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Dear Catastrophe Waitress was a make or break album for Belle & Sebastian. Having lost two founder members (Stuart David to Looper and Isobel Campbell to the Gentle Waves) and produced a couple of endearing but not hugely exciting albums (their soundtrack to Todd Solondz's Storytelling film and their own Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant), the pressure was on for the Scottish indie-pop six-piece to provide a startling return to form.
The presence of Trevor Horn (the man behind Tatu and Frankie Goes to Hollywood) as producer suggested that a stylistic leap was imminent. But would it be at the cost of the group's unique charm? Thankfully not. Chief songwriter Stuart Murdoch has clearly been listening to a lot of Randy Newman and Joe Jackson, along with a touch of Thin Lizzy, and Horn manages to meld these new influences with the trademark B&S sound. "Step into My Office Baby" is orchestral pop with a cheeky, almost raucous bent. "If She Wants Me" pulls off a flirtation with Orange Juice-style funk, while "Stay Loose" could be Squeeze covering "Space Oddity". On the more traditional B&S songs (the title track, "Wrapped Up in Books", live favourite "Lord Anthony"), the ante is upped simply by the quality of songwriting, which is a match for anything from the Tigermilk glory days.
For a band whose best work seemed long behind them, Dear Catastrophe Waitress is just what was ordered. Not simply a return to form, but a bright new future. --Ian Watson
Amazon.co.uk Review
Derivative but classy
I bought this on the strength of reviews, recommendations and hearing a couple of tracks on the radio. Otherwise, I know nothing about Belle and Sebastian, so I view this album on its own merits. It's one of those albums with which you can play spot the reference. The title track's orchestral flourishes and vocal style are, for example, straight out of Love's 'Forever Changes'. 'I'm A Cuckoo' not only mentions Thin Lizzy, but has a style reminiscent of 'The Boys Are Back In Town'. 'Wrapped Up In Books' borrows the melody from an old Cliff Richard hit, 'In The Country'. 'Piazza' could be based on any chirpy 1960s folk song.
Fortunately, the album is blessed with a diverse range of lovely arrangements, some strong melodies and vivid lyrics. The best material, however, tends to come in the first half of the album and the band occasionally lapse into light, bland material. A bit uneven, then, and I can understand why long-time fans might be disappointed. A good album, but not one that has me rooting out the rest of their catalogue.
a gentle effort from the gentile
Belle and Sebastian knock out some pretty good indie tunes. Over a long career they haven't exactly come very far so chances are if you liked the early stuff you'll like this. Its a fairly decent, pop album featuring the gentle stuff their fans have become accustomed too.
This album is great to relax to but it won't set your world on fire. Perhaps due to its almost trite lyrical content that at points sounds very contrieved and almost childish. This is salvaged by a lush, rich arrangement for their songs and good vocals.
Overall this indie album isn't really fast or strong enough but its nice and provides a good afternoons worth of relaxation and unwinding.
Good Stuff
Most of the Songs on here are absolutely amazing. Really good spontanious indie pop. I have several Belle and Sebastian albums and this is one of the best. Stay Loose is the massive highlight of the album. One of my favourite songs of all time. However; I only gave this 4 stars because its not all brilliant. The song 'If you find yourself caught in Love' is absolute dross and 'Asleep on a sunbeam' isn't the best thing you'll ever hear. Apart from those minor setbacks I'd still have to get this album. Or possibly start with the newly released greatest hits then start buying the albums.
Alex Ross, 2005-06-04Too good to complain about
Is this my favourite B&S album? Well, at the moment it is because I'm listening to it as I type and it is just sooo good. But later I'll probably listen to Tigermilk and decide that that's my favourite again. And then I'll put on Sinister and...!
I can't add much that other reviewers haven't already said - B&S haven't changed anything. Neither though, have they rested on their laurels and the songwriting is as strong as ever. And there still isn't anyone that comes close to Stuart Murdoch as a lyricist around today. (And I am including Morrissey in that, he's just got too bitter and political.)
The musicianship is faultless, the arrangements are strong. The production means that the band has lost some of it's low-fi charm, but the strength of the songs more than makes up for that. The harmonies are sharp, the music is always the right side of sickly sweet, and colourful enough to support the imagary in the lyrics. I'd be hard pushed to name any favourites, but then I'd be hard pushed to name a duff track (something that couldn't be said of the last couple of albums).
Don't know what I think of them releasing singles rather than EPs. Was wonderful to hear I'm a cuckoo getting radio play, but the selfish part of me wants to keep it so that I'm one of the few that knows how good this band are! I guess they are still a fan's band. Also, don't know what I think about Ms. Cambell leaving. To be honest, I never really rated her as a songwriter, and I prefer Sarah's voice anyway. (She's really good on this record by the way).
Ok, here's my favourites: I'm a cuckoo is the best pop song this decade, Asleep on a sunbeam captures the mood of summer perfectly and also has some wonderful harmonies. Piazza, New York Catcher is blissfully simple, and If you find yourself caught in love is beautiful and is lyrically brilliant. Best stop there before I name the whole tracklist!
, 2004-11-18Belle & Sebastian's steady decline continues
What has happened to Belle & Sebastian? This once great band has produced yet another turkey. Was the loss of origanal members, Stuart David and Isabel Cambel or has Stuart Murdoch run out ideas. The album 'Fold Your Hands...' was the start of the decline but this album has no redeeming features apart from 'Lord Anthony' a song that is over five years old. Do your self a favour avoid this album and try the first three albums and the early EPs.
Michael K, 2004-09-09