. There was a time in my life, a little more than ten years ago, when I probably wouldn't have minded this kind of music. Today, though, not quite. That kind of cheery, cozy mood isn't for me. Let it be a 3 out of 5 as well (the same rating I gave If You're Feeling Sinister a while back). Looking forward to #day702.

It's nice, but I've never quite understood the hype around Belle & Sebastian.

Decent 3.5/5. Not really a style of music that resonates with me but it's fine.

Imagine if Burt Bacharach collaborated with Simon & Garfunkel or if Elliott Smith didn't live with crippling depression, then you have a general idea of Belle & Sebastian's sound on its debut Tigermilk. Their strength is blending mellow folk with a poppy flair. Although the album is a bit samey, there are a few standouts that encapsulate what the band does best. The strummed guitars and horn and strings of "Expectations" blend a Simon & Garfunkel sound with Scottish accented vocals. "My Wandering Days Are Over" and "She's Losing It" have equally poppy vibes and feature horn solos. Sometimes the band get a bit too artsy in their songs, which is a lane they don't do as well in. "Electronic Renaissance" has an 80's art rock bent featuring weird electronic sounds and highly processed vocals. Meanwhile, "I Could Be Dancing" moves from Disney Electric Light Parade-esque synths to someone reading what sounds like a school essay at the end. This song is a bit too "quirky" for my liking. Weirdly, "I Don't Love Anyone" seems to jack the chord progression of "Only Wanna Be with You" by Hootie & the Blowfish. I doubt that was intentional, but it definitely stood out to me. Overall, if you like orchestral pop on the vein of the Moody Blues and the aforementioned Simon & Garfunkel, Burt Bacharach, and Elliott Smith, you'll enjoy the interesting chamber pop of Belle & Sebastian.

6.5

I appreciate this album as this paved the way for Belle Sebastian's illustrious career. This album is very muted and dull compared to their later work. I do love how they went a little more experimental with Electronic Renaissance.

If a Kentucky high school marching band did Neutral Milk Hotel. I got the sense that the lyrics were mostly unprofound throughout. I enjoyed Electronic Renaissance and didn't mind the album otherwise. 3 but no higher

Ljúf og fín plata sem náði aldrei að vekja neina athygli hjá mér og verður því líklega plata sem ég gleymi fljótt

Donovan without (as much) acid

Favorite Track: Electronic Renaissance

I like Belle & Sebastian- despite this albums reputation I’ve always preferred “if you’re feeling sinister”, everything that’s great about that album is here. Well structured songs, tightly packed vocals and varied instrumentation. I suppose it just lacks some of the dynamics of later albums. Still plenty to enjoy

Nice little groovy album, some cool tracks on here, I do like B&S, without loving them

3.5/5

idem met Fred Neil. Kmoet wel zeggend dat de naam Tigermilk wel gewoon leuk is.

Wat een keigoede album coverart! Maar zou de plaat dan niet milktiger moeten heten? Of omdat het uit haar borst komt en het aan de tijger geeft, geeft zij dus tigermilk? Deze plaat komt uit 1996, maar het eerste liedje voelt niet nineties, eerder ouder. Het heeft ook wel wat weg van John Denver; Leaving on a jet plane. Ik word niet heel warm van deze plaat, zelfs niet in deze godvergeten aardverschroeiende hitte.

Indie rock

90’s alt rock

Belle & Sebastian are a mood listen for me. I can appreciate their significance, but need to be up for the understated, melancholy rhythms. Getting there though.

Felt like a Zooey Deschanel of their time album

A decent indie record with a lot of uniqueness to the lyrics, creative song structures and good pacing. The singer has a strange boyishness to him which really fits with the sound they are going for. Unremarkable at times, but otherwise pleasant and entertaining on a first listen. 3.5/5

creo que lo tengo que escuchar devuelta con auris para apreciarlo, porque siento que tiene muy lindos sonidos, pero me perdi mientras trabajaba

I already knew The State I Am In before listening to this. Seems a shame we've two of their albums on the list butt no room for Mogwai or Arab Strap, two other Scottish indie acts of this era. It was pretty good but a bit twee.

Pretty good. Very Nick Drake inspired. Probably won't revisit, but I had a good time.

Surprised me, dig the soulful stylings and well written songs.

It started out really strong but the last songs blew it for me. That was a bit too whiny.

2026.06.09

The sound is cute and mostly harmless, but the inclusion of two of their albums on a list of 1001 I must hear before I die is yet another example of the proximity bias of the list. A fine but generally unremarkable UK group from the 1990s is deemed worthy of double acknowledgement, while Warren Zevon gets none? In what universe does that make sense?

Raro

It’s a run of the mill indie folk album. Not bad, but not sure this was a must listen to album.

This was absolutely alright.

Loved it, it's cohesive in terms of sound, but much like their second record, it laks ambition to truly be one of the greats. I like the writing in particular in some of the tracks, like I don't love anyone. But I also think in the middle of the record there are some songs that get very bland and meh, and that is a tragedy, cause it could have been much higher. But for a first record, that is often my expectation, and this one is sweet and charming if not perfect

I do love belle & Sebastian, just this felt slightly dated, perhaps I just wasn't in the mood

Not too bad. Some decent tracks. But so twee I thought Zoe Deschanel was going to jump out of my speakers and offer me a cardigan

i like she's losing it! the middle of the album i sort of started losing interest. when canon in d started playing in we rule the school i think i died a little.

This is a tough one. I never really listened to these guys at the time, but I recognize this as being very influential to a lot of my least favourite 2000s-ish music. But there’s something to it. It’s kind of rough around the edges, which you don’t hear in a lot of kinda wimpy indie rock stuff. Like maybe there were good lessons to be learned from Belle & Sebastian, but the right ones didn’t stick. I guess what I’m saying is this is fine, in a vacuum, which is one of the main waits an album can get an unenthusiastic 3.

As always, plus one for horns. This is my second B&S album from the list. I liked the first one better.

This album is like a lullaby from a beige op-shop cardigan that has been brought to life.

Not as bad as i expected. But not something ill go back to.

Belle & Sebastian – Tigermilk (1996) It was a great and warm listen, but there wasn't anything particularly special about it to make it stand out. The one major exception for me was "I Don't Love Anyone" (titled "I Don't Love Anyone" on the tracklist), which I really liked. Aside from that highlight, it lands right in the middle. 3/5

nice listening for a hot sunny day, probably won't ever listen to it again and i suspect if i'd got this one on a horrible rainy day i'd have given it a 2

Indie Rock to chill and study Favorite Song: Electronic Renaissance, I Could Be Dreaming

I quite enjoyed this one. I don’t usually get the appeal of this band but I found myself drawn to a number of tracks

A mix of weird feeling with this, some songs are cool. My favourite are: "You're Just a Baby" "My Wandering Days Are Over" "Electronic Renaissance" It didn't give me the goosebump, but i find it a good album.

Не поціновувач гурту, проте не можу не відзначити, що тут є хороші пісні. Скоріше трохи не мій стиль.

Важко сказати чому, але маю певний сентимент до цього гурту. При цьому я навряд зможу назвати умовно 3 пісні. Але є щось добре в музиці Belle & Sebastian, щось дуже таке чарівне. 3.5 ставлю.

Ok, not bad, entirely forgettable though

Oh come on, more late-90s hipster indie folk? Really? Anyway, this wasn't too interesting. It has some bits that were actually pretty good, but the whole album was just meh. The lyrics were nothing special, but the songcraft is easily the best part. The pointless synth track in the middle of the album ruins its pacing. In summary, this is a 3 star album. It's good in places, but not stellar as a whole.

Tigermilk is a really lovely album, and I was pleased to see it come up on a sunny Friday morning. I’ve always liked Belle and Sebastian, and this album is a great example of their unique style and sound. Their music feels whimsical, beautiful, and eclectic, blending indie pop with thoughtful storytelling in a way that was very different from much of what was around at the time. Every song is packed with lovely lyrics, and the album flows naturally from start to finish. While I probably prefer later albums like The Boy with the Arab Strap and tracks such as Step Into My Office, Baby, this is still a really enjoyable listen. I especially love Stuart Murdoch’s voice. It’s soft, understated, and perfect for storytelling. His lyrics really connect throughout the album, and songs like The State I Am In feel deeply personal while still being relatable and meaningful. Favourite tracks: Mary Jo, Expectations, and The State I Am In are all lovely tracks. Least favourite tracks: Every song deserves its place on the album. Album artwork: Like most Belle & Sebastian covers, it’s simple, stylish, and thoughtfully designed.

I’m pretty sure I’ve only heard a couple of Belle & Sebastian songs before today, and never thought much of them. They just seemed a bit too quiet for my tastes. But this project forces us to listen more intently, so I thought maybe I’d think differently after playing the album. What I found was that I very much enjoyed them musically. Most of the songs sounded different and were melodic and…pleasant. The lyrics that I could understand seemed intriguing, especially in comparison to the music. What I did not at all like were the vocals. I found Stuart Murdoch’s voice very annoying on most of the tracks and it took away from my overall enjoyment. The two songs that stood out for me were Electronic Renaissance (vocals recorded differently)and I Don’t Love Anyone (I found it more tolerable for some reason).

Tiene rollo chachi, pero no me genera nada nuevo :(

Fun little tunes about normal life

Singer reminds me of Sufjan Stevens. Album was easy listening.

It’s like 60s pop but with not so happy, sappy lyrics. The darkness of the lyrics were the most interesting part of this record and I’d listen to it again. This would be one of those 3.5 records but I can’t round up to 4. The music had nice melodies but nothing hit me.

This was fine, but felt samey after a while. 2.8

Not bad

Imagine if The Postal Service and Jack Johnson had a baby that wasnt as musically catchy.

Favorite songs: The State I Am In, She’s Losing It, I Could Be Dreaming, We Rule the School, I Don’t Love Anyone

Songs are pleasant though the overall sound of the album lacks variety. Really disliked the album cover on this one, found it rather offputting.

I don’t know if I have ever heard them before, although it sounded familiar. The album was fine