Belle & Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress (Rough Trade, 2003)

Belle & Sebastian
Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Rough Trade
2003

Rating: 7 slutty secretaries out of 10

Since this is the first album for Belle & Sebastian on a label other than Matador and without mainstay member Isobel Campbell (who has released her own solo CD which is quite good), the expectations and anticipations were varied as to what the outcome of this new record might be. And I was relieved to discover - it’s great. Some fans may be disappointed with the new direction of some of the songs (lots of horns! Upbeat songs! ELO influence! Trevor Horn production!), but I feel there’s not only enough of the classic B&S flavor for us old timers, but I actually like the new material as well. There are a number of quality tracks – ‘Wrapped Up In Books”, “Step into My Office, Baby”, “Dear Catastrophe Waitress”, and most importantly “I’m a Cuckoo”, which is probably my favorite song by them since their early days. Although not their best record (if you’re new to the group go pick up “Tigermilk” or “If You’re Feeling Sinister”, two of the greatest pop releases of the last 10 years), it certainly stands up to most of their other releases and is obviously better than that “storytelling” fiasco.