| Dear Catastrophe Waitress | |
| Type: | studio |
| Artist: | Belle & Sebastian |
| Cover: | Dearcatastrophecover.jpg |
| Released: | 6 October 2003 |
| Recorded: | Summer 2003 |
| Studio: | Sarm West (London) |
| Genre: | Baroque pop |
| Length: | 48:17 |
| Label: | Rough Trade |
| Producer: | Trevor Horn |
| Prev Title: | Storytelling |
| Prev Year: | 2002 |
| Next Title: | Push Barman to Open Old Wounds |
| Next Year: | 2005 |
Dear Catastrophe Waitress is the sixth studio album by the Scottish indie pop band Belle & Sebastian, released on 6 October 2003 on Rough Trade Records.
It was produced by Trevor Horn, who created a more polished pop sound, in contrast with their previous lo-fi, folky albums (although songs like "Lord Anthony" hearkened back to their old sound). In particular, the danceable track "Stay Loose" proved to be the first in a series of songs (such as "Your Cover's Blown" and "Sukie in the Graveyard") that further diverged from their roots.
"Stay Loose" was released to radio on 24 February 2004.[1] The album was nominated for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize, while the song "Step into My Office, Baby" was shortlisted for an Ivor Novello Award in the Best Song category. As of 2007, Dear Catastrophe Waitress had sold 138,000 copies in the US.[2]
The producer Trevor Horn became a fan of Belle & Sebastian through his teenage daughter, and particularly admired the lyrics. When the band heard he was a fan, they invited him to produce their new album. They recorded traditionally, rehearsing extensively and then recording live rather than using overdubs.[3]
| Peak position | ||
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[4] | 88 | |
|---|---|---|
| scope=row | Irish Albums (IRMA)[5] | 25 |