I struggled to get off my arse yesterday and pick up Tigermilk, but rest assured the mission was a success and I've been listening to it almost nonstop since then. Unlike most people on the list I never had a decrepit, much loved and whittled tape copy, and the only song from the album I had ever heard before yesterday was their version of "I Don't Love Anyone" from Bowlie. Needless to say I was bowled over. Wow, what a record. I have to agree with those who champion "My Wandering Days Are Over" as one of Struan's best works. I dig the key change at the end when his voice gets all reverb-y talking about the circus boy. I also happen to like "Electronic Renaissance" but Nick seems to have the defense of that one covered so I won't go any further. "She's Losing It" is also aces. The review that was posted about TBWTAS being disappointing and their worst effort to date, I will take umbrage at however. Personally I think TBWTAS is my fave. It may not be as solid and dependable as IYFS or as whimsical and ebulliant as Tigermilk, but something about the songwriting on that album and the production just knocks me out everytime I hear it (which is almost daily). If you look at just Struan's songs, I think its the best of the B&S albums. With tracks like "Rollercoaster Ride," "Brillant Career," "Sleep the Clock Around," "Ease Your Feet," and the title track...how can anyone call this album disappointing (not to mention "Wicked")? It definitely has its share of lowpoints, such as the much mailgned "Chickfactor" and the "what the hell were they thinking by putting this on the record" nominee "Spaceboy Dream," but its the high points on the record that just seem to dwarf any music I've ever heard. I've also noticed that the first B&S record you hear seems to remain your favorite forever no matter what comes later. Maybe its just that inital meeting with something so perfect and pure that no amount of songwriting chops can overthrow it. I mean, I love IYFS and Tigermilk and all the EPs, but its something about TBWTAS that will keep it atop the rest for whatever reason. Maybe I just like the image of "Beans" Geddes being impaled by French bread. Who knows? steve c. +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the reborn Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list mail "sinister@majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo@majordomo.net". WWW: http://www.majordomo.net/sinister +-+ "legion of bedroom saddo devotees" "tech-heads and students" +-+ +-+ "the cardie wearing biscuit nibbling belle & sebastian list" +-+ +-+ "jelly-filled danishes" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+