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Belle and Sebastian
Good things come to those who wait. Belle and Sebastian have released five albums in the past ten years, and seven CD singles, all of which contain non-album tracks. The CD singles are a very important part of the band’s legacy, but they were either difficult to find, or fairly expensive. For that reason, most of them went unheard, until now. “Push Barman to Open Old Wounds” collects all seven CD singles in their entirety on this two-disk collection, and the odd assortment is easily as charming, naïve and emotionally compelling as their best album work. For those who are unfamiliar with the music of Belle and Sebastian, I’d suggest that you imagine what might happen if Nick Drake sang “Walk Away Renee”. If the thought compels you, then it’s a good bet that you’ll appreciate this band, and this 2-disk compilation is an excellent place to start.
What a silly album title this is, but what an oddly wonderful collection, too. As a band, Belle and Sebastian prove that unique and iconoclastic sensibilities can still find a place in today's marketplace. Their lyrics are almost always in the first person, and often betray a naval-gazing self-analysis and lack of pretension that could easily be misunderstood as fey and (ironically) pretentious. Such tactics are hit and miss, and never more so than on this collection. As is usual for CD singles, there is often one great track, accompanied by a few others that simply would not have been fit for album release. For the most part, that is true here as well, but since this collection binds seven singles into one package, that means that there are at least seven great tracks here, and a few others that certainly hold their own as well. This is definitely NOT for collectors only, and any fan of the band who has not already spent a fortune on the individual CD-singles should jump at the opportunity to hear them all in one well-assembled collection.
Grade: 
 
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