Music Under Fire

Over ten years ago a group named Belle and Sebastian hit the atmosphere in England with a uniquely hallowed indie sound. Although never defined by catchy pop or zany music videos the group has truly captured the sound waves they blessed. Here is my thank you.

In 2002, one of my friends snuck into my college dorm room and went onto my computer while I was at some meeting and downloaded over 20 Belle and Sebastian songs. Surprised by this new addition to my computer (already overwhelmed with Radiohead and Ben Folds Five albums), I became slowly entranced in the array of instruments (guitar, cello, drums, keyboard, bass, violin, etc...) playing to my every dream. Never had one group in such an inerrant fashion wound their thread of talents into my life. Since my first listen to “The Loneliness of a Middle Distance Runner” during my track and field days in college to my most recent listen to “Fox in the Snow” late last night, my heart has remained one degree warmer from their sun-bathed efforts.

Now years since B&S came into my life, I have dabbled between their first release of Tigermilk to 2006’s release of The Life Pursuit only to find the same full-fledged emotion time and time again. Most recently I was pleased to find two tracks on the Juno soundtrack. Although not new tracks from Belle and Sebastian, “Expectations” from If Your Feeling Sinister (11/96) and “Piazza, New York Catcher” from Dear Catastrophe Waitress (10/03), their presence on the soundtrack serve as a quiet testament to a group that will undoubtedly transcend our time. Thanks once again.

If you want to get a taste of Belle and Sebastian, check out their site to see what they are up to.