Storytelling OST
by Belle and Sebastian
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Jun 4, 2002
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 12
  3. Negative: 2 out of 12
  1. Dot Music
    80
    'Storytelling' contains some of B&S's finest songs since their 'If You're Feeling Sinister' peak.
  2. The A.V. Club
    70
    The vocal tracks have the unforced charm of the singles that Belle And Sebastian regularly turns out between albums: sunny pop with rainy lyrics.
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    'Storytelling' is the first indication that Stuart Murdoch has finally got some decent red meat down his gob and he's no longer resigned to wallowing in his dank indie mire until The Pastels come home.
  5. Mojo
    70
    The album only stretches to 35 minutes but its quality more than compensates. [July 2002, p.112]
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  6. Nude As The News
    65
    A rather haphazard collection of dialogue snippets, instrumental vignettes, and the occasional proper Belle song.
  7. Pitchfork
    65
    A disorienting hodgepodge of new songs and instrumental score padded with annoying segments of dialogue from the movie.
  8. AllMusic
    60
    An occasionally jumbled, yet undeniably pleasant, collection that unsurprisingly feels like a hybrid of a proper Belle & Sebastian album and a more traditional film score.
  9. Billboard
    60
    As uneven as the film itself.
  10. Q Magazine
    60
    It's a disjointed affair, but there's no denying the robust confidence with which they carry it off. [June 2002, p.111]
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  11. Neumu.net
    40
    [A] tired, uninspired collection of music and songs.
  12. Uncut
    30
    What makes B&S great is conspicuous by its absence.... For completists only. [Jul 2002, p.101]
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  13. Playlouder
    20
    Hidden amongst the bilge, there are six proper songs here, with words and everything. But they only serve to prove how erratic Belle And Sebastian have become.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2002

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 2 out of 11
  1. JoeR
    Aug 24, 2005
    10
    The critics don't know jack.
  2. OutAndAboutWithGilbertMulroneycakes
    Dec 6, 2003
    7
    Anyone noticed how Playlouder aren't much on constructive criticism? Anyway, what with seeing the film the other day and all, I decided, Anyone noticed how Playlouder aren't much on constructive criticism? Anyway, what with seeing the film the other day and all, I decided, mad, impulsive guy that I am, to revisit the soundtrack album. Remembered as I took the CD out of its jewel case that Dear Catastrophe Waitress keeps getting listed as B&S' fifth album, skipping this one completely. That can't be good. And...well, it is probably their least satisfactory album as a piece of work...but considering the competition, that doesn't mean grapes. It's not bad, but it doesn't really hold together as an album - perhaps partly due to the decision to write two or three tunes for the movie and rearrange them according to the action, making for a great soundtrack to a motion picture, but a slightly repetetive album. Still, the songs themselves sit nicely alongside the rest of their oevre - the title track, which has a hint of "Boy With The Arab Strap" melodicism to it, and "Big John Shaft" especially - and, you know, it's good and that. Reccomended if you're a B&S fan, but if not, get Tigermilk instead. For it is the alpha and the omega.… Full Review »
  3. SabalomG.
    Jul 2, 2002
    7
    Not bad. Not bad at all. It is an OST, you know, you have to expect it to, you know, BE AN OST. Maybe they should just collectively bleed Not bad. Not bad at all. It is an OST, you know, you have to expect it to, you know, BE AN OST. Maybe they should just collectively bleed into a pint glass and deliver it to you on rollerskates without spilling a drop, then would you be satisfied?… Full Review »
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