The BBC Sessions [Vinyl] Review
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. Fourteen gorgeous tracks recorded for the BBC between 1996 and 2001. At the time, the group rarely performed live, so all these songs are noticeably different from the studio versions. The regular CD includes an additional four unreleased songs from their classic early Jeepster period. The limited, deluxe double CD contains an entire live show broadcast on BBC Evening Session in mid-2001 with another four never before heard songs. Eight-page booklet in the regular CD (six-page booklet in the deluxe version). Gatefold HQ 180 gram vinyl.
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Customer Reviews
This will tide you over while waiting for new material - David D. Hamm - Madison, WI
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.
Jul 01, 2010 21:37:11
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