September 1998 - Sinister

Sinister: Sinister : a french boy dream
by Julien Bo�ldieu 06 Sep '98

06 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* Hello all of you ! I must be dreaming. I won a ticket for the London gig (+ train + hotel) offered by B&S label on a french radio. We'll be escorted by a girl of the label (we are 4 winners). I'm so so so happy. Can't wait for tomorrow. "The boy with the Arab strap" was released last wednesday in France. My first impression was very negative -- except for "Sleep the clock around". The production really disturbed me. I found that B&S had eaten too much sugar and taken a little weight -- ie that the sound was cleaner, not so fragile as in "If you're feeling sinister" or the 1997 three ep's, and that the songs were not so delicate and good. I believed that all the magic had gone... And I was so sad.... In fact that's absolutely not the case. To me "TBWTAS" is, as we say in french, "long en bouche". It means that I had to listen to it many times to discover the hidden beauties of each songs. I appreciate them more and more and I'm now totally junkie of all of them (except "A space boy dream", which is only half a success to me). My "personal key" to this album was to listen to it first at a low volume and to take it as an evening album (that's what it is, I think). I was expecting them to make us hear twelve more "Century of fakers", but they show us that they have changed, and that's good. Now I don't want to know if the songs reach the heights of "If you're feeling sinister" or "3.. 6.. 9.. seconds of light" -- who cares indeed ? B&S melodies are used to being absolutely amazing and addictive, and they are on TBWTAS. "Sleep the clock around" is to me the great song of the album : the most amazing, the most exciting, the most creative, the most thrilling, the newest song. I love listening to "The rollercoaster ride" before sleeping, it's so nice and peaceful. I don't know why, but TBWTAS makes me remind of the Velvet Underground's "Loaded". Does anybody see what I mean ? However I find that this album is less homogenic than "If you're feeling sinister". That's right, it's a transition album. But they show on it that they have opened many new musical ways to explore. I hope that they will follow them -- instead of Divine Comedy, that had opened similar roads with the wonderful "Liberation" but that has become to me more more insignificant and uninspirated since it. Oh, ALL APOLOGIES to B&S and to my New-Yorker brother Jonny. When I wrote you on wednesday I was a little bit angry against B&S. In fact the only thing that was wrong with TBWTAS was... me. I was so focused on the sound that I had forgotten to listen to the songs and to give attention to the melodies (I must be dumb !). You can sleep well, it's a marvelous album. :) The point is that TBWTAS doesn't affect me as much as "If you're feeling sinister" which has a peculiar importance in my own history -- that's just a personal feeling. May I ask you your address in New-York ? I'll try to send you a postcard from London. :) I hope you'll answer me, kisses to everyone, Julien. PS 1 : Thanks to Marco. Your italian is cristal clear. Please go on writing me in italian. I'll write you more when I'm back from London. PS 2 : Bonjour � Aurore. Comment �tait le concert de Leeds ? J'esp�re te lire bient�t. _________________________________________________________ DO YOU YAHOO!? Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: Nottingham & Leeds, f'chrissakes
by pamela berry 06 Sep '98

06 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* Well, loathe as I am to post anything to do with B&S or real, actual events to this list, I've just scanned the most relevant of the last 40-odd posts and I just have to write... I simply cannot believe people are moaning or damning with faint praise the weekend's gigs. Leeds was astonishing; I'm 30 years old and I've been to more live music events than I care to remember, and this, friends, was numero uno. I've never seen anything better in my life. A beautiful venue too... a genuine all-seated music hall with, hey, two (count 'em) balconies, tucked away down a little alley. Nottingham - ok, too hot, pretty poor acoustically and difficult for anyone under 5'8" to see anything. But, still, I feel the band transcended the awkwardness of the surroundings. Not a single song was repeated from the previous night (I'm sure someone more diligent than I will ultimately post the full set-lists), and yet you really couldn't say it was a weaker performance. Extraordinary. Apologies to those whose experiences did not parallel mine; being in the vicinity of the sort of pricks whose brains seize up if they don't keep shouting at each other is usually enough to ruin any occasion (I think this explains the 'too quiet' complaints regarding Saturday; it was fine up front, terribly frustrating further back - I know, I made my move forwards a minute into an almost inaudible 'The State I Am In'). Aside from the magic wrought by the band, how lovely it was to meet everyone... big up the Sinister massive (I'd name names but I'd only leave someone out and be wracked by guilt until... ooh, at least Monday). Y'know, they really are the best band in the world. It's so clear to me now... Mike. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: Nottingham
by jon g. 06 Sep '98

06 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* It was way too hot and we were all packed in and we couldn't breath and this silly man was shouting 'Dylan' at Stuart all the time, but Belle & Sebastian were *wicked*. Elliot Smith was OK. And it rained sort of, so we didn't turn up to our own picnic. It was a night to remember. I still smell of smoke. There's a lot to be said for no-smoking venues. David & Katrina were really busy selling huge posters and Sinister, Arab Strap and Stow T-shirts and badges and ink polaroids. I think David knew who I was though. I'm sure Chris Geddes was looking at me when he looked up from his Wurlitzer. But, the band were just sooooooo good - they'd obviously been rehearsing a lot and it paid off. The new stuff is excellent and they played it well. love jon g. jon.g(a)btinternet.com - http://surf.to/jongandbethey +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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None
by Stephen_J._Wood＠andyclin.exnet.com 06 Sep '98

06 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* Just got up at noon (didn't quite sleep the clock around) having driven 140 miles home last night after Nottingham. A few thoughts on the gigs On the upside, they were brilliant! B&S have finally got their live set together! No awkward ten minute gaps between songs! BRILLIANT sound quality from the PA! you could even hear the words in the quietist bits! On the downside, only an hour set each night, and no encores despite audiences stomping away for five minutes after the set. They've obviously taken to heart criticisms of their gigs up to Manchester last year, (not like them to take any notice of what people say, hope they don't make a habit of it!), and been rehearsing lots! Even their PA guy(s)! Leeds was a small intimate (and very hot) music hall, everyone (well nearly everyone...) was seated, and their very quiet sound was perfect. When one rebel shockingly stood up at the front and (sort of) danced, despite having a nasty telling off from a security person, Stuart cleverly changed the words of whatever song he was singing to say that the guy was "an anarchist, but he still ended up looking dumb". Nottingham was a big open barn of a place (and very hot). The PA was louder than at Leeds, though because of the size of the place people further back couldn't hear, and were shouting for the band to turn up. It was so hot on stage, they had to turn the lighting down, and one of the band (male!) suggested that all the girls should take off their tops. They seemed to play entirely different sets on the two nights, I didn't spot a single duplication between Leeds and Nottingham. Perhaps some nice person will mail the setlists to the list! And if anyone taped the show/s I'd love to hear from you! If they extend that policy to London, the set will be pretty short! I didn't spot any new songs, except what sounded like (maybe) a cover version sung by Ms Cellist in French. Anyone know if they've played that before? Quite a contrast to the shows a year ago, when they seemed to play half the set of new and unrecorded songs. Maybe they figure that it's too risky to play completely new things if they've not rehearsed them. (shame!). Maybe they haven't any new songs. (Hope not). Maybe they think the audience wants to hear the old favourites! (we do as well!). Maybe they want to plug the new LP (We'd buy it anyway!). Anyway, after we spent a summer waiting (almost a quote!) it was good to see they continue to be excellent! Cheers! Rocker, rocker(a)andyclin.exnet.com +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: 7 to 8 years old- well thats pretty small
by SpaceboyUK＠aol.com 06 Sep '98

06 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* i had to put tat subject,even though it's lacking relativity to my comments. has anyone taped the recent sessions off the radio? if you have,that would be very cool if i could get those. or for trade,if necessary. thank you. cheers. -a.james +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: does keith watson think he's a star?
by Lefoxaroo＠aol.com 06 Sep '98

06 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* I don't want to jump to conclusions or anything but at the after show thing at Brighton Beach in leeds, i was getting all the 'stars' autographs when this strange little fella go my TOTP POP autographs book and signed what looks to be Keith Watson. Is that keith off of this list? esteban +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: Grauniad reivew and othre stuff
by Funkyseb＠aol.com 05 Sep '98

05 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* Hello :-) sorry about sending my last sulk to the list twice, I'm just feeling a bit moody and incompetent today. Anyway, I thought I'd send in this, as long as no one's already done it: Two bits from The Guide: P!O!P!: Belle and Sebastian You used to know where you were with Belle and Sebastian. The Glasgow octet produced delicate tunes that had as much to do with the spaces between the notes as with the notes themselves.They maintained a willful silence about their private lives, refused to be interviewed and disingenuously claimed to be uninfluenced by the music business. Interesting, then, to read what amounts to a legal notice on the back of their new album, The Boy with the Arab Strap: ''Belle Et Sebastien is a novel by Madame Cecile Aubry about a boy, Sebastien, and his Pyrrennees mountain dog, Belle. Although it is little to do with the eight of us playing music, that is where the name came from. We are grateful to Mme Aubry for letting us use the name until now.'' On the album itself are tracks like Seymour Stain, a paean to to the head of a New York record company, and Chickfactor, a ditty about the joys of touring America. Is it all going weird for Belle and Sebastian, or will this show be reassuringly small and quirky? Theres another bit, but it says pretty much the same thing, 'blah blah pretty, blah blah willful....go and see.' I'm fascinated by this disclaimer though-I don't remember seeing it posted before. I remember the discussion though, but I thought it was a silly rumour. 'until now..', doeas this mean a name change is inevitable? I still say stuff the old bag, but I suppose they have to be tactful. Nice combination of grovelling and insolence though. Incidentally, I was wandering around Wigmore St today, looking for support tights and feeling pretty fed up, when I turn a corner and WOW! I'm confronted with a huge poster for The Boy with the Arab Strap. I just stood there, pointing at it, and grinning like mad!I was tempted to peel it off the wall, 'cause it was still damp, but then no-one else would get to see it, so I didn't. I like the title now, it looks...right. And like Mark said, it's got the right tone, Innocence and smuttyness. Marvellous. The best bit about the poster is the fact that it doesn't have B&S' name on it. At all. Anywhere. Now that's willful :-) Incidentally, d'you know what they call us on the Chemikal Underground list? >>'the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list' disgraceful! seb, still after a flat.and a job. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: Whatever happened to Reece Dinsdale?
by Funkyseb＠aol.com 05 Sep '98

05 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* You know, this was really meant to be my last post to the list. I should be living the bohemian life in my London skyscraper by now. I'd planned something witty, yet poignant; something that would make you all rush to the digests and read all my other gems, and realise how different the list would be without me. 'To Funkyseb' you'd toast, 'we may never see his like again.' But London has let me down again. So I sit here, on my suitcase, wondering what to do next. The tang of autumn is in the air, and I feel like the last swallow to migrate. Maybe I've already left it too late. Anyway, I'll be staying for a while I suppose., both in the sticks and on the list, until I work out what to do next. And if anyone on the list in the capital knows of a cheap spare room going, then please, let me know. <ahem> This post doesn't really have an ending, feel free write your own. seb +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: Re: CMJ review/Doh
by Joss Moorkens 05 Sep '98

05 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* Reid: Isobel didn't write "Is It Wicked Not to Care" did she? I thought it was an Orange Juice song. It was on the tape Ronan Barrett made me, if I remember rightly. I think my workmate is a serial killer. Help Joss +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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Sinister: B&S Chicago metro show tickets go on sale today
by John F. Monroe 05 Sep '98

05 Sep '98

*---* HAPPY BIRTHDAY SINISTER BABIES *---* from the ticketmaster site: BELLE & SEBASTIAN MUST BE 18 & OVER METRO 3730 N. CLARK CHICAGO MON OCT 26 1998 8:00 PM Internet Onsale: Sep 5 1998 at 12:00PM I am guessing tiockets are still $14 , plus service charge for ticketmaster. Directions? Well, find Wrigley Field on a map ( at the intersection of Clark and Addison, both big streets ). Park anywhere on a main street within your comfortable walking distance of there. The area can be a real hassle, plan on time to just look for parking spaces, and realize all side streets, which used to be useful for parking, are now controlled such that you need a special sticker to park there, and I wouldn't risk coming out of the show to find the car towed. The Metro is about three blocks north on Clark from the Friendly Confines of Wrigley. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister(a)majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo(a)majordomo.net". For list archives and searching, list rules, FAQ, poor jokes etc, see http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +---+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" +---+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+

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