Belle and Sebastian
Books EP

Belle and Sebastian have a great tradition of excellent EPs and have always shown a particular attention to this now outdated format. Often, some unforgettable gems have been scattered here and there over the years. This Books EP comes right after the good 2004 album "Dear Catastrophe Waitress" and features as its flagship track the first, long piece titled "Your Cover's Blown" along with the already known (and excellent) "Wrapped Up In Books." The third track of the EP ("Your Secrets") is above the minimum quality standards, as usual for B&S, but is ultimately negligible. The fourth piece, "Cover," is an interesting semi-instrumental rearrangement of the main track.

The EP's verdict therefore depends on whether "Your Cover's Blown" represents an important contribution to the B&S discography.
Fortunately, the gamble succeeds and the piece offers, on one hand, confirmations of the sound of the latest album, and on the other, even hints at new directions.

Two elements clearly emerge:

1. a strong dance component, even funky in the main structure
   
2. the successful attempt to construct a complex piece, made of different moments that intersect and dialogue within the same song. Almost like a miniature opera.

It has been said that "Your Cover's Blown" would be an indie "Bohemian Rhapsody." The comparison is indicative but perhaps ultimately misleading. It certainly rightly points to an intriguing departure in the B&S discography, yet the pop component is equally strong.
Fortunately, indeed, the typical melodic taste of our group is also maintained, a taste that manages to stitch it all together into a memorable and captivating refrain. The song is definitely one of the best in the repertoire and bodes well for the
future. It's the work of a band still fresh, full of ideas and not of a group that has been on the scene for several years, and shows that it is possible, where there is talent, to age with style.