Belle & Sebastian - Jonathan David (2001)

Belle and Sebastian have released several memorable singles. Each comes complete with 3 or 4 tracks that individually have the quality to be an a-side on their own merit. Most are absent from their albums so the singles have achieved a special significance. Who could ever forget the majesty of 'Slow Graffiti' ('Modern Rock Is Rubbish' e.p.) or the wide-eyed energy of 'Belle and Sebastian' ('Dog On Wheels' e.p.). Jonathan David, the title track of this 2001 release is a little hard to pin down. It's got the Madness laced piano introduction and a heart that languishes in the distant past (oh that glorious 60's Wurlitzer). It speeds along at a frantic pace until at the end the vocals merge and deliver another piece of historic pop. The artwork on the cd has a religious theme (what?). Well to be more precise a Belle and Sebastian take on the David and Goliath story. Of course the inner sleeve clarifies in that familiar sly nudge and wink style that fans have become accustomed to.

'Take Your Carriage Clock And Shove It' is the closest thing you'll get to a cover of 'I've Never Being To Me' (by Charlene) without repeating the Verve/Rolling Stones hot potato of a couple years ago. In saying that it is a glorious piece of vitriol wrapped in a tender musical mould. It portrays the board room scene on retirement day with the loyal subject giving his farewell speech. The speech not only turns heads but continues until all and sundry are semi-decapitated. Take the lyrics out of the equation and the mix you're left with sounds as fragile and heartfelt as anything Burt Bacharach could dream up. Underneath though the disquiet is palpable, a warning perhaps to all slaves to the wage.

Belle and Sebastian deliver their message in a wry manner. This means that their musicianship often takes a backseat where it bleats beautifully under the cover of a torrent of words. 'The Loneliness Of A Middle Distance Runner' has been a live favourite for years and perhaps loses some of its impact in the transition to the studio. That said it saddles up and heads for the nearest sunset with the wind in its hair. The guitars have a Dire Straits feel about them but the groove is lazily addictive. Stuart Murdoch sounds tired and emotional but tuned in to his bands scattered playing. 'Jonathan David' is perhaps not one of Belle and Sebastian's most effective singles because it is misses the killer 4th track. Be warned, however, as the quality is still high enough to have you gasping for air as your heart skips several consecutive beats for its duration. Belle and Sebastian are a band deserving of every single plaudit that has ever being directed at them.



Rating: 6/10


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