We have already
seen a tribute to a fallen bandmate (It Ain't Easy), and then there are vitriolic
attacks on a former colleague (How Do You Sleep ?). However Stuart Murdoch took it to another level, with a thinly-veiled
critique on his current bandmate and former lover by getting her to sing on it
too !
The Glasgow
ensemble Belle & Sebastian were often criticised as too quirky or fey (like
that is a bad thing?).The key dynamic was the competitive and romantic tension
between singer Murdoch and cellist Isobel Campbell (the fact they had a cellist
and seven members shows they were so unconventional). They also had a great habit
of releasing standalone non-album singles (like the Beatles and The Smiths) and "I'm Waking Up to Us" was one of
the best.
It is a
bitter attack on a former girlfriend, as he has realised that "we’re a
disaster". He recalls their past, how he tried to encourage and enlighten
her, but she has seamlessly moved on to a new boyfriend "who takes the
prize for everything I ever showed her".
Did she
really love him anyway ? She was too spoilt by subservient men, and needs "a
man who's either rich or losing a screw" (so withering). Now it is over ("She
showed me the road"), he is finally moving on, after anger and self-pity, but there will always be the regret.
For such an
acidic take down, it sounds so beautiful, with dappled 60s autumn feel (maybe
Simon & Garfunkel), with the light guitars and piano meeting violins, oboe and
cello, I love the close background harmonies (including Campbell), especially on
"the chapter has closed".
I am always
surprised that she took part in this recording, but she bided her time for revenge - with a spoken part on the live TV
version. Then there was the "Monologue
for an old true love'" on her subsequent solo album was even more
devastating ("Talking so self-righteously / About everything you showed
me, boy").
Inevitably
Campbell left the group shortly afterwards, and although Belle & Sebastian
continued with some great albums, they always seemed to miss her idiosyncratic presence.
Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2QYpOnGi3U
and here is the live version too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TGeF8KnMXQ
Hear Next -
""Boy with the Arab Strap" is my favourite album, but all
of the first three and singles collection are excellent.
