Belle & Sebastian - Funny Little Frog
[Rough Trade]

Those who have entered the peculiar world of Belle And Sebastian, a world of bruised, awkward emotions haunted by the experiences of introverted adolescence and brought to life in their delicate, lovingly crafted 60's tinged pop, will know the delights this world can yield. In some circles their witty, literate lyricism may have seen them labelled as too knowing, but the calibre of their songs has always set them apart from all but a few of their peers.

This is the first single off 'The Life Pursuit' the new album that saw the band decamping to LA to record with producer Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air). The influence of the west coast has always been evident in Belle And Sebastian's records from their inception, particularly the hints of Buffalo Springfield and Love that bubble to the surface at times, most notably on 'Tigermilk' and 'The Boy With The Arab Strap'.

The sway of the west coast on 'Funny Little Frog' isn't overtly musical, but its feel permeates the sound, from the swirling backing to the golden harmonies and driving brass, it's as sun kissed as the environment it sprang from and should leave all fans of great pop music thankful for Belle and Sebastian's very existence. It seems Stuart Murdoch hit the nail on the head when he sang the words 'Nobody writes them like they used to/so it may as well be me'.