Strange Coincidences

Anyone notice a (somewhat tenuous) link between the latest songs from Belle & Sebastian and Ben Folds, ‘Write About Love’ and ‘From Above’? No, it’s not that the titles rhyme. Or that both artists’ names begin with B, although I see where you’re coming from. I should probably be worried that I didn’t notice those connections first to be honest.

The link is in fact this year’s recent film ‘An Education’:  Carey Mulligan, who stars in the film, appears as a guest vocalist on the title track of forthcoming Belle & Sebastian album ‘Write About Love’ whilst Nick Hornby, who wrote the screenplay, also wrote the lyrics for ‘From Above’. Here are some initial thoughts on both:

Belle & Sebastian: 'Write About Love'

It is tricky in a way to give a completely unbiased review of ‘Write About Love’ just because news of Belle & Sebastian’s return is so exciting that it could almost overshadow the actual release itself. As a comeback single it is just as lively and fun as you’d expect and the call-and-response vocals between Stuart Murdoch and Carey Mulligan are catchy as heck. But I’ve yet to decide if this is amongst their best work. Maybe give it time until their new album comes out and the commotion dies down a bit. Until then, this track is available for free from the Rough Trade website.

Ben Folds and Nick Hornby: 'From Above'

‘From Above’ is part of a forthcoming album of collaborations between singer/songwriter Ben Folds and author/music journalist Nick Hornby. If you’ve heard Ben Folds/The Ben Folds Five you will be familiar with his brand of infectious piano-led pop. If you’ve read any of  Nick Hornby's novels you will be familiar with his canny, knowing and often hilarious prose on modern relationships. The big question is do they work well together? A big fat Yes, is the answer. This song tells the tale of two would-be soulmates who will never actually meet, and the lyrics are inexplicably sad. Folds’ arrangement is simple but it fits the lyrics perfectly. As with ‘Write About Love’, this is a dangerously catchy tune.

The forthcoming Belle & Sebastian album ‘Write About Love’ is out on October 11^th 2010 on Rough Trade Records.

‘From Above’ is out now. The Ben Folds/Nick Hornby album ‘Lonely Avenue’ is out on September 28^th 2010 on Nonesuch Records.