• Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2008
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Negative: 1 out of 9

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  1. SadiaS
    Feb 7, 2009
    9
    As always, Belle and Sebastian can light up my day with anything!
  2. 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 albums, singles, Push Barman, or the DVD Fans Only...!
  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 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.
  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 & 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.

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 21
  2. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Serious fans will covet the four excellent unreleased songs from a 2001 recording.
  2. The selection is so good, the set doubles as a best-of--it's a fine intro to the group's tuneful world of lovelorn geekdom.
  3. 70
    The initial 1996 sessions emphasize the droll felicity of essential early songs 'The State I Am In' and 'The Stars of Track and Field,' tightening the comedic timing and ramping up the tension, making their adolescent trauma both funnier and scarier.