After the less-than-average “Storytelling”, Belle and Sebastian are firmly back in the driver’s seat with “Dear Catastrophe Waitress”. There’s a bit of everything in here, but overall it’s just a good, solid pop album, nothing more, nothing less. It seems a natural place to go for the band after their past releases and evolves on their previous sound, but Stu Murdoch & Co. keep from losing any of their charm in the process. There are still the same tragic fates, quirky real-world narratives and silly feel-good songs which fans of the group have come to love through the years. That is of course not to say that there’s nothing new on here though. “Dear Catastrophe Waitress” represents an evolution not a revolution, true, but there are songs like “Step Into My Office, Baby”, “Piazza, New York Catcher” and “Lord Anthony” which sound more fresh and clean than your other average B&S songs.

Interestingly, the band hooked up with tAtU producer Trevor Horn for the production of this record, and he does a nice job polishing off the rough edges, despite his rather dubious past record with the Russian teenie-bop rockers. Subtle touches here and there enrich the atmosphere throughout without going overboard, and the well-rounded development of B&S as a band probably owes quite a bit to the focus of Horn.

Yet another charming release from Belle and Sebastian, “Dear Catastrophe Waitress” is a pleasant listen to old and new listeners of the band alike and represents a welcome development on their past work.

Year Released: 2003
Label: Rough Trade Records
Related Link: Belle and Sebastian Official
Date Reviewed: 2003-12-23
Author: Andreas