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EspañolBELLE & SEBASTIAN
(Redirected from Belle and Sebastian)
'Belle & Sebastian' are an indie pop band formed in Glasgow, Scotland in January 1996.
Belle & Sebastian have much in common with influential indie bands such as The Smiths and Felt, and have more recently taken in the influences of northern soul and funk.
After releasing a number of albums and EPs on Jeepster Records, they are now signed to Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom and Matador Records in the United States.
The current members are:
★ Stuart Murdoch: 1996–present (vocals, guitar and keyboards)
★ Stevie Jackson: 1996–present (vocals and guitar)
★ Chris Geddes: 1996–present (keyboards)
★ Richard Colburn: 1996–present (drums)
★ Sarah Martin: 1997–present (violin, keyboards, guitar, and vocals)
★ Mick Cooke: 1998–present (trumpet and bass)
★ Bobby Kildea: 2001–present (guitar and bass)
Past members:
★ Isobel Campbell: 1996–2002 (vocals and cello)
★ Stuart David: 1996–2000 (bass)
Belle & Sebastian were formed in Glasgow, January 1996, when Stuart Murdoch met bassist Stuart David. Together they recorded some demos with Stow College music professor Pilar Duplac, which were picked up by the college's Music Business course which, every year, produces and releases a single on the college's label, Electric Honey. As the band had a number of songs already and the label were extremely impressed with the demos, Belle & Sebastian (named after ''Belle et Sébastien'', a children's book by French writer Cécile Aubry) were allowed to record a full-length album: ''Tigermilk''.
It was rumoured that "Belle" referred to Isobel (Campbell) and "Sebastian" to Stuart (Murdoch), as they were a couple for several years before Isobel left the band in 2002. However, Stuart Murdoch has said this is untrue.
Tigermilk was recorded in three days and originally only one thousand copies were pressed on vinyl. These original copies now sell for up to £400. By this time, the band had expanded to feature Stevie Jackson (guitar and vocals), Isobel Campbell (cello/vocals), Chris Geddes (keys) and Richard Colburn (drums).
After the success of the debut album, Belle & Sebastian were signed to Jeepster Records in August 1996 and ''If You're Feeling Sinister'', their second album, was released three months later.
Just before the recording of Sinister, Sarah Martin (violin/vocals) joined the band. Following this, in 1997, a series of EPs were released. The first of these was ''Dog on Wheels'', and it contained four demo tracks recorded before the real formation of the band. In fact, the only long-term band members to play on the songs were Murdoch, David, and Mick Cooke, who played trumpet on the EP but would not officially join the band until a few years later. It charted at a modest #59 in the UK singles chart.
The ''Lazy Line Painter Jane'' EP followed in July. The track was recorded in a church hall and features vocals from Monica Queen, and narrowly missed out of the UK top 40, peaking at #41. The last of the 1997 EPs was October's ''3.. 6.. 9 Seconds of Light''. The EP was made Single of the Week in both the NME and Melody Maker and reached #32 in the charts, thus becoming the band's first top 40 single.
1998's ''The Boy with the Arab Strap'' album followed, and reached #12 in the UK charts. During the recording of the album long time studio trumpet-player Mick Cooke was asked to join the band as a full member. Shortly after the release of the album the band were awarded with Best Newcomer (for their third album) at the BRIT Awards, beating competition from Steps. The ''This Is Just a Modern Rock Song'' EP followed.
In 1999, the band hosted their own festival, the Bowlie Weekender. ''Tigermilk'' was also given a full release by Jeepster before the band started work on their next LP. The result was ''Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant'', which became the band's first top 10 album in the UK. A stand-alone single, "Legal Man", reached #15 and gave them their first appearance on Top of the Pops.
Stuart David soon left the band to concentrate on his side-project, Looper, and his book writing, which included his ''The Idle Thoughts of a Daydreamer''. He was replaced by Bobby Kildea of V-Twin. The "Jonathan David" single — sung by Stevie Jackson — was released in June 2001 and was followed by "I'm Waking Up to Us" in November. The latter appears to describe Murdoch's relationship and breakup with Campbell, but Murdoch denied this in the sleeve notes to 2006's ''The Life Pursuit''. "I'm Waking Up to Us" saw the band use an outside producer (Mike Hurst) for the first time. Most of 2002 was spent touring and recording a soundtrack album, ''Storytelling'' (for ''Storytelling'' by Todd Solondz). Isobel announced her departure from the band midway through their 2002 North American tour.
The band left Jeepster in 2002 and signed with Rough Trade Records. B&S completed their album ''Dear Catastrophe Waitress'' in 2003, produced by Trevor Horn. The album showed a markedly more 'produced' sound compared to their first four LPs. A documentary DVD, ''Fans Only'', was released by Jeepster in October 2003, featuring promotional videos, live clips and unreleased footage. A single from ''Catastrophe Waitress'', "Step into My Office, Baby" followed in November 2003 — it would be their first single/EP taken from an album.
"I'm a Cuckoo" was the second single from the album, and picked up more radio play than any previous single or EP. It achieved their highest chart position yet, reaching #14 in the UK. The ''Books'' EP followed, a double A-side single lead by "Wrapped Up in Books" from ''Dear Catastrophe Waitress'' and the new "Your Cover's Blown". This EP became the band's third top 20 UK release and the band went on to be nominated for both the Mercury Music Prize and an Ivor Novello Award. In January 2005, B&S was voted Scotland's greatest band in a poll by The List, beating Simple Minds, Idlewild, Travis, Franz Ferdinand, and The Proclaimers, among others.
In April 2005, members of the band visited Israel and the Palestinian territories with the UK charity War on Want; the group subsequently recorded a song inspired by the trip titled "The Eighth Station of the Cross Kebab House", which would later be released as a B-side on 2006's "Funny Little Frog" single. ''Push Barman to Open Old Wounds'', a compilation of the Jeepster singles and EPs, was released in May 2005 while the band were recording their seventh album in California. The result of the sessions was ''The Life Pursuit'', produced by Tony Hoffer. The album became their band's highest charting release to date upon its release in February 2006, peaking at #8 in the UK and #65 on the US Billboard 200. "Funny Little Frog", which preceded it, also proved to be their highest charting single, reaching #13.
On July 6, 2006, the band played a historic show with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. The opening act at this 18,000 seat sell-out concert was The Shins. The members of the band see this as a landmark event, with Stevie Jackson describing the gig as "the thrill of a lifetime".
In October 2006, members of the band helped put together a CD collection of new songs for children titled ''Colours Are Brighter'', with the involvement of major bands such as Franz Ferdinand and The Kooks. A more detailed video report from STV is available here.
The group has been planning to release a compilation of their Radio One sessions that they had performed between 1996-2001.
★ The Gentle Waves (Isobel Campbell)
★ Looper (Stuart David)
★ The Reindeer Section (Richard Colburn, Mick Cooke and Bobby Kildea)
★ V-Twin (Bobby Kildea)
★ The Moondials (Stevie Jackson)
★ ''Tigermilk'' (1996)
★ ''If You're Feeling Sinister'' (1996)
★ ''The Boy with the Arab Strap'' (1998)
★ ''Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant'' (2000)
★ ''Storytelling'' (2002)
★ ''Dear Catastrophe Waitress'' (2003)
★ ''The Life Pursuit'' (2006)
★ '' (2005)
★ ''Dog on Wheels'' (1997)
★ ''Lazy Line Painter Jane'' (1997)
★ ''3.. 6.. 9 Seconds of Light'' (1997)
★ ''This Is Just a Modern Rock Song'' (1998)
★ "Legal Man" (2000)
★ "Jonathan David" (2001)
★ "I'm Waking Up to Us" (2001)
★ "Step into My Office, Baby" (2003)
★ "I'm a Cuckoo" (2004)
★ ''Books'' (2004)
★ "Cassaco Marron" (2006)
★ "Funny Little Frog" (2006)
★ "The Blues Are Still Blue" (2006)
★ "White Collar Boy" (2006)
★ ''Lazy Line Painter Jane (boxset)'' (2000)
★ ''Push Barman to Open Old Wounds'' (2005)
★ '' (2006)
★ "'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'" (trad. cover) on the Xfm charity compilation ''It's A Cool, Cool Christmas'', released November 20, 2000 on Jeepster Records
★ "'Final Day'" (Young Marble Giants cover) on the Rough Trade 25th-anniversary compilation ''Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before'', released September 23, 2003 on Rough Trade Records
★ "'Poupée de cire, poupée de son'" (live Serge Gainsbourg cover) on the ''Fans Only'' DVD, released October 20, 2003 on Jeepster Records
★ "'The Eighth Station of the Cross Kebab House'" on the War Child charity album '', released September 9, 2005 on Independiente Records
★ "'Cassaco Marron'" (Trio Esperança cover) on the Belle & Sebastian-compiled album , released on February 27 2006 on Azuli Records, and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single (b/w David Shrigley's spoken-word piece "When I Was a Little Girl") released February 13, 2006, also on Azuli
★ "'The Monkeys Are Breaking Out of the Zoo'," a children's song on the Save the Children charity album ''Colours Are Brighter'', released October 16, 2006 on Rough Trade Records
★ '''Fans Only'''
(2003)
★ '' '' by Paul Whitelaw (biography of band featuring contributions from all members, past and present, with a cover designed by Stuart Murdoch), 2005
★ ''Put the Book Back on the Shelf: A Belle and Sebastian Anthology'' (compilation of comics based on individual B&S songs), 2006
★ The UK television series ''Teachers'' often featured Belle & Sebastian songs, with an instrumental version of "The Boy With the Arab Strap" played over the end credits of each episode.
★ "Seymour Stein" is featured in the film adaptation of ''High Fidelity''. It is described by the character Barry (Jack Black) as "old sad bastard music".
★ On episode 1.4 of the CBS television series How I Met Your Mother, Ted fondly remembers his ex-girlfriend's love for Belle & Sebastian, in particular the song "We Rule the School."
★ "Piazza, New York Catcher" references a rumor that Major League Baseball catcher Mike Piazza is gay with the line "Piazza, New York Catcher, are you straight or are you gay?". Piazza has publicly asserted his heterosexuality and has been married to the playboy playmate Alicia Rickter since 2005, and the couple gave birth to their first child in 2007.
★ "Stars of Track And Field" is used in the movie ''Pumpkin''.
★ "If She Wants Me" is used in the 2005 movie ''The Ringer''.
★ Official Website
★ Belle and Sebastian on Matador Records
★ Press Cuttings Archive on Bowlie
★ Guitar Chords on Sinister
★ Interview with Belle & Sebastian at musicOMH.com
★
★
'Belle & Sebastian' are an indie pop band formed in Glasgow, Scotland in January 1996.
Belle & Sebastian have much in common with influential indie bands such as The Smiths and Felt, and have more recently taken in the influences of northern soul and funk.
After releasing a number of albums and EPs on Jeepster Records, they are now signed to Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom and Matador Records in the United States.
Members
The current members are:
★ Stuart Murdoch: 1996–present (vocals, guitar and keyboards)
★ Stevie Jackson: 1996–present (vocals and guitar)
★ Chris Geddes: 1996–present (keyboards)
★ Richard Colburn: 1996–present (drums)
★ Sarah Martin: 1997–present (violin, keyboards, guitar, and vocals)
★ Mick Cooke: 1998–present (trumpet and bass)
★ Bobby Kildea: 2001–present (guitar and bass)
Past members:
★ Isobel Campbell: 1996–2002 (vocals and cello)
★ Stuart David: 1996–2000 (bass)
History
(1996-1997) Formation and rise
Belle & Sebastian were formed in Glasgow, January 1996, when Stuart Murdoch met bassist Stuart David. Together they recorded some demos with Stow College music professor Pilar Duplac, which were picked up by the college's Music Business course which, every year, produces and releases a single on the college's label, Electric Honey. As the band had a number of songs already and the label were extremely impressed with the demos, Belle & Sebastian (named after ''Belle et Sébastien'', a children's book by French writer Cécile Aubry) were allowed to record a full-length album: ''Tigermilk''.
It was rumoured that "Belle" referred to Isobel (Campbell) and "Sebastian" to Stuart (Murdoch), as they were a couple for several years before Isobel left the band in 2002. However, Stuart Murdoch has said this is untrue.
Tigermilk was recorded in three days and originally only one thousand copies were pressed on vinyl. These original copies now sell for up to £400. By this time, the band had expanded to feature Stevie Jackson (guitar and vocals), Isobel Campbell (cello/vocals), Chris Geddes (keys) and Richard Colburn (drums).
After the success of the debut album, Belle & Sebastian were signed to Jeepster Records in August 1996 and ''If You're Feeling Sinister'', their second album, was released three months later.
Just before the recording of Sinister, Sarah Martin (violin/vocals) joined the band. Following this, in 1997, a series of EPs were released. The first of these was ''Dog on Wheels'', and it contained four demo tracks recorded before the real formation of the band. In fact, the only long-term band members to play on the songs were Murdoch, David, and Mick Cooke, who played trumpet on the EP but would not officially join the band until a few years later. It charted at a modest #59 in the UK singles chart.
The ''Lazy Line Painter Jane'' EP followed in July. The track was recorded in a church hall and features vocals from Monica Queen, and narrowly missed out of the UK top 40, peaking at #41. The last of the 1997 EPs was October's ''3.. 6.. 9 Seconds of Light''. The EP was made Single of the Week in both the NME and Melody Maker and reached #32 in the charts, thus becoming the band's first top 40 single.
(1998-2002) Continued success on Jeepster
1998's ''The Boy with the Arab Strap'' album followed, and reached #12 in the UK charts. During the recording of the album long time studio trumpet-player Mick Cooke was asked to join the band as a full member. Shortly after the release of the album the band were awarded with Best Newcomer (for their third album) at the BRIT Awards, beating competition from Steps. The ''This Is Just a Modern Rock Song'' EP followed.
In 1999, the band hosted their own festival, the Bowlie Weekender. ''Tigermilk'' was also given a full release by Jeepster before the band started work on their next LP. The result was ''Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant'', which became the band's first top 10 album in the UK. A stand-alone single, "Legal Man", reached #15 and gave them their first appearance on Top of the Pops.
Stuart David soon left the band to concentrate on his side-project, Looper, and his book writing, which included his ''The Idle Thoughts of a Daydreamer''. He was replaced by Bobby Kildea of V-Twin. The "Jonathan David" single — sung by Stevie Jackson — was released in June 2001 and was followed by "I'm Waking Up to Us" in November. The latter appears to describe Murdoch's relationship and breakup with Campbell, but Murdoch denied this in the sleeve notes to 2006's ''The Life Pursuit''. "I'm Waking Up to Us" saw the band use an outside producer (Mike Hurst) for the first time. Most of 2002 was spent touring and recording a soundtrack album, ''Storytelling'' (for ''Storytelling'' by Todd Solondz). Isobel announced her departure from the band midway through their 2002 North American tour.
(2003-present) Rough Trade
The band left Jeepster in 2002 and signed with Rough Trade Records. B&S completed their album ''Dear Catastrophe Waitress'' in 2003, produced by Trevor Horn. The album showed a markedly more 'produced' sound compared to their first four LPs. A documentary DVD, ''Fans Only'', was released by Jeepster in October 2003, featuring promotional videos, live clips and unreleased footage. A single from ''Catastrophe Waitress'', "Step into My Office, Baby" followed in November 2003 — it would be their first single/EP taken from an album.
"I'm a Cuckoo" was the second single from the album, and picked up more radio play than any previous single or EP. It achieved their highest chart position yet, reaching #14 in the UK. The ''Books'' EP followed, a double A-side single lead by "Wrapped Up in Books" from ''Dear Catastrophe Waitress'' and the new "Your Cover's Blown". This EP became the band's third top 20 UK release and the band went on to be nominated for both the Mercury Music Prize and an Ivor Novello Award. In January 2005, B&S was voted Scotland's greatest band in a poll by The List, beating Simple Minds, Idlewild, Travis, Franz Ferdinand, and The Proclaimers, among others.
In April 2005, members of the band visited Israel and the Palestinian territories with the UK charity War on Want; the group subsequently recorded a song inspired by the trip titled "The Eighth Station of the Cross Kebab House", which would later be released as a B-side on 2006's "Funny Little Frog" single. ''Push Barman to Open Old Wounds'', a compilation of the Jeepster singles and EPs, was released in May 2005 while the band were recording their seventh album in California. The result of the sessions was ''The Life Pursuit'', produced by Tony Hoffer. The album became their band's highest charting release to date upon its release in February 2006, peaking at #8 in the UK and #65 on the US Billboard 200. "Funny Little Frog", which preceded it, also proved to be their highest charting single, reaching #13.
On July 6, 2006, the band played a historic show with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl. The opening act at this 18,000 seat sell-out concert was The Shins. The members of the band see this as a landmark event, with Stevie Jackson describing the gig as "the thrill of a lifetime".
In October 2006, members of the band helped put together a CD collection of new songs for children titled ''Colours Are Brighter'', with the involvement of major bands such as Franz Ferdinand and The Kooks. A more detailed video report from STV is available here.
The group has been planning to release a compilation of their Radio One sessions that they had performed between 1996-2001.
Side projects
★ The Gentle Waves (Isobel Campbell)
★ Looper (Stuart David)
★ The Reindeer Section (Richard Colburn, Mick Cooke and Bobby Kildea)
★ V-Twin (Bobby Kildea)
★ The Moondials (Stevie Jackson)
Discography
Albums
★ ''Tigermilk'' (1996)
★ ''If You're Feeling Sinister'' (1996)
★ ''The Boy with the Arab Strap'' (1998)
★ ''Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant'' (2000)
★ ''Storytelling'' (2002)
★ ''Dear Catastrophe Waitress'' (2003)
★ ''The Life Pursuit'' (2006)
Live Albums
★ '' (2005)
Singles & EPs
★ ''Dog on Wheels'' (1997)
★ ''Lazy Line Painter Jane'' (1997)
★ ''3.. 6.. 9 Seconds of Light'' (1997)
★ ''This Is Just a Modern Rock Song'' (1998)
★ "Legal Man" (2000)
★ "Jonathan David" (2001)
★ "I'm Waking Up to Us" (2001)
★ "Step into My Office, Baby" (2003)
★ "I'm a Cuckoo" (2004)
★ ''Books'' (2004)
★ "Cassaco Marron" (2006)
★ "Funny Little Frog" (2006)
★ "The Blues Are Still Blue" (2006)
★ "White Collar Boy" (2006)
Compilations
★ ''Lazy Line Painter Jane (boxset)'' (2000)
★ ''Push Barman to Open Old Wounds'' (2005)
★ '' (2006)
Miscellaneous songs
★ "'O Come, O Come, Emmanuel'" (trad. cover) on the Xfm charity compilation ''It's A Cool, Cool Christmas'', released November 20, 2000 on Jeepster Records
★ "'Final Day'" (Young Marble Giants cover) on the Rough Trade 25th-anniversary compilation ''Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before'', released September 23, 2003 on Rough Trade Records
★ "'Poupée de cire, poupée de son'" (live Serge Gainsbourg cover) on the ''Fans Only'' DVD, released October 20, 2003 on Jeepster Records
★ "'The Eighth Station of the Cross Kebab House'" on the War Child charity album '', released September 9, 2005 on Independiente Records
★ "'Cassaco Marron'" (Trio Esperança cover) on the Belle & Sebastian-compiled album , released on February 27 2006 on Azuli Records, and as a limited-edition 7-inch vinyl single (b/w David Shrigley's spoken-word piece "When I Was a Little Girl") released February 13, 2006, also on Azuli
★ "'The Monkeys Are Breaking Out of the Zoo'," a children's song on the Save the Children charity album ''Colours Are Brighter'', released October 16, 2006 on Rough Trade Records
DVDs
★ '''Fans Only'''
(2003)
Books
★ '' '' by Paul Whitelaw (biography of band featuring contributions from all members, past and present, with a cover designed by Stuart Murdoch), 2005
★ ''Put the Book Back on the Shelf: A Belle and Sebastian Anthology'' (compilation of comics based on individual B&S songs), 2006
In popular culture
★ The UK television series ''Teachers'' often featured Belle & Sebastian songs, with an instrumental version of "The Boy With the Arab Strap" played over the end credits of each episode.
★ "Seymour Stein" is featured in the film adaptation of ''High Fidelity''. It is described by the character Barry (Jack Black) as "old sad bastard music".
★ On episode 1.4 of the CBS television series How I Met Your Mother, Ted fondly remembers his ex-girlfriend's love for Belle & Sebastian, in particular the song "We Rule the School."
★ "Piazza, New York Catcher" references a rumor that Major League Baseball catcher Mike Piazza is gay with the line "Piazza, New York Catcher, are you straight or are you gay?". Piazza has publicly asserted his heterosexuality and has been married to the playboy playmate Alicia Rickter since 2005, and the couple gave birth to their first child in 2007.
★ "Stars of Track And Field" is used in the movie ''Pumpkin''.
★ "If She Wants Me" is used in the 2005 movie ''The Ringer''.
External links
★ Official Website
★ Belle and Sebastian on Matador Records
★ Press Cuttings Archive on Bowlie
★ Guitar Chords on Sinister
★ Interview with Belle & Sebastian at musicOMH.com
★
★
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psst.. try this: add to faves
