Well, eMusic must be working for some labels, as the new Belle &
Sebastian was available on its day of release there. Matador had seemed
to have a delayed release for eMusic postings, but not for this one.

I've just had the time to do a couple listens, but it definitely shows
some growth and progress as a band.  The element that hit me the hardest
was the T.Rex influence, especially on the track "Blue is Still Blue."
I read at least one person who indicated that they heard a Thin Lizzy
influence as well, but I'm not sure that I hear that as much as the
Bolan.  Of course, I've never been as big of a Lizzy fan as I am a Bolan
fan.

It's hard to tell how well a new album will wear, but I'm guessing this
one will be on my 2006 best list.