#481: If You’re Feeling Sinister [Belle and Sebastian, 1996]

On this breakthrough album of Scottish indie rock band Belle and Sebastian, lead singer Stuart Murdoch whimpers and lisps through 10 songs of soft, delicate jangle pop. Murdoch sings with a rapid fire diction approaching rapping, especially on Me and the Major, but Belle and Sebastian also find space for trumpet solos and other musical interludes to allow the album to breathe. They have a knack for sprinkling subtle pop hooks throughout, whether it be the offbeat drums on The Stars of Track and Field or the hoooorses refrain on the closer Judy and the Dream of Horses. This album is too wimpy to ever raise my pulse, and Murdoch's intricate lyrics are obscure to the point of obtuseness on first attempt, but that only raises the value of repeat listens. 2.9/5.