The Celestial Cafe by Stuart Murdoch

The Celestial Café is the first book by Belle and Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch. Written in diary-form it gives the reader an insight into the mind of an unconventional rock star. The diary begins in 2002, a period capturing the making of the record Dear Catastrophe Waitress. Murdoch ‘talks’ to his fans and invites them into his world. It’s a world of ‘indie errands’, tea drinking, writing music, running, football and, surprisingly, God worshipping. It becomes apparent that Murdoch’s passion for music can’t be exaggerated; he even admits that his life depends on it.

It’s fascinating to uncover his musical influences and his belief in fate – he thinks that every decision he makes in life will determine the sound of the next Belle and Sebastian record (and why not?). He's a man blessed with freedom, a man not tied to a nine-to- five job, free to write music whenever he chooses. Occasionally though, Murdoch has moments when he finds it difficult to be free and becomes restless and bored.

As you progress through the book and the band tour abroad more frequently descriptions of Murdoch’s beloved city of Glasgow are dream-like and he often wishes he were back on Byres Road. A highly enjoyable and captivating account of a man wholly committed to his band. [Tina Koenig]