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Belle & Sebastian's BBC Sessions

Review of John Peel Sessions and Rare Belle and Sebastian Tracks

Nov 12, 2008 Matthew Whelihan

Indie-Pop Veterans Belle and Sebastion have a new disc collecting their BBC Sessions that is both lovely and predictable.

Since the mid-90s Belle and Sebastian have been penning some of the most delicate and detailed songs in indie-pop. On album after album they have successfully mixed elements of sunny '60s singles with the diverse instrumentation of chamber pop. Now the Scottish seven-piece have compiled their five trips to BBC studios on one disc. The tracks, which span from 1996 to 2005 and include a session with the famed and recently passed-away John Peel, features an alternative take on "Lazy Line Painter Jane," as well as four unreleased songs. Despite these nuggets however, BBC Sessions often feels more like a greatest hits disc than a live one thanks to the fact that each song is recorded in a pristine manner.

Opener: "The State I Am In"

The disc opens with the serene and hushed "The State I Am In." With its soft acoustic guitar, lightly-clicking drums, and pleasant electric guitar and piano compliments, the song serves as an introduction for what is to come; a disc of cheery indie-pop that feels like it would be just as at home in some secluded grotto as a subdued coffee shop.

BBC Sessions Tracks

Follow ups "Like Dylan in the Movies" and "Judy and the Dream of Horses" continue to exhibit well-produced live recordings. Backing vocals always blend perfectly, while the large array of instruments employed never get muddled or lost. Listen as the horns come in on "Judy and the Dream of Horses" for example.

The classic "Stars of Track and Field" sounds almost too perfect. Besides a bit of tape hiss the track wreaks of the group's studio work. Yes, this is a testament to the band's excellent live show and undeniable musical skill, but it also makes for somewhat of an expected listen. Luckily the group's differing version of "Lazy Line Painter Jane" (here simply titled "Lazy Jane") breaks up this alternate-take studio feel.

Alternate Version of "Lazy Line Painter Jane"

"Lazy Jane" saunters out of the gate like a mellow slab of alt-country. The drum beat is a peppy push that drives along a jangling acoustic guitar, warm lead, and even vibraphone. It's a nice change to remind the listener that the tracks here are indeed live.

Belle and Sebastian BBC Sessions Worth It?

The BBC Sessions work as an excellent introduction to Belle and Sebastian or a necessary addition for completists who, in the past, have only been able to snatch up the Peel Session songs here on bootleg. Otherwise, much of this disc does feel a bit too much like a greatest hits compilation or diehard-fan mix.

The copyright of the article Belle & Sebastian's BBC Sessions in Indie Music is owned by Matthew Whelihan. Permission to republish Belle & Sebastian's BBC Sessions in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Belle and Sebastian