Complete List Of Belle & Sebastian Albums And Discography

Belle & Sebastian Albums

Feature Photo: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

This Complete List Of Belle & Sebastian Albums And Songs presents the full discography of  Belle & Sebastian studio albums. The band  Belle & Sebastian was first formed in 1996. The group Belle & Sebastian hails from the area of Glasgow, Scotland.  All these spectacular albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Belle & Sebastian album as well as all original album covers. Every Belle & Sebastian album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

BELLE & SEBASTIAN STUDIO ALBUMS

Tigermilk

Released June 6, 1996

Tigermilk was the debut album of the Scottish indie pop band Belle & Sebastian. Initially, the album was limited to a mere 1,000 copies, but its charm and quality led to a broader release. The album’s creation was part of a college project at Stow College’s music business course in Glasgow, Scotland. The group, led by Stuart Murdoch and Stuart David, captured a unique sound that blended folk-rock with a whimsical and introspective style.

The album featured Stuart Murdoch on lead vocals and guitar, Stuart David on bass, Stevie Jackson on guitar, Chris Geddes on keyboards, and Richard Colburn on drums. Tigermilk was produced by Electric Honey, the college’s music label. The recording took place in Glasgow in just three days in 1996, reflecting the album’s raw, unpolished charm.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The State I Am In” – 4:57
  2. “Expectations” – 3:34
  3. “She’s Losing It” – 2:22
  4. “You’re Just a Baby” – 3:41
  5. “Electronic Renaissance” – 4:50
  6. “I Could Be Dreaming” – 5:56
  7. “We Rule the School” – 3:27
  8. “My Wandering Days Are Over” – 5:25
  9. “I Don’t Love Anyone” – 3:56
  10. “Mary Jo” – 3:29

If You’re Feeling Sinister

Released November 18, 1996

If You’re Feeling Sinister is often considered Belle & Sebastian’s masterpiece, released just months after their debut. The album further established the band’s gentle, literate indie pop sound. Recorded at CaVa Studios in Glasgow, Scotland, this album was produced by Tony Doogan. The band’s lineup remained consistent with their debut album, featuring Murdoch, David, Jackson, Geddes, and Colburn.

The album’s storytelling, melancholy lyrics, and melodic compositions struck a chord with listeners and critics alike, solidifying Belle & Sebastian’s place in the indie music scene. Despite its low initial commercial impact, If You’re Feeling Sinister has since been lauded as one of the best albums of the 90s.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “The Stars of Track and Field” – 4:48
  2. “Seeing Other People” – 3:48
  3. “Me and the Major” – 3:51
  4. “Like Dylan in the Movies” – 4:14
  5. “The Fox in the Snow” – 4:11
  6. “Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying” – 3:25
  7. “If You’re Feeling Sinister” – 5:21
  8. “Mayfly” – 3:42
  9. “The Boy Done Wrong Again” – 4:17
  10. “Judy and the Dream of Horses” – 3:40

The Boy with the Arab Strap

Released September 7, 1998

Belle & Sebastian’s third album, The Boy with the Arab Strap, brought more collaborative songwriting within the band. Recorded at CaVa Sound Workshops, Glasgow, and produced by Belle & Sebastian and Tony Doogan, the album featured a more diverse range of instruments and a slightly fuller sound compared to their previous works.

This album saw the band moving slightly away from Murdoch’s introspective songwriting to a more band-oriented approach. The title track, “The Boy with the Arab Strap,” became one of the band’s most famous songs. The album’s warm, eclectic sound and witty, narrative lyrics helped it to become Belle & Sebastian’s first chart success, reaching the top 20 in the UK.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career” – 2:23
  2. “Sleep the Clock Around” – 4:57
  3. “Is It Wicked Not to Care?” – 3:22
  4. “Ease Your Feet in the Sea” – 3:35
  5. “A Summer Wasting” – 2:06
  6. “Seymour Stein” – 4:42
  7. “A Space Boy Dream” – 3:01
  8. “Dirty Dream Number Two” – 4:14
  9. “The Boy with the Arab Strap” – 5:14
  10. “Chickfactor” – 3:31
  11. “Simple Things” – 1:46
  12. “The Rollercoaster Ride” – 6:36

Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant

Released June 6, 2000

Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant is the fourth studio album by Belle & Sebastian. This album marks a departure from the band’s earlier style, featuring a greater emphasis on collaboration and varied songwriting voices within the band. Recorded at CaVa Studios in Glasgow and produced by Tony Doogan, the album saw contributions from all band members, not just frontman Stuart Murdoch.

The album features Isobel Campbell, Stuart Murdoch, Stevie Jackson, Chris Geddes, Sarah Martin, Mick Cooke, and Richard Colburn. It’s characterized by its baroque pop sound and an eclectic mix of musical styles. While it received mixed reviews from critics, it showed the band’s willingness to experiment and diversify their sound.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “I Fought in a War” – 4:09
  2. “The Model” – 3:58
  3. “Beyond the Sunrise” – 4:10
  4. “Waiting for the Moon to Rise” – 3:09
  5. “Don’t Leave the Light on Baby” – 4:36
  6. “The Wrong Girl” – 3:21
  7. “The Chalet Lines” – 2:33
  8. “Nice Day for a Sulk” – 2:33
  9. “Women’s Realm” – 4:33
  10. “Family Tree” – 4:04
  11. “There’s Too Much Love” – 3:27

Storytelling

Released June 3, 2002

Storytelling is the fifth album by Belle & Sebastian, largely inspired by and including music from the soundtrack of the film “Storytelling” by Todd Solondz. The album, recorded in Glasgow and produced by Trevor Horn and Belle & Sebastian, features a more eclectic sound with elements of folk, pop, and even spoken word.

The album included vocal and instrumental contributions from Stuart Murdoch, Stevie Jackson, Isobel Campbell, Chris Geddes, Sarah Martin, Mick Cooke, and Richard Colburn. Storytelling is known for its experimental nature, with tracks varying in style and tone, reflecting the band’s continued evolution and willingness to explore new musical territories.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Fiction” – 2:32
  2. “Freak” – 2:19
  3. “Dialogue: Conan, Early Letterman” – 0:25
  4. “Fuck This Shit” – 2:31
  5. “Night Walk” – 2:07
  6. “Dialogue: Jersey’s Where It’s At” – 0:22
  7. “Black and White Unite” – 3:53
  8. “Consuelo” – 2:56
  9. “Dialogue: Toby” – 0:33
  10. “Storytelling” – 3:02
  11. “Dialogue: Class Rank” – 0:12
  12. “I Don’t Want to Play Football” – 0:57
  13. “Consuelo Leaving” – 2:29
  14. “Wandering Alone” – 2:39
  15. “Dialogue: Mandingo Cliche” – 1:20
  16. “Scooby Driver” – 1:13
  17. “Fiction Reprise” – 1:22
  18. “Big John Shaft” – 3:55

Dear Catastrophe Waitress

Released October 6, 2003

Dear Catastrophe Waitress, the sixth studio album by Belle & Sebastian, marked a significant shift in the band’s sound, moving towards a more polished and pop-oriented direction. Produced by Trevor Horn, known for his work with bands like The Buggles and Yes, the album was recorded at Sarm West and other studios in London.

This album featured a rejuvenated Belle & Sebastian, with Stuart Murdoch’s songwriting being complemented by Horn’s lush production. The band members, including Stevie Jackson, Chris Geddes, Sarah Martin, Mick Cooke, and Richard Colburn, contributed to a more upbeat and accessible sound. The album received critical acclaim and represented a commercial breakthrough for the band, bringing them a wider audience.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Step into My Office, Baby” – 4:12
  2. “Dear Catastrophe Waitress” – 2:22
  3. “If She Wants Me” – 5:02
  4. “Piazza, New York Catcher” – 3:01
  5. “Asleep on a Sunbeam” – 3:22
  6. “I’m a Cuckoo” – 5:26
  7. “You Don’t Send Me” – 3:06
  8. “Wrapped Up in Books” – 3:34
  9. “Lord Anthony” – 4:14
  10. “If You Find Yourself Caught in Love” – 4:15
  11. “Roy Walker” – 2:57
  12. “Stay Loose” – 7:06

The Life Pursuit

Released February 6, 2006

The Life Pursuit, Belle & Sebastian’s seventh studio album, continued the band’s evolution into a more polished, pop-oriented sound. Produced by Tony Hoffer, known for his work with bands like Beck and Air, the album was recorded at Sound Factory and Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. This marked a departure from their usual recording locations in the UK.

The album features a diverse range of musical styles, from glam rock to soul, while maintaining the band’s signature witty lyricism. Band members Stuart Murdoch, Stevie Jackson, Sarah Martin, Chris Geddes, Mick Cooke, Bobby Kildea, and Richard Colburn all contributed to the album’s vibrant and eclectic sound. The Life Pursuit was a critical and commercial success, earning the band some of its highest chart positions and broadening their international fan base.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Act of the Apostle” – 2:55
  2. “Another Sunny Day” – 4:04
  3. “White Collar Boy” – 3:20
  4. “The Blues Are Still Blue” – 4:08
  5. “Dress Up in You” – 4:23
  6. “Sukie in the Graveyard” – 3:00
  7. “We Are the Sleepyheads” – 3:33
  8. “Song for Sunshine” – 4:06
  9. “Funny Little Frog” – 3:08
  10. “To Be Myself Completely” – 3:17
  11. “Act of the Apostle II” – 4:20
  12. “For the Price of a Cup of Tea” – 3:19
  13. “Mornington Crescent” – 5:40

Write About Love

Released October 11, 2010

Write About Love, the eighth studio album by Belle & Sebastian, saw the band return to their indie pop roots while still incorporating the polished production of their recent work. The album was produced by Tony Hoffer and recorded at Gorbals Sound in Glasgow, Scotland. It features collaborations with Carey Mulligan and Norah Jones, adding a new dimension to the band’s sound.

The album showcases Murdoch’s thoughtful songwriting and the band’s gentle, melodic pop sensibilities. Despite its quieter, more reflective tone, Write About Love was well-received, with many praising its mature, understated approach.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “I Didn’t See It Coming” – 5:01
  2. “Come On Sister” – 3:53
  3. “Calculating Bimbo” – 4:21
  4. “I Want the World to Stop” – 4:32
  5. “Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John” (featuring Norah Jones) – 4:33
  6. “Write About Love” (featuring Carey Mulligan) – 2:52
  7. “I’m Not Living in the Real World” – 3:10
  8. “The Ghost of Rockschool” – 4:34
  9. “Read the Blessed Pages” – 2:43
  10. “I Can See Your Future” – 3:50
  11. “Sunday’s Pretty Icons” – 3:45

Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance

Released January 19, 2015

Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance, Belle & Sebastian’s ninth studio album, marked a significant stylistic shift for the band, incorporating elements of dance and electronic music. Produced by Ben H. Allen III, known for his work with Gnarls Barkley and Animal Collective, the album was recorded at Maze Studios in Atlanta, Georgia.

The album explores a broader sound palette, including disco and synth-pop influences, while still retaining the band’s core indie pop and folk elements. The lyrical themes are introspective and politically charged, reflecting a band that continues to evolve and challenge itself musically and thematically.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Nobody’s Empire” – 5:08
  2. “Allie” – 3:14
  3. “The Party Line” – 4:14
  4. “The Power of Three” – 4:00
  5. “The Cat with the Cream” – 5:16
  6. “Enter Sylvia Plath” – 6:48
  7. “The Everlasting Muse” – 5:25
  8. “Perfect Couples” – 5:29
  9. “Ever Had a Little Faith?” – 4:20
  10. “Play for Today” – 7:33
  11. “The Book of You” – 4:23
  12. “Today (This Army’s for Peace)” – 5:25

Days of the Bagnold Summer

Released September 13, 2019

Days of the Bagnold Summer is the tenth studio album by Belle & Sebastian and serves as the soundtrack for the film of the same name. The album, recorded in Glasgow and produced by the band along with Brian McNeill, features re-recorded versions of some of their older tracks as well as new songs written specifically for the film.

This album is a blend of gentle, melodic indie pop that Belle & Sebastian are known for, with a cinematic quality fitting for its role as a film soundtrack. It’s a reflective and beautifully arranged album that showcases the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their distinctive sound.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Sister Buddha” – 4:08
  2. “I Know Where the Summer Goes” – 4:23
  3. “Did the Day Go Just Like You Wanted?” – 3:08
  4. “Jill Pole” – 3:03
  5. “I’ll Keep It Inside” – 1:59
  6. “Safety Valve” – 2:57
  7. “The Colour’s Gonna Run” – 2:56
  8. “Another Day, Another Night” – 1:31
  9. “Get Me Away from Here I’m Dying” – 3:58
  10. “Wait and See What the Day Holds” – 3:19
  11. “Sister Buddha” (Intro) – 2:02
  12. “This Letter” – 3:23
  13. “We Were Never Glorious” – 5:23

A Bit of Previous

Released May 6, 2022

A Bit of Previous, Belle & Sebastian’s eleventh studio album, sees the band returning to their roots in more ways than one. It was self-produced and recorded in their hometown of Glasgow, Scotland, after plans to record in Los Angeles were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The album was recorded at various studios around Glasgow, including Castlesound and Chem19 Studios.

The album is a return to the classic Belle & Sebastian sound, with catchy indie pop tunes, thoughtful lyrics, and Murdoch’s signature vocal style. The songs are a mix of introspection, nostalgia, and the characteristic wit the band is known for. A Bit of Previous was warmly received by fans and critics, seen as a comforting return to form for the band.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Young and Stupid” – 4:28
  2. “If They’re Shooting at You” – 5:25
  3. “Talk to Me, Talk to Me” – 3:57
  4. “Reclaim the Night” – 3:42
  5. “Do It for Your Country” – 4:32
  6. “Prophets on Hold” – 3:19
  7. “Unnecessary Drama” – 3:33
  8. “Come on Home” – 4:32
  9. “A World Without You” – 3:04
  10. “Deathbed of My Dreams” – 6:02
  11. “Sea of Sorrow” – 4:23
  12. “Working Boy in New York City” – 4:33

Late Developers

Released January 13, 2023

Late Developers is the twelfth studio album by Belle & Sebastian. Continuing in the vein of A Bit of Previous, this album was also self-produced and recorded in Glasgow. The album is seen as a companion piece to its predecessor, featuring songs written during the same sessions.

The album showcases the band’s enduring talent for crafting melodic, thoughtful indie pop. It’s filled with the kind of introspective, literate songs that have long been the band’s hallmark, combined with an upbeat and energetic sound that keeps things fresh. Late Developers is another testament to Belle & Sebastian’s ability to consistently produce quality music throughout their career.

CD Track Listings:

  1. “Juliet Naked” – 4:19
  2. “Give a Little Time” – 3:51
  3. “When We Were Very Young” – 4:15
  4. “I Don’t Know What You See in Me” – 3:27
  5. “Will I Tell You a Secret” – 4:11
  6. “So in the Moment” – 3:36
  7. “The Evening Star” – 3:33
  8. “When You’re Not With Me” – 4:02
  9. “I’m Not Ready to Be a Popstar” – 4:07
  10. “When the Cynics Stare Back from the Wall” – 4:09
  11. “Late Developers” – 4:00

Complete List Of Belle & Sebastian Albums And Discography article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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