Belle and Sebastian had solidified a place high, very high on my list of top bands after Dear Catastrophe Waitress. After acquiring The Life Pursuit, I had high expectations, and found that after a few listens; “Another Sunny Day” was constantly on repeat time after time.

Belle and Sebastian have strayed far from their original sound as heard in Tigermilk, If You’re Feeling Sinster, and The Boy With the Arab Strap. Songs like “White Collar Boy” and “Funny Little Frog” are much more upbeat while Stuart Murdoch’s unique voice that has a light Scottish accent is quite bouncy.

Lyrically, these songs are well worded, meaningful, and very emotionally provoking in such songs as “Dress Up In You.” In “The Blues Are Still Blue” and “For the Price of a Cup of Tea,” we hear catchy choruses and excellent drumming. I like the way the songs are ordered, almost as if it’s a story in its own. The Life Pursuit begins with “Act of the Apostle 1” followed by some fairly lively songs and ends with a more relaxing “Act of the Apostle 2” and “Mornington Crescent”.

“To Be Myself Completely” is another song that Stevie Jackson sings lead. In the previous album, Dear Catastrophe Waitress, Jackson sings lead in “(I Believe In) Travellin’ Light” which did not fit the tone of the album too well. I didn’t get the same feeling here. Stuart Murdoch provides an excellent background voice as demonstrated at 1:12 of “To Be Myself Completely.”

This wonderful group have achieved great succes in Scotland, their home country and its spreading quickly as they begin touring here in the States. In January 2005, Belle and Sebastian were voted Scotland’s greatest band in a poll by The List, beating Simple Minds, Idlewild, Travis, Franz Ferdinand, and The Proclaimers, among others. The Life Pursuit is bold and inspiring.

The Words are intellectually stimulating. Belle and Sebastian has once again succeeded in creating a fun, riveting, and emotionally involving record using many instruments to convey this tone.

Most albums take a few listens to catch on, but this one had my attention the first time around and that’s what it’s all about, really. That’s what makes them special.

When I first conceptualized (what was to be) Indie Read about two years ago. I reviewed the two recent (at the time) Belle & Sebastian albums. The first being, Dear Catastrophe Waitress. But before I just copy/paste what I wrote, I just want to say the Belle & Sebastian should be on any indie lover’s playlist. They are a rather large and pretty old band that has influenced many whom have come after. In 2006, I was privileged to watch them play at the Hollywood Bowl. The opening act was The Shins and this had to be one of the most epic shows that I have ever attended. So without further ado…

With a new signing to Rough Trade Records, Belle and Sebastian have developed a different sound. It’s noticeably more polished and takes on a more pop-friendly role in contrast to their previews three albums which leaned toward the folky end.

Dear Catastrophe Waitress was nominated for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize along with other bands like Keane, Snow Patrol, and fellow Scottish band Franz Ferdinand who ended up winning the award.

Songs like “I’m a Cuckoo” and “Step Into My Office Baby” were released as singles, and rightly so. “Step Into My Office baby” immediately connects you with them as the lyrics are worded familiarly, describing sexual frustration and loneliness. At about 1:45, the song changes tone. The only song seemingly different than the rest is “Lord Anthony,” but that was written years earlier and was not given a proper release until its appearance here.

The guitar riffs in “If She Wants Me” goes along with Stuart Murdoch’s relaxing vocals. “Asleep on the Sunbeam” is, I believe, the first time multi-instrumentalist Sarah Martin sang lead and WHAT A VOICE! I can only hope we hear her singing solo more often in future albums. Stevie Jackson also sings lead in “(I Believe In) Travellin’ Light.” While great, this track feels odd on this album. His voice is not very poppy and very folky which makes me feel that it would belong more on a previous record. This is followed by “I’m a Cuckoo.” This song has me at a loss for words…

“You Don’t Send Me” brings back Mick Cooke’s trumpet. Murdoch and Jackson take turns singing in “Wrapped Up In Books.” “Stay Loose” is a mixture of the many aspects of their music, plus mild suggestions of electronica. It’s not the first time they’ve done that. We heard it in “Electronic Renaissance” which appeared on “Tigermilk.”

This complete new sound is very inviting as Belle and Sebastian seem to have emerged out of nowhere. Welcome Back.