Belle and Sebastian’s new album “The Life Pursuit” is full of romance, humor and story telling so great that each song paints a detailed picture in your mind. Belle and Sebastian formed in 1996, and the band features seven members who play instruments ranging from violin and bass to keyboards and trumpet.
The first track on Belle and Sebastian’s new record is called “Act of Apostle.” This song has a light pop sound with lyrics that flow with ease while telling the story of a young school girl who longs to escape reality. While listening to Act of Apostle you will feel removed from reality and placed in a land of soft rhythms and soothing vocals.
Track two is a song titled “Another Sunny Day.” Belle and Sebastian’s story telling takes center stage on “Another Sunny Day.” This song tells a story of being in love. It starts with the lovers meeting outside on a sunny day in a lush garden. Then flows into memories of the two keeping each other company inside a warm house while it rains outside.
Changing up the pace a little with a harder rhythm is “White Collar Boy,” which has a call and response vocal style.
The next track is called “Blues are Still Blue.” This song reminds me of the Kinks when they were pumping out concept albums in the late 60’s. Keep an ear out for the classic guitar solo, which is mixed with the powerful chorus that is sprinkled with a hint of shaker.
The next song on The Life Pursuit is a slower song called “Dress Up in You.” It is sung as if there is a baby in the room that just fell asleep. This song about female rivalry is cleverly written and is one of the most intimate track on the album.
“Sukie in the Graveyard” is the next song on the album. I can’t think of a better way to change gears than with this song. The instruments that stand out on this song are the frantic keyboard and the muddy, thumping bass. “Sukie in the Graveyard” follows a young girl named Sukie that-yes- liked to hang out in a graveyard. Fed up with her parents telling her what to do, Sukie decided to live life the way she wants, which leads to strange times in an art school. This song-along with many songs on this album-features some great female backing vocals that add an unforgettable layer to Belle and Sebastian’s music.
Those female vocals are the first vocals you hear on the next song, “We are Sleepyheads.” If heaven decided to have a dance party, this would be the first song that would be played. “We are Sleepyheads” is fast-paced and choppy with bouncy vocals that rush through the song to keeping perfect pace with the guitar. This is easily a song that you can put on repeat and listen to all day.
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