Belle and Sebastian
Girls In Peacetime Want To Dance
Reviewed by: Dan Williams
“She says ‘be popular, play pop’ and you will win my love”
I love this record. This is the ninth album by Belle & Sebastian, a Glasgow band of very talented musicians formed in 1996. There are six members of the band headed by lead singer/songwriter Stuart Murdoch. By this point, many bands run out of steam and begin recycling their earlier work. Not this band.
Sure, they still have an Indie Pop style with catchy melodies and intimate lyrics. This album sees them stretch into unfamiliar and unexpected territory. There are a couple songs with a dance vibe, especially “Play for Today” which feels like a long lost gem from Abba! Murdoch and singer/violinist Sarah Martin share vocal duties in this perfect Scandinavian Pop tune. The melody is cheery, but the lyrics take us into the mind of a boy creating a story about dysfunctional families, make believe characters and monsters. Disarming? You bet.
Equally disarming is my favorite cut, “The Everlasting Muse”. In this case, Murdoch sings a gentle, quiet and beautiful mid-tempo melody about his search for his “raven haired” muse. But the melody is interrupted with a jarring, disjointed middle eight resembling a gypsy tavern sing along complete with bouzoukis and mandolins. He explains her many talents and songwriting skills before moving back to the original melody of his search. But this time his lyrics are answered in counterpoint in Sarah Martin’s voice. She confirms his self doubt (“but your phrases are poor”) but offers songwriting direction. The story wraps up with his admission that his songs are only possible with the help of his muse: “And on the napkin silk / She weaves a manuscript with skill / An intro, outro, middle 8 / A tapestry of words / A subtle gift to modern rock / She says “be popular, play pop” / And you will win my love.
“Nobody’s Empire” is the first single and is perfect for radio play. The upbeat melody and hook are immediately memorable and as the lead-off song, took me back to a ‘70’s singer/songwriter era dominated by UK artists. In fact, Murdoch’s crystal clear and almost playful voice reminds me of fellow Scot and British Folk Revivalist, Al Stewart of “Year of the Cat” fame.
The song is autobiographical as it recounts his difficulties with chronic fatigue syndrome during his early years. “Lying on my bed I was reading French / With the light too bright for my senses / From this hiding place, life was way too much / It was loud and rough round the edges” Pretty heavy, but all the while delivered with a pleasant melody and lovely instrumentals where one enjoys the ride.
This is a twelve song offering with top notch production and seasoned, enthusiastic musicians. Wonderful selection of instruments with a welcome light touch on digital effects. Big modern sound when appropriate and skillful pull back where needed. This album is all about catchy, well-made songs that take us on journeys. As wonderful as the production and musicianship is, this is a collection of tunes where the vocals and song writing are front and center. Right where they belong.
Rating: Iconic
