Push Barman To Open Old Wounds - Belle & Sebastian
User Score
8.8 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 45 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 45
  3. Negative: 4 out of 45

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  1. VinceH.
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    Longtime B&S fans know the deal, and one of the the parts of that deal we all know is that their best work has always been on their EP's. I remember thinking to myself about a year ago...wouldn't it be great to get a 2-cd set of all those great songs? And voila!! Anyway, like I need to tell you that these songs are fantastic, they just are. This is THE album of B&S's career. Every song is brilliant and different, all beautifully written and produced. If you already have these songs (like I do), it's worth the purchase for the superior sound quality and the snazzy packaging.… Expand
  2. TheyLetMulroneycakesGoBlind
    Feb 9, 2006
    10
    Yipee! All of B&S' eps and singles and b-sides prior to moving to Rough Trade, on one record! I can't say much because I fear breaking Metacritic's bandwidth, such is the greatness of pretty much each and every song here. This is, simply, a record you need.
  3. matta
    Jun 20, 2005
    9
    This is an amazing compilation of songs. Not since The Masterplan have we got such a good batch of b-sides and Ep songs from a indie/british rock band. Easily up there with their best stuff.
  4. Cosmo
    Jun 2, 2005
    10
    This is what it's about. I can't think of a more important indie rock band with the exception of the Smiths. Endlessly inventive with a richness that is captivating. A must own album. Aspiring musicians should listen to this and take notes.
  5. EdWood
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    It was through their EPs that Belle & Sebastien crept into the indie community's consciousness, so it's only fitting that this collection should cement their place as one of Britain's most literate, witty bands capable of writing timeless songs such as Just A Modern Rock Song and The State I Am In.
  6. LawrenceP
    Jun 8, 2005
    10
    You could almost say this is the only B&S you'll ever need. "The State I Am In" is my favorite B&S track of all time.
  7. SteveT
    May 31, 2006
    10
    Everyone has said what needs to be said about this album. Wow. Just go buy it.
  8. AndyW
    Oct 12, 2005
    10
    "holy shit..these are all b sides and ep songs?" was the first question i asked when i bought this album. the reason why i asked is because the songs flow together so seemlessly that it seems like a classic indie rock record. there is no weak track on either disc. everything about this compilation is just mind blowing. a must buy
  9. DaveF
    Jun 15, 2005
    10
    Bought this purely on the recommendations here and just can't freakin believe how good this album is. Gold, baby, pure gold.
  10. StuartY
    Jun 19, 2005
    10
    Reasons you should buy this CD. 1) It's essentially two albums for the price of one 2) Belle and Sebastian create a beautiful range of well crafted, listenable and clever pop tunes. 3) It saves you from having to collect all the EPs like a true devotee would normally do.
  11. Aaron
    Jun 3, 2005
    10
    Essential listening! Belle & Sebastian are the premier indie pop band of the last decade and this superb collection of tracks from their Jeepster EP's is proof postive of that. An elegant set of music.
  12. DylanP
    Jul 13, 2005
    10
    A must have for Belle and Sebastian fans or anybody who loves folk-poppy-rock music with witty lyrics.
  13. mikes
    Aug 1, 2005
    10
    This is a great cd to introduce people to the music of Belle and Sebastian. It covers a wide array of styles and it sounds stunning through the entire set. it is definitly some of thier best work
  14. scottc
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    This is an amazing band.
  15. FrancisM
    Aug 19, 2006
    10
    The "Louder Than Bombs" for a new generation.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
89 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    Irresistible. [3 Jun 2005, p.86]
  2. Dot Music
    90
    If anything, this 25-song double set sees Belle & Sebastian at their finest.
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  3. All Music Guide
    90
    Even if you already have all the EPs, you'll want to get this disc. It is reasonable priced, housed in the usual attractive package, and hearing all the songs back to back reinforces what an amazing group Belle & Sebastian were and are.
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