Product Description

Fifth album from fey Scots indie-pop heroes is their first for Rough Trade and follows 2002's soundtrack effort 'Storytelling'. Featuring their usual blend of twee chamber-pop anddry wit, the album was, bizarrely, produced by Trevor Horn,the man behind the desk for such pop luminaries as Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Grace Jones, the Pet Shop Boys, TATU and LeAnn Rimes.

Track Listing

1. Step Into My Office, Baby
2. Dear Catastrophe Waitress
3. If She Wants Me
4. Piazza, New York Catcher
5. Asleep On A Sunbeam
6. I'm A Cuckoo
7. You Don't Send Me
8. Wrapped Up In Books
9. Lord Anthony
10. If You Find Yourself Caught In Love
11. Roy Walker
12. Stay Loose

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14569 in Music
• Released on: 2003-10-06
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Dear Catastrophe Waitress was a make or break album for Belle & Sebastian. Having lost two founder members (Stuart David to Looper and Isobel Campbell to the Gentle Waves) and produced a couple of endearing but not hugely exciting albums (their soundtrack to Todd Solondz's Storytelling film and their own Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant), the pressure was on for the Scottish indie-pop six-piece to provide a startling return to form.

The presence of Trevor Horn (the man behind Tatu and Frankie Goes to Hollywood) as producer suggested that a stylistic leap was imminent. But would it be at the cost of the group's unique charm? Thankfully not. Chief songwriter Stuart Murdoch has clearly been listening to a lot of Randy Newman and Joe Jackson, along with a touch of Thin Lizzy, and Horn manages to meld these new influences with the trademark B&S sound. "Step into My Office Baby" is orchestral pop with a cheeky, almost raucous bent. "If She Wants Me" pulls off a flirtation with Orange Juice-style funk, while "Stay Loose" could be Squeeze covering "Space Oddity". On the more traditional B&S songs (the title track, "Wrapped Up in Books", live favourite "Lord Anthony"), the ante is upped simply by the quality of songwriting, which is a match for anything from the Tigermilk glory days.

For a band whose best work seemed long behind them, Dear Catastrophe Waitress is just what was ordered. Not simply a return to form, but a bright new future. --Ian Watson

Customer Reviews

Derivative but classy
I bought this on the strength of reviews, recommendations and hearing a couple of tracks on the radio. Otherwise, I know nothing about Belle and Sebastian, so I view this album on its own merits. It's one of those albums with which you can play spot the reference. The title track's orchestral flourishes and vocal style are, for example, straight out of Love's 'Forever Changes'. 'I'm A Cuckoo' not only mentions Thin Lizzy, but has a style reminiscent of 'The Boys Are Back In Town'. 'Wrapped Up In Books' borrows the melody from an old Cliff Richard hit, 'In The Country'. 'Piazza' could be based on any chirpy 1960s folk song.

Fortunately, the album is blessed with a diverse range of lovely arrangements, some strong melodies and vivid lyrics. The best material, however, tends to come in the first half of the album and the band occasionally lapse into light, bland material. A bit uneven, then, and I can understand why long-time fans might be disappointed. A good album, but not one that has me rooting out the rest of their catalogue.

a gentle effort from the gentile
Belle and Sebastian knock out some pretty good indie tunes. Over a long career they haven't exactly come very far so chances are if you liked the early stuff you'll like this. Its a fairly decent, pop album featuring the gentle stuff their fans have become accustomed too.

This album is great to relax to but it won't set your world on fire. Perhaps due to its almost trite lyrical content that at points sounds very contrieved and almost childish. This is salvaged by a lush, rich arrangement for their songs and good vocals.

Overall this indie album isn't really fast or strong enough but its nice and provides a good afternoons worth of relaxation and unwinding.

Good Stuff
Most of the Songs on here are absolutely amazing. Really good spontanious indie pop. I have several Belle and Sebastian albums and this is one of the best. Stay Loose is the massive highlight of the album. One of my favourite songs of all time. However; I only gave this 4 stars because its not all brilliant. The song 'If you find yourself caught in Love' is absolute dross and 'Asleep on a sunbeam' isn't the best thing you'll ever hear. Apart from those minor setbacks I'd still have to get this album. Or possibly start with the newly released greatest hits then start buying the albums.