Cecil Aubry's Belle et Sébastien chronicles the adventures of a boy and his dog. The books have since been turned into a comic, a television show and an anime cartoon. It is also the namesake of Scottish indie favorites Belle & Sebastian. After meeting in an all-night café in Glasgow, Stuart Murdoch and (former member) Stuart David formed the base of the collective.
Part of Belle & Sebastian's appeal is the interesting combination of multiple guitarists, bassists and keyboardists with drums, horns and the lone female member providing violin. The difference between each player and instrument furthers their individualistic sound. The amalgam of these musicians makes up the unique sound of Belle & Sebastian.
The Life Pursuit, their sixth studio effort, is a true example of Belle & Sebastian's signature sound. Since the release of Tigermilk in 1996, the group has kept fans wanting more of their music style and poetic lyrics. The music itself fluctuates from '60s and '70s upbeat rock to '80s pop. Though often compared to The Smiths, the band shows this similarity through lyrics rather than music. Interestingly, one more modern comparison could be made between the song "Sukie in the Graveyard" and the synth-pop of Scissor Sisters.
"We are the Sleepyheads" is a perfect example of old-school Belle & Sebastian lyrics combined with a new, heavier, emphasis on guitar and drums, while "Song for Sunshine" sounds like it could have been written in the '70s.
The songs create a balanced album of cheerful beats and intelligent, clever lyrics that are supported by less-produced mellow tracks. "Dress Up in You" illustrates this combination. It is a laid-back and melancholy song with trademark lyrics such as "Blow in the face of my rivals / I swear and I rant, I make quite an arrival / the men are surprised by the language / they act so discreet, they are hypocrites forget them / so f**k them too!"
"The Blues are Still Blues" showcases the evolution of the band since the release of Dear Catastrophe Waitress. "White Collar Boy" resounds like the music of decades past, but, with the vocals of Murdoch and the backing members, Belle & Sebastian continues to show their superiority at fusing the old with the new. The lyrics exemplify the humor and fun spirit of the band -- "She said 'You ain't ugly, you can kiss me if you like' / go ahead and kiss her, you don't know what you're missing / you said 'Baby, you're special, / but there's something not quite right.'" It shines as one of the most fun songs on the album.
Belle & Sebastian have been a consistent indie and college radio favorite since forming in 1996. The Life Pursuit contains the best aspects of the band's music while simultaneously exhibiting the unique evolution and genius of all that is Belle & Sebastian.
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