Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. Although Trev gives Stuart Murdoch's songs a freshness and clarity that is entirely complimentary, the decision to unleash a flurry of TV melodrama string arrangements or flashy showbiz brass on half the songs leads to results that range from tolerable over-egging at best and annoying inanity at worst.
  2. Q Magazine
    60
    Their weak spots (feyness, smugness, shallowness) remain. [Nov 2003, p.104]
  3. Murdoch, finally free to take charge of his band, has done so in spades, and the result is a confident, assured affair...that, to many listeners, will seem utterly out of character.
  4. Under The Radar
    60
    This bold misstep is evidence that even the greatest bands on the planet occasionally display mortal chinks in the artistic armor. [#5, p.98]
  5. This disappointing album is infectious and literate, but erratic compositional fortitude and lack of daring is a drag, as each clever step is followed by another clever step.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    The smiley-face vibe and quasi-ironic lyrics... only make the band seem more coy and arch than ever. [10 Oct 2003, p.124]
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 49
  2. Negative: 5 out of 49
  1. Feb 27, 2013
    7
    Dear Catastrophe Waitress has to be the most experimental Belle Sebastian record. From the lyrics to the instrumentation to even the vocals,Dear Catastrophe Waitress has to be the most experimental Belle Sebastian record. From the lyrics to the instrumentation to even the vocals, everything seems tinkered with in a way. All In All, I enjoyed this record, but it will never top "If You're Feeling Sinister" Full Review »
  2. Jul 22, 2011
    9
    Probably my favorite album of theirs after Sinister, believe it or not. "If She Wants Me," "I'm a Cuckoo," and the hilarious "Step Into MyProbably my favorite album of theirs after Sinister, believe it or not. "If She Wants Me," "I'm a Cuckoo," and the hilarious "Step Into My Office, Baby" are all pop gems with no shortage of great melodies or hilariously ironic lyrics. Full Review »
  3. Oct 15, 2010
    10
    An absolute gem of an album without any weaknesses. A pop album of the very highest quality and perhaps the moment when Belle and SebastianAn absolute gem of an album without any weaknesses. A pop album of the very highest quality and perhaps the moment when Belle and Sebastian finally delivered and came of age. I can't recommend it highly enough. The production by Trevor Horn has to be recognised as playing a big part in turning a good pop group into a great one with this album. Full Review »