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Belle and Sebastian

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Band Timeline

1994

Formation of Belle and Sebastian in Glasgow

Belle and Sebastian were formed in Glasgow in 1994 by Stuart Murdoch and Stuart David while both were enrolled at Stow College's Beatbox programme for unemployed musicians. With producer Alan Rankine, they recorded demos that paved the way for their first album. The band name was inspired by a short story written by Murdoch, based on a 1965 television series about a boy and his dog named Belle.
1996

Release of debut album Tigermilk and signing to Jeepster Records

In 1996, the band recorded their debut album Tigermilk, mostly live over three days. Murdoch and David were joined by local musicians Stevie Jackson, Isobel Campbell, Chris Geddes, and Richard Colburn for the recording. Their early demo led to the band signing with Jeepster Records in August 1996. The album Tigermilk was initially released in a limited pressing of 1000 vinyl copies by the college label Electric Honey in June.
1996

Release of 'If You're Feeling Sinister'

Belle and Sebastian released their second album, If You're Feeling Sinister, in November 1996 on Jeepster Records. This album received warm critical acclaim and is often cited as the band's masterpiece. Just before recording, violinist Sarah Martin joined as a new member. The album was highly influential, later recognized by Spin magazine as one of the 100 greatest albums between 1985 and 2005.
1997

Series of EP releases and growing popularity

Throughout 1997, Belle and Sebastian released several EPs including Dog on Wheels, The Lazy Line Painter Jane, and 3.. 6.. 9 Seconds of Light. These releases helped increase their popularity with songs charting on UK singles charts. Despite growing attention, the band maintained a low profile as lead singer Murdoch was recovering from chronic fatigue syndrome, rarely performing live or giving interviews, which added to their mystique.
1998

Release of The Boy with the Arab Strap and critical reception

In 1998, Belle and Sebastian released their third album, The Boy with the Arab Strap, which reached number 12 on the UK charts. This album garnered mixed reviews with praise from outlets like Rolling Stone and NPR, but some criticism from others like Pitchfork. It marked a stylistic development for the band and brought them wider international attention, solidifying their standing in the indie pop scene.
1998–2003

Continued releases and lineup changes

Between 1998 and 2003, Belle and Sebastian released further albums including Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant. During this period, they experienced lineup shifts and continued to evolve musically. Their releases and performances throughout this time helped expand their fan base and influence, maintaining their presence as prominent figures in independent music circles.

Albums

belle-and-sebastian_1st_album
Tigermilk
10 tracks
1996
belle-and-sebastian_2nd_album
If You’re Feeling Sinister
10 tracks
1996
belle-and-sebastian_3rd_album
The Boy With the Arab Strap
12 tracks
1998
belle-and-sebastian_4th_album
Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant
11 tracks
2000
belle-and-sebastian_5th_album
Dear Catastrophe Waitress
12 tracks
2003
belle-and-sebastian_6th_album
The Life Pursuit
13 tracks
2006
belle-and-sebastian_7th_album
Belle and Sebastian Write About Love
11 tracks
2010
belle-and-sebastian_8th_album
Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance
16 tracks
2015
📷
No Image
A Bit of Previous
12 tracks
2022
belle-and-sebastian_10th_album
Late Developers
11 tracks
2023
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Bobby Kildea

2001

Bass

Guitar

Mick Cooke

1998

Guitar

Bass

Percussion

Trumpet

Chris Geddes

N/A

Percussion

Keyboard

Piano

Stuart Murdoch

N/A

Guitar

Keyboard

Sarah Martin

N/A

Keyboard

Guitar

Percussion

Recorder

Violin

Flute

Stevie Jackson

N/A

Piano

Guitar

Richard Colburn

N/A

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Isobel Campbell

1996
2002

Cello

Guitar

Stuart David

1996
2000

Bass

Story of Belle and Sebastian

Belle & Sebastian: A Scottish Indie Pop Gem

Belle & Sebastian, hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, are a quintessential indie pop band formed in 1996. Led by the enigmatic Stuart Murdoch, their sound is steeped in wistful melodies and introspective lyrics, drawing comparisons to iconic acts like The Smiths and Nick Drake. Their name, a tribute to the 1965 television series "Belle and Sebastian," reflects their penchant for storytelling and capturing a sense of childlike wonder.

Though consistently lauded by critics for their unique blend of "wistful pop," Belle & Sebastian have enjoyed only moderate commercial success. This hasn't deterred their dedicated fanbase, who adore their captivating live shows and deeply personal songwriting.

A Humble Beginning: From Stow College to Tigermilk (1994-1996)

Their journey began in 1994 at Stow College's Beatbox program, a haven for aspiring musicians in Glasgow. Murdoch, along with Stuart David, found common ground in their shared musical vision. This collaboration, alongside music professor Alan Rankine (formerly of The Associates), resulted in a series of demos that caught the attention of the college's Music Business course.

Impressed by Murdoch's songwriting talent, the course gave him the opportunity to record a full-length album. In a whirlwind three days, the band – including Stevie Jackson on guitar and vocals, Isobel Campbell on cello and vocals, Chris Geddes on keys, and Richard Colburn on drums – captured the essence of their sound on "Tigermilk."

The album, a product of "botched capitalism," as Murdoch describes it, is a testament to the band's raw talent and their ability to create something special from humble beginnings. The name "Belle & Sebastian" was inspired by a short story Murdoch wrote, drawing on the charm and innocence of the television series "Belle and Sebastian." The story revolved around a six-year-old boy and his Great Pyrenees companion, Belle.

A Legacy of Wistful Pop and Enduring Appeal

From their humble beginnings to their enduring legacy, Belle & Sebastian have carved a unique space in the indie pop landscape. They remain a beloved band, captivating listeners with their melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of their devoted fanbase.

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