I just listened through former Arab Strap member Malcolm Middleton’s 2007 release, A Brighter Beat, and came across some tracks that I really enjoyed. The first few songs on the album were not particularly my favorite, but the album quickly took a turn for the better. Most of the time, you’ll see the best songs of any album strategically placed within the first several tracks, however, I believe the best tracks on this 10 track album were in the middle. Likewise, while artists strategically try to make a track good from start to finish, there are some songs on this album that don’t jump out at you immediately, but halfway through, start to become much better. I noticed this on “Four Cigarettes” and the last song on the album, which is seven minutes long, “Superhero Songwriters.”
My favorite track on the album is “Stay Close Sit Tight.” Even though I said the beginning isn’t as good as the rest of the album, it should be noted that a campaign was started by Manic Pop Thrills, to get the first track, “We’re All Going to Die,” charted as the number one Christmas song in the UK. Through networking, what seemed impossible, became close to reality when the song hit the fourth spot. Read 17 Seconds for more details.
Malcolm Middleton is best known for being half of the Scottish group Arab Strap, along with Aidan Moffat. The band formed in 1995 and just recently broke up before Middleton released A Brighter Beat. Before the break up, Middleton released two solo albums, 5:14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol John Nicotine and Into the Woods. When asked about A Brighter Beat, Middleton responded:
“If I was forced to describe it (which I am) I’d probably say it was ‘a pop album for people who hate pop music’. Or maybe ‘love songs for depressed people who worry too much about dying and the consequences of their daily actions and thoughts to be able to enjoy life fully’. There’s nothing clever, hidden or political in any of the songs, it’s pretty much a ‘me’ album again, although I don’t think there’s as much complaining as on my first two records.”
Malcolm has a new album coming out called Sleight Of Heart that will be released March 3rd on Full Time Hobby Records. “Blue Plastic Bags” is the second track on the album. I’ll keep you posted closer to release.
A Brighter Beat (2007):
Malcolm Middleton – Stay Close Sit Tight
Malcolm Middleton – Four Cigarettes
Sleight of Heart (2008):
Malcolm Middleton – Blue Plastic Bag (Highly recommended)