Search - Belle & Sebastian :: Bbc Sessions

The kids never sounded better

R. Sundquist | Madison, Wisconsin | 12/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ten out of fourteen songs on this disc have been previously released, on Belle & Sebastian's first four albums, so there's little to surprise fans of the group. What makes it worthwhile is the way these songs were recorded: they've got a very close, intimate feel that makes it sound as if you are in a cosy cafe listening to the band play their greatest hits to a small audience. "Stars of Track and Field", "Judy and the Dream of Horses", and "Sleep the Clock Around" all sound wonderful.



The new songs are a little more unexpected, dating as they do from several years ago. "Shoot the Sexual Athlete" is a bit more experimental in its rhythm than most B&S tunes, but is actually quite nice once it gets going. "My Girl's Got Miraculous Technique" is perhaps a more standard Stuart Murdoch song, and would have sounded right at home on "Fold Your Hands Child..." along with "A Woman's Realm" and "There's Too Much Love".



All in all it's a pleasant little collection to pass the time until another proper album appears."

This will tide you over while waiting for new material

David D. Hamm | Madison, WI | 12/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been waiting for a new Belle and Sebastian album... This one doesn't have new material, but it's different enough from the originals and the mix is entertaining. At first I didn't like the sound quality... It kind of sounds like you're listening to an AM radio broadcast... But I quickly got over that and now find that to be part of the album's charm...



Be warned that there are two versions of this album out... One contains a second disk full of live material... I didn't get that one and now I wish I did."