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The BBC Sessions Image
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

  • Summary: The two-disc set includes track recorded by the BBC between 1996 and 2001.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. There’s still a lot to love about B&S, but there was something magical, otherworldly even, about them during this period that this compilation captures perfectly.
  2. Serious fans will covet the four excellent unreleased songs from a 2001 recording.
  3. With or without the four unreleased songs, this was always going to be an essential collection for any Belle & Sebastian obsessive, and the credits are a reminder there’s plenty more to come.
  4. Q Magazine
    80
    These renditions, however, also stress how undeserved their reputation for tea-and-cakes twee was, using Stuart Murdoch's lyrical sharpness and the radio sessions' rough edges to draw blood. [Jan 2009, p.126]
  5. Endearing sour trumpet and recorder notes on uptempo tracks like 'Judy and Her Dream of Horses' and a stunning 1998 version of 'Slow Graffiti' capture the essence of early Belle & Sebastian, while the four unreleased songs from 2001 find the group experimenting with funky, spoke-sung vocals ('Shoot the Sexual Athlete') and haunting atmospherics ('Nothing in Silence').
  6. Songwriter Stuart Murdoch often makes good on Morrissey's promise to deliver songs that live up to their titles.
  7. Truth is, there’s nothing too striking on The BBC Sessions, save for the closing four tracks.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ColinH.
    Nov 21, 2008
    10
    Fantastic - perfectly captures B&S at their peak (CD1) and also how much fun they were live (CD2). Worth getting even if you own all the Fantastic - perfectly captures B&S at their peak (CD1) and also how much fun they were live (CD2). Worth getting even if you own all the albums, singles, Push Barman, or the DVD Fans Only...! Expand
  2. SadiaS
    Feb 7, 2009
    9
    As always, Belle and Sebastian can light up my day with anything!
  3. Nov 2, 2011
    7
    A good collection of B&S songs - obviously doesn't have the same feel, atmosphere or continuity of a studio album but does a great job ofA good collection of B&S songs - obviously doesn't have the same feel, atmosphere or continuity of a studio album but does a great job of showcasing the band during this period with some nice covers on here also. Geared towards the avid fan with some rarities on it but would also do a nice job of introducing someone to B&S. Expand
  4. Jul 6, 2012
    5
    Just for fans. There's nothing very special about theese peformances and the b-side tracks are just that; b-side tracks. Funny enough Belle &Just for fans. There's nothing very special about theese peformances and the b-side tracks are just that; b-side tracks. Funny enough Belle & Sebastian are an amazing band on stage and maybe they should consider releasing an live album from one of those festivals with thousands of fans singing. Expand