Belle & Sebastian: The Third Eye Centre

The Third Eye Centre
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Artist: Belle & Sebastian
Genre: Alternative
Label: Rough Trade

In the absence of a new studio album while singer Stuart Murdoch works on his God Help the Girl film project, this B-sides and rarities collection culled from Belle & Sebastian's last three records will have to do. Despite some meandering filler, the quality is generally stupendous throughout, with the breezy Suicide Girl, the neat indiepop skitter of Your Secrets, and the schmoozy 1970s piano ballad Long Black Scarf the pick of the bunch. The included remixes vary in quality. The Avalanches' flat "African drum circle" take on I'm a Cuckoo is bizarre, but Miaoux Miaoux give Your Cover's Blown a sexy electro-glam makeover that works terrifically. These 19 tracks plug the gap nicely, but a brand new collection would be infinitely more satisfying. belleandsebastian.com
Download: (I Believe in) Travellin' Light, Your Secrets

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy

Lauren Murphy is a freelance journalist and broadcaster. She writes about music and the arts for The Irish Times