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Push Barman To Open Old Wounds Image
Metascore
89

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 56 Ratings

  • Summary: This 2-disc set collects 25 non-LP tracks that previously appeared on the band's early singles and EPs for Jeepster.

Top Track

The State I Am In
I was surprised, I was happy for a day in 1975 I was puzzled by a dream, stayed with me all day in 1995 My brother had confessed that he was gay It... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Push Barman To Open Old Wounds is a rare species indeed; though all of the songs could be considered “hits,” the album avoids all of the tackiness associated with greatest hits collections.
  2. It's a perfect way into the world of Belle and Sebastian, even if the band spends the second half of the disc trying to redecorate that space.
  3. The quality level is almost inhumanly high, and the range of the tracks here gives you a better idea of what the band is like than any of their individual albums.
  4. If you’re only going to buy one Belle & Sebastian album (and shame on you if you are), make it this one.
  5. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    If you want to know about the Glasgow scene which spawned Franz Ferdinand, 'Push Barman To Open Old Wounds' is pretty much essential. [21 May 2005, p.66]
  6. It's two discs of steady brilliance.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    Opinions will still be divided--Murdoch as literary giant or self-important art school berk?--as, over 25 tracks, there's evidence of both. [Jul 2005, p.129]

See all 18 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. 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.
  2. 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 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. Expand
  3. Feb 13, 2016
    10
    This is a revolutionary cd, it shows us how big is Belle and Sebastian and how cool they could be. This compilation CD is one of the mostThis is a revolutionary cd, it shows us how big is Belle and Sebastian and how cool they could be. This compilation CD is one of the most beautifuls that i ever heard. Expand
  4. 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 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. Expand
  5. scottc
    Nov 10, 2005
    10
    This is an amazing band.
  6. SteveT
    May 31, 2006
    10
    Everyone has said what needs to be said about this album. Wow. Just go buy it.
  7. 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 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. Expand

See all 16 User Reviews