A lovely album of longing
benjamin | 12/10/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've been an Arab Strap for a long time. Even so, it has always been the music more than Aiden Moffat's lyrics that have roped me in. I'll admit that as a girl I'm bit more delicate of sensibilities than some other fans, and though his songs/lyrics are brilliant, painfully romantic, and true, it's always been the music for me. So, I was truly excited to hear that the musician-y one, Malcolm Middleton, was going to put out a solo album. I can't say enough good about it. I think it's just a beautiful, classic arrangement of music. It runs the musical gamut from sweet ballad (1,2,3,4) to discotheque style dance song (Birdwatcher). Middleton is an apt musician, and songwriter. He's got a way with a guitar that is natural, interesting, and catchy. And it carries over into mixing apparently. I love the instrumentation and mix. Nothing soars too far above anything else. I like the basic unpretentiousness of it.Here I will have to disagree with the others about the mood of the album. Sure, at first I thought it was a truly sad album with clever humor interspersed so you wouldn't start crying, but then after a few listens I changed my mind. Where Arab Strap songs seem to be love songs (at various points in and out of a relationship) Middleton's songs seem to be more about longing, a sort of sweet, hopeful ache. "I'm going to crash my car into company" from "Speed on the M9" doesn't seem like someone ready to give up. The album has its share of pathos, and anger, and sadness, but more than that I sensed a deep yearning for connection, and truth.Philosophizing aside, I loved "Birdwatcher" with it's club-remix feel. "Best in Me" is a lilting pop love song. "Cold Winter" makes you remember your own coldest winter and biggest mistake. I like his sweet, understated voice. I like the cusp-of-low fi recording; and the little details that make you sit up and take notice."
This album is for you
shadygrove | Seattle | 12/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Refreshing. I am the biggest Arab Strap fan I have ever known. This album from Malcom is essential if you love AS. I have seen them live, delved deeply into their studio albums, and find myself referring to them in my own life. Malcom is the genius behind the sound of AS. It is important that he made a solo album, (and conversely Aidan Moffet). These boys are talented. If you know them you love them. Malcom's album is beautiful, sad, melancholy and inspiring. Birdwatcher is an especially sweet track."
Quite stunning emotional folk rock by one half of Arab Strap
experimusicdotcom | united kingdom | 01/20/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have most of the Arab Strap albums and they are all tinged in darkness and despair, but contain terrible singing and some amazingly catchy riffs. This isn't that much of a departure from that winning formula. Middleton's lp contains mostly accoustic songs, the odd bit of lo-fi electronic tomfoolery (i wish he had put a bit more emphasis on it), and the occasional female backing singer or backing choir, (don't worry, it sounds fantastic). The real great thing about this lp isn't the great dark guitar or piano melodies or his great scottish accent and attempt at singing. The great thing is his lyrics, if you can try to relate to them and attach yourself to them, it makes this album complete. He must be the most depressed, lonely, heartbroken singer i've heard (even worse than Leonard Cohen). The best track for me is track 8. Its the most utterly depressing, realistic and grimy track. Tracks 1, 5, 9-12 are also quite brilliant. The lyrics in the final track (trk 12) are the pick of the bunch however, trust me. In conclusion this album is more suited to people who have had lonelyness thrust upon them at certain moments in their life, this is because they can attach themselves emotionally to Middleton's lyrics. This isn't the album to play at a party, to a suicidal friend, or while with your partner. PS. If you are interested in getting the Lucky Pierre album (by Adrian Moffat, the other guilty party in Arab Strap), then be warned. Its an electronic album with no lyrics however it is great, but quite a departure from Middleton and Arab Strap."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1
