Brilliant and Silly Bits of Belle and Sebastian

Belle & Sebastian... who are these people?! How do they manage to mix so many genres together, and why does the end result appeal to me so much!?! I can't even begin to list all the bands Belle & Sabastian remind me of, 60s rock, 70s easy listening, 80s synth rock, all mix with modern doses of indie fare, poppy hooks, and bubblegum. This is not a band to miss out on, even if your imagination isn't enticed by their bizarre blend of music, I think you'll be a better person for having listened to them.

Reviews:
Pitchforkmedia's Scott Plagenhoef - 7.5/10.0 ...Dear Catastrophe Waitress ranks as one of the most delightful surprises of the year, although that's primarily because I'd completely given up on them. [...] It's not at all what one might call a "return to form"; rather, it's a large step toward a new, more appealing direction than the band had otherwise been heading. At present, they're almost a new entity entirely...

What other bloggers have to say:
EJ at SceneStars.net offers some kind words and a stream of their latest album The Life Pursuit.

Purchase from Amazon

Exercises for the reader:
Step Into My Office, Baby
Lord Anthony
Roy Walker

There are so many other gems on this album, the last song in particular "Stay Loose" is brilliant, the beginning of the song goes like this:

I was choking on a cornflake
You said “Have some toast instead”

Rick White's Recent Writes

Ethereal folk rock! Sweet vocals and racing guitar licks full of finger picking fun abound on this, Rick White's, first solo album. I have been leaning more towards folk styles lately and this album has struck a chord with me. The album feels emotionally heavy, often feeling dark and foreboding but one is never too far from an uplifting and upbeat rock chorus.

Interweb Links:
Check out Rick White's space here (including two more songs): http://www.myspace.com/rickwhitefanpage

Purchase from Sonicunyon.com

Exercises for the reader:
The Clock
Let's Ride Again
I Don't See You