Stevie Jackson on "Fold Your Hands Child": "For a long time, this was my least favourite record because it was such a miserable time making it. I just hated that period. It was a rudderless operation and there was a lot of intrigue going on with the band. It was the end of the 90s so you had just endless studio time and budgets that no longer exist and I just remember being in there forever and it being a really obscene waste of time. An album emerged from it eventually..."
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:07 (five years ago) link
one thing that really stands out about it is all the harpsichord
― ufo, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:10 (five years ago) link
uneven but women's realm -> family tree -> there's too much love is a perfect piece of sequencing
― devvvine, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:14 (five years ago) link
If we were submitting our 10 favourite B&S LPs, FYHCYWLAP would have been my #10
― mfktz (Camaraderie at Arms Length), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:14 (five years ago) link
but yeah, women's realm and ttml are pretty great
― mfktz (Camaraderie at Arms Length), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:16 (five years ago) link
FYH beating TLP is a travesty but I didn't submit an album list so I'm partly to blame.
― resident hack (Simon H.), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:19 (five years ago) link
When it came out, I think I resented Stuart for not writing all the songs.
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:20 (five years ago) link
*extremely me voice* girls in peacetime is also better than fold your hands
― jolene club remix (BradNelson), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:20 (five years ago) link
girls in peacetime just missed my ballot, i was definitely surprised by it
― ufo, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:22 (five years ago) link
yeah it's the most baroque-pop they ever got. my favorite non-comp b&s album these days
― J. Sam, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:26 (five years ago) link
Speaking of which, purists holding the opinion that compilations don't really count are invited to avert their gaze...
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:29 (five years ago) link
I've tried listening the The Life Pursuit, I really have. But I just can't understand how anyone could rank it above FYHCYWLAP. Before the Sunrise is bad, but it's not bad enough to sink the whole album! I guess there are just people who want a very different thing out of this band and that's all well and good!
― Alba, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:29 (five years ago) link
5.http://i63.tinypic.com/2a8oitz.jpgPush Barman to Open Old Wounds (singles compilation, May 2005) Points: 73Votes: 22#1 Votes: 4
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:30 (five years ago) link
The nadir of FYHC.. for me is the opening to The Wrong Girl, Beyond The Sunrise is fine.I ummed and ahhed about voting for Push Barman but ultimately, just look at what's on it.
― mfktz (Camaraderie at Arms Length), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:33 (five years ago) link
Yeah, I voted for it, and I've never actually listened to it (just to the EP's that comprise it)
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:34 (five years ago) link
Yes, felt a bit weird putting Push Barman as my #2 even though I don't own it and still don't think I've ever listened to it from start to finish, but that's compilations for you.
I forgot Beyond the Sunrise's name it's so bad. Well it would be fine as a B-side I guess.
― Alba, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:35 (five years ago) link
4.http://i64.tinypic.com/206msrs.jpgDear Catastrophe Waitress (October 2003) Points: 79Votes: 29#1 Votes: 2
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:52 (five years ago) link
wow too low! classic nearly the whole way through
― ufo, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:52 (five years ago) link
I was expecting a few more #1 votes. Still, it was on almost 3/4 of ballots.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:55 (five years ago) link
Yeah, now that i'm looking at the track list again, I feel like I should have had it higher in my list.
Top 3 prediction:Arab Strap, Tigermilk, Sinister
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 13:57 (five years ago) link
prefer peacetime and the ones that have placed since to arab strap
― devvvine, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:00 (five years ago) link
3.http://i63.tinypic.com/jza3pi.jpgThe Boy with the Arab Strap (September 1998) Points: 92Votes: 33#1 Votes: 5
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:14 (five years ago) link
this has some incredible highs but it's way more inconsistent than the first two and DCW
― ufo, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:15 (five years ago) link
I was surprised to find myself not voting for TABBYWARS, but though I like most of the tracks and it's sequenced well, I just don't go back to it, in the end it was shunted out by The Life Pursuit
― mfktz (Camaraderie at Arms Length), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:16 (five years ago) link
The Boy with the Arab Strap #1's Unite!
― ヽ(_ _ヽ)彡 ᴵ'ᵐ ᵒᵏᵃʸ_(・_ .)/ (FlopsyDuck), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:20 (five years ago) link
What is TABBYWARS?
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:22 (five years ago) link
I've never liked Boy with the Arab Strap, kind of mystified by the high placement. Girls in Peacetime and The Life Pursuit deserve to be higher.
― Mario Meatwagon (Moodles), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:23 (five years ago) link
will concede that 'it could have been a brilliant career' is an incredible way to start a record
― devvvine, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:24 (five years ago) link
xp ufoI think The Boy with the Arab Strap is their most consistent album so...
― ヽ(_ _ヽ)彡 ᴵ'ᵐ ᵒᵏᵃʸ_(・_ .)/ (FlopsyDuck), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:24 (five years ago) link
For a lot of people (myself included), it was their first real exposure to the band, which counts for a lot.
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:25 (five years ago) link
I tend to think a lot of the post-two-classics albums from B&S are about equal to each other, they all have some really good, some good, quite a lot of mundane, and a few questionable numbers. Which is partly why it's a great band to poll imo. The later albums are also just less known / familiar.
― Nabozo, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:33 (five years ago) link
TWATTYBUS was my highest ranked conventional album (Barman was #1) after a cold scientific calculation of the raw number of favourite tracks on each. Didn't feel quite right somehow, but I went with science anyway.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:35 (five years ago) link
these acronyms are killing me lol
― big crime for a SPECIAL WHATEVER (voodoo chili), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:38 (five years ago) link
TWATTYBUS!
TUBBYBEERS has a couple classics but also a lot of riff raff.
― SA, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:39 (five years ago) link
I didn't vote in the albums poll but don't get the distaste for FYTCHYWALLOP
― Guayaquil (eephus!), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:45 (five years ago) link
did anyone ever ask the Glaswegians from the band Arab Strap what they thought of this album title? (or "Space Boy Dream," which deliberately cribs their whole deal)
― big crime for a SPECIAL WHATEVER (voodoo chili), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:50 (five years ago) link
they're from Falkirk, not Glasgow, my bad
i thought they were supposed to have been annoyed by it because people kept thinking it was a collaboration?
― ufo, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:51 (five years ago) link
When questioned about it, Arab Strap's leader/singer, Aidan Moffat, said "They have a sense of humour." Malcolm Middleton, the band's instrumentalist, added, "Because Arab Strap is quite an interesting name. The words go well together. That's why we chose it as a band name. We're friends with them, but there's a limit to putting someone else's name on an album. They're taking away something from us." He also mentioned that the album had been confused as a collaboration between the bands
― devvvine, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:51 (five years ago) link
I didn't vote in albums, I had to hustle to get tracks in. But no controversy here.
― campreverb, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:55 (five years ago) link
Nor here, I suspect:
2.http://i68.tinypic.com/2088nch.jpgTigermilk (June 1996) Points: 116Votes: 38#1 Votes: 7
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 14:57 (five years ago) link
1.http://i63.tinypic.com/2wd6cev.jpgIf You're Feeling Sinister (November 1996) Points: 159 Votes: 38 #1 Votes: 20
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:04 (five years ago) link
Tigermilk has IDLA which is super classic. SM really HIOOTP with that one.
― kornrulez6969, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:05 (five years ago) link
GOAT
― devvvine, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:06 (five years ago) link
20 #1 votes out of 40 total. That's what politicians call a "mandate"
― enochroot, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:08 (five years ago) link
Ha! I just looked on eBay to see how much original copies of Tigermilk were going for these days, and the actual stuffed animal from the album cover just sold for $18,500. LOL fans.
― Mr. Snrub, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:08 (five years ago) link
BBCODTV
― Mark G, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:09 (five years ago) link
I am one of the two non-Sinister-voters, who are you, other misfit?
― mfktz (Camaraderie at Arms Length), Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:20 (five years ago) link
LOL @ enochroot.
Being in a silly timezone I will pause at this point and endeavour to resume with EPs on Thursday morning, AEDT. (so...probably not before 8PM Wednesday, GMT.)
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 12 December 2018 15:22 (five years ago) link
There's something to be said for them following a particular path out of the VU sound - much closer to the Nico/John Cale version than the Lou Reed one, obviously.
― Good cop, Babcock (Chinaski), Tuesday, 18 December 2018 16:02 (five years ago) link
eh i think the third album is a major part of their sound
― jolene club remix (BradNelson), Tuesday, 18 December 2018 16:07 (five years ago) link
Buh, of course. Brainfart.
― Good cop, Babcock (Chinaski), Tuesday, 18 December 2018 16:10 (five years ago) link
just catching up with the results -- good stuff! one more ballot fwiw (informed by a cursory re-listening that turned often to awe and new appreciation, of course. i love this band's multitudes)
Like Dylan in the MoviesWomen's RealmThe Stars of Track and FieldSeeing Other PeopleAnother Sunny DayA Summer WastingMe and the MajorMayflyThe State I Am InWhite Collar BoyGet Me Away from Here, I'm DyingShe's Losing ItFunny Little FrogI Didn't See It ComingThe Fox in the SnowThe Rollercoaster RideFamily TreeLazy Line Painter JaneWrapped Up in BooksSleep the Clock AroundElectronic RenaissanceDog on WheelsYour Cover's BlownCome On SisterWe Are the SleepyheadsJudy is a Dick SlapStay LooseWaiting for the Moon to RiseYou Made Me Forget My DreamsThe Loneliness of a Middle Distance Runner
― geoffreyess, Tuesday, 18 December 2018 22:46 (five years ago) link
I have no idea whether there's any discernable evidence in either case, but from the chatter on fan lists of each, I always imagined B&S must have prompted a spike in sales of Bryter Layter in a fashion not unlike Stereolab doing the same for Neu!
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Tuesday, 18 December 2018 23:15 (five years ago) link
This was an awesome poll. Cheers.
ALBUMS1. Dear Catastrophe Waitress2. If You’re Feeling Sinister3. Tigermilk4. Push Barman to Open Old Wounds5. The Boy with the Arab Strap
EPS1. Dog on Wheels2. Lazy Line Painter Jane3. Books4. 3... 6... 9... Seconds of Light5. Legal Man
TRACKS:1. Me and the Major2. Dog on Wheels3. If You’re Feeling Sinister4. Stay Loose5. You Don’t Send Me6. If You Find Yourself Caught in Love7. She’s Losing It8. Piazza, New York Catcher9. Get Me Away from Here, I’m Dying10. Is It Wicked Not to Care?11. Sleep the Clock Around12. Like Dylan in the Movies13. I’m a Cuckoo14. It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career15. Electronic Renaissance16. You’re Just a Baby17. Seeing Other People18. Expectations19. Judy and the Dream of Horses20. Legal Man21. The Boy with the Arab Strap22. Step Into My Office, Baby23. Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie24. Your Cover’s Blown25. I Love My Car26. I Believe in Traveling Light27. Stars of Track and Field28. Act of the Apostle29. The Party Line30. Asleep on a Sunbeam
― Mr. Snrub, Wednesday, 19 December 2018 00:16 (five years ago) link
This poll made me realize a lot of people listen to B&S for reasons different to mine.
I had never really paid Lazy Line Painter Jane. I think it's appalling. Possibly the worst song by this band I've heard? Here's my points score:
40 - Stay Loose36 - Expectations33 - Dylan in the Movies30 - I fought in a war28 - I’m a cuckoo26 - Dog on wheels25 - Another sunny day24 - Funny little frog 23 - Allie22 - We were beautiful21 - White collar boy20 - Sunday’s pretty icons19 - I want the world to stop18 - Your cover’s blown17 - The party line16 - The everlasting muse15 - The stars of track and field14 - Wrapped up in books13 - A summer wasting12 - The fox in the snow11 - Dirty Dream 210 - Play for today9 - The blues are still blue
― paulhw, Wednesday, 19 December 2018 02:08 (five years ago) link
I've never really liked it either
― Mario Meatwagon (Moodles), Wednesday, 19 December 2018 03:32 (five years ago) link
I keep coming back to that "The Blues are Still Blue" Lip Dub thingy. Gloriously goofy, and I like the song about 89% more after several viewings. Thanks bendy.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:35 (five years ago) link
Mine:
1 Ease Your Feet in the Sea2 Belle & Sebastian3 Seeing Other People4 The Fox in the Snow5 Slow Graffiti6 String Bean Jean7 Don't Leave the Light on Baby8 Winter Wooskie9 The Stars of Track and Field10 A Century of Fakers11 You Made Me Forget My Dreams12 Dog on Wheels13 Legal Man14 The Model15 Me and the Major16 Stay Loose17 I Know Where the Summer Goes18 Lazy Line Painter Jane19 The State I Am In20 Step Into My Office, Baby21 Beautiful22 Simple Things23 It Could Have Been a Brilliant Career24 I Fought in a War25 Photo Jenny26 Sleep the Clock Around27 Chickfactor28 The Rollercoaster Ride29 Women's Realm30 Nice Day for a Sulk
― the salacious inaudible (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Wednesday, 19 December 2018 07:57 (five years ago) link
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Wednesday, December 19, 2018 8:35 AM (four hours ago) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
Otm! Gave me a whole new appreciation for the song. What a joyful bunch.
― lbi's life of limitless european glamour (Le Bateau Ivre), Wednesday, 19 December 2018 12:35 (five years ago) link
A schoolyard of teens united in song, singing and dancing clumsily around Seville orange trees could well be a dream image from 90s B&S.
― eva logorrhea (bendy), Wednesday, 19 December 2018 12:39 (five years ago) link
it's so cool.
― frame casual (dog latin), Wednesday, 19 December 2018 15:24 (five years ago) link
I should have put Play for Today *much* higher. What a track.
― Good cop, Babcock (Chinaski), Friday, 18 January 2019 13:54 (five years ago) link
Indeed.
I had but one Peacetime track on my hastily-assembled ballot. I'm wiser now and have even, finally, procured a physical copy. (Write About Love too, fercrissakes!) I also had a nice image prepared for "Play for Today", so I was doubly sad to see it slip down the rankings in late voting.
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Tuesday, 22 January 2019 05:51 (five years ago) link
Put it here, You're allowed!
― Mark G, Tuesday, 22 January 2019 11:29 (five years ago) link
This poll was responsible for B&S cementing themselves in my favourite top 5 or so bands. Before they were a band I liked generally, loving a few songs and a couple albums. Now their entire catalogue just makes me very, very happy.
Thanks, Nag!
― Your dad's Carlos Boozer and you keep him alive (fionnland), Monday, 28 January 2019 13:44 (five years ago) link
Definitely the rare and weird category of favorite band I unabashedly adore and want to listen to all the time, except for when I don't and find them too precious and need to set them aside for several months or even years.
― Josh in Chicago, Monday, 28 January 2019 15:12 (five years ago) link
Ha ha, yes. Same.
― Alba, Monday, 28 January 2019 15:40 (five years ago) link
Thirded.
― a large tuna called “Justice” (C. Grisso/McCain), Monday, 28 January 2019 15:56 (five years ago) link
Fourthed. (I'd practically given up on them before this poll.)
― Good cop, Babcock (Chinaski), Monday, 28 January 2019 16:04 (five years ago) link
Yes! I feel this way about the Pixies too.
― eva logorrhea (bendy), Tuesday, 29 January 2019 17:34 (five years ago) link
I've only just worked out that the backing vocals at the end of Play for Today are 'author, author'. I've been singing 'up your jumper'.
And it bears repeating: what a fucking great song.
― Good cop, Babcock (Chinaski), Sunday, 10 February 2019 19:41 (five years ago) link
I though it was something like "up the mountain"
― Mario Meatwagon (Moodles), Sunday, 10 February 2019 19:45 (five years ago) link
I totally think it is 'up the mountain' but other days I hear 'author author' - both have resonance. Anyway, what a song and would probably be my number one if I were to vote today.
Let's fill the glass and light to share the sunThe backstage of your life.
― Good cop, Babcock (Chinaski), Saturday, 13 April 2019 21:56 (five years ago) link
The lyrics on the sleeve are "author author" but my ears refuse to hear it as anything but "up the mountain".
― Nag! Nag! Nag!, Saturday, 13 April 2019 23:53 (five years ago) link
The backstage of your life.
― Vanishing Point (Chinaski), Friday, 10 April 2020 23:28 (four years ago) link