Dear Catastrophe Waitress - Belle and Sebastian Album Review

Dear Catastrophe Waitress - Belle and Sebastian Album Review

 

Album Review

A band I have heard rave reviews and reports about, but never having tried them, this was my chance. I had the idea that they are a very varied band, who couldn't be nailed down. Was it to be the same now they had moved record companies, well judging by the first listen, their creativity had not been decreased in any way shape or form. Eclectic and wryness shine out through each song, each of which sounds uncannily like it has been done before, yet you cannot pinpoint where you have heard it, or by whom.

The humourously entitled opener, "Step Into My Office Baby" is as witty and quirky as the title suggests.

"She'd never stand for any lies, she's got an out tray full of guys,

I could sense a breath, a whole new feeling, now she says she wants to call a meeting"

Incorporating soft vocals with orchestral strings, organs, and upbeat backing guitars to produce an unforgettable rhythm, before you know it, the vocals (like many of the songs on the album) have moved onto a beach boys style.

The old time Belle and Sebastian fans will welcome title track "Dear Catastrophe Waitress," the sound they know and love, conveying ideas of living a life that is less than perfect, more orchestral instruments and guitars, but with the added clear sound of a trumpet this time.

It is not until you reach Piazza, New York Catcher, that things really begin to stand out. As the song goes on, you realise it's laid out like a poem, with no chorus, each verse with the same number of lines, and a poetic lilt to the vocals, a real highlight of the album. Musically the song is sparse and is the first acoustic guitar only track on the album, there is a down key idea to it, but the song is catchy all the same. The lyrics are a matter of personal taste, some quirky, others witty, and some not for everyone, but certainly something to listen for.

Asleep on a sunbeam is a low key pleasant sort of album filler only idea, likeable and dreamy. The reason it deserves a mention is that it's Isobel Campbell's regular turn to sing on the album, and her dreamy vocals are worth drawing to your attention, as are the guitar and trumpet solos, music wise.

"Im a Cuckoo" is worthy of it's sentiment, a down cast idea, but cheerful tune. A story of two school misfits, both positively different, and not following the crowd. The tune has a jazzy feel throughout.

"You were wearing funny shoes, you were going to a dance

You were dressed like a punk, but you are too young to remember"

One grows up to follow the crowd, and the other stays strong minded, meaning they drift apart, however both wish each other well.

"I'd rather be in Tokyo, I'd rather listen to Thin Lizzy-oh"

From now on, it seems we have stepped back in time thirty of forty years to enter a 60s, and 70s time warp, from the word go "You don't send me" has cheeky 70s backing vocals reminiscent of the 1970s, incorporating upbeat retro music, and helping to lift the mood with tuneful mixed vocals, producing a fun lightheartedness that has you singing along. More 60s and 70s in "Wrapped up in books" has an impressive guitar riff to open, with an organ added later, followed by more retro style vocals. The lyrics on here are often cryptic, but interesting to hear.

"Our aspirations were wrapped up in books,

Our inclinations are hidden in looks"

The real 60s groove kicks in on "Roy Walker," which utilises pure summer pop, and even stronger beach boys- esque vocals, complete with catchy clicking of fingers.

"I wondered all night, I wondered all night, and you" is repeated like a chorus sticking in the most closed of minds.

As the last tune "Stay Loose" kicks in, you'd think the Inspiral Carpets had invaded the album, as the unmistakable sound of the organ begins the tune, to close, this is one of those songs you cannot pinpoint, but sounds annoyingly familiar. Echoy vocals in a sinister key grab you. The chorus is a contrast in itself, as they suddenly become cheerful and lighthearted. To go out with a bang, Belle and Sebastian include an intriguing guitar solo, which is crystal clear, and joins with a second guitar providing a classic effect.

An album full of twists and surprises, there is no disappointment if you expect variety, hopefully new fans will emerge, and the long time fans will stay faithful.

Katherine Tomlinson

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