First replies from a new member to the list: PASTELS -- I agree with whoever said they all sounded the same and weren't anything special. They've got a new "remix" album out which for some reason I bought, and while the songs on it do sound different, it's just a lot of looping/scratching/sampling stuff, which I'm getting real bored by. TINDERSTICKS -- Both albums have their strong songs. They've also got a live disc out they did with a full orchestra that came as a bonus disc with the second album, and then was sold separately -- I think. I actually think that would be the best starting point. But -- be warned. They're a band I allways wanted to like more than I've ever been able to. While they use a lot of similar instrumentation, I find the Tinderstick's vocalist hard to listen to. He sings in a very deep, dreary monotone -- the opposite of B & S, who manage to be touching but also uplifting, in part because of the vocals. I would also submit that the lyrics don't touch B&S's. And, that on B&S's best songs, the melodies are much stronger. Unfortunately, I don't put a lot of songs on TBWTAS in that category. But I'm sure that's a point that's been hashed over quite a bit on this list. Evan Katz(newbie) +----------------------------------------------------------------------+ +---+ Brought to you by the Sinister mailing list +---+ To send to the list please mail "sinister@majordomo.net". To unsubscribe send "unsubscribe sinister" or "unsubscribe sinister-digest" to "majordomo@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" +-+ +----------------------------------------------------------------------+