Belle & Sebastian - Legal Man Single
(Matador)
It seems like everyone the last few years has been talking about Belle & Sebastian. Even Boy George name dropped them at the British Music Awards last year. Oh Boy. Somewhere between their 2nd and 3rd albums, when the hype was just beginning, I tried as hard as I could to avoid hearing them. Eventually I gave in, and even though I wasn't impressed on my first few listens to If You're Feeling Sinister, I eventually became hooked on the band since I couldn't seem to get their songs out of my head. I eventually came to like the album so much that the band's later output, although wonderful, seems less so in comparison.
Unfortunately, the Legal Man single continues this trend. The single finds the band experimenting in slightly new directions, which is likely why these songs weren't included on their recent full length. The three songs on this release are "Legal Man," "Judy is a Dick Slap," and "Winter Wooskie." Both "Legal Man" and "Winter Wooskie" mix the band's traditional style of songs with Partridge Family-esque 70s
upbeat pop (including back up singers and bongo style drumming). "Judy is a Dick Slap" is a more energetic synth driven instrumental song.
This single is Belle & Sebastian at their most dispensable. The songs are still very good and are a nice addition to any Belle & Sebastian fan's collection, but this shouldn't be at the top of your list of things to buy; probably stick it somewhat near the bottom. If you are like I was two years ago, avoiding hearing the band but starting to teeter towards giving in, congratulations on outlasting both me and Boy George. I suggest you start with If You're Feeling Sinister instead.
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