Belle & Sebastian, as you may recall, had been following up their Life Pursuit with the pursuit of women. Not like that, you goons: Stuart Murdoch put out a call last fall for a few good lady vocalists, to help the band work up demos for a film/soundtrack project they're calling God Help the Girl. A male-centric search followed suit (with the Ladybug Transistor's Gary Olson assisting in the process), and from the sound of it we should be hearing the audio portion of this enticing project very soon. According to a recent diary entry from Murdoch, mastering work on the God Help the Girl tracks should wrap up by the end of this month. "I think there are 18 of them," the singer writes. "It's a good feeling to think about making records. Sleeves and schedules, running orders and what not." An earlier diary entry notes that the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon will appear in the film, production for which begins next year. Hannon portrays "Anton, the knowing Swiss German, who works in a charity shop." Sorry dudes, but these days "Anton" + "film" = scary visions of this guy. Hannon will also sing on the soundtrack album, as will Asy of spritely Seattle indie-poppers Smoosh. In characteristic fashion, Belle and Sebastian are keeping mum about additional details on the project for the moment, so those pining for tangible B&S product are advised to snap up that BBC Sessions comp Matador is putting out next week. You can also catch the band's drummer Richard Colburn DJing at a couple spots in the days to come. We'll leave you with some food for thought, direct from Mr. Murdoch: "Do you get the same thrill when you look forward to a record coming out? I suppose I must ask the youngsters among you, because age dulls most thrills. But youngsters, where are your thrills coming from? Do you desire the sensation that is the Long Playing Record? Does pop music teach you and hold you and thrill you the way it used to? The way it did to us?" Thanks to reader Jason Klekovic for the tip!

Neil Hannon

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