Malcolm Middleton, ex-Arab Strap, is one of those people, the mere mention of whose name begs the question: what's he up to now? asked in a tone that's halfway between Pete Doherty and Weird Al Yankovic. the answer: i know at least three unfortunate souls getting a bleak-over from our perennially bummed boy.
1- Madonna. as sure as the dead can dance, Malcolm has taken a track off 1984's Like a Virgin and rearranged it into a bona fide hate-maker that transforms the Material Girl into the Funereal Girl. it is far-fetched, it is original as far as covers go. fook it, it's awesome.
2- King Creosote. this cover had to happen. both fit the bill: former cool band frontman gone solo as Scottish lad capitalizing on folkie guitar and wretched humor to set suicide notes into music. i wouldn't be surprised if Malcolm covers Aidan Moffat next. wait --
3- Arab Strap. the track intro alone should prove Malcolm covering his own ass. the entire song is channeling The First Big Weekend. this is a good thing, like movies with alternative endings, except neither of them is a happy one.
all three tracks are part of Sleight of Heart, the new album coming out in March 2008 through Full Time Hobby. i have a feeling it's going to suck ...the joy out of anyone, so buy.
track on post: Stay - Malcolm Middleton - 4:02 video on post: Stay - Madonna
more Malcolm Middleton: http://www.myspace.com/malcolmmiddleton
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Week Off - Malcolm Middleton - 3:33
The First Big Weekend - Arab Strap
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Marguerita Red - Malcolm Middleton - 2:51
Marguerita Red - King Creosote
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Good stuff Ilay. Arab Strap is one of those bands I am aware of and have just never gotten around to checking out. I suppose I should at least check them out a little before I check this out aye? The guys voice reminds of the guy from the Twilight Sad.
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Whoa! This is cool. You so often take me places I'd never see without you. Thanks.
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"Getting a bleak-over" heheheh.... nice turn of phrase, Ilay! His latest solo record was no ray of sun either.
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I must say, Ilay, you do have a way with your titles: Posting about Mr Middleton formerly of "Arab Strap" (a notorious sexual contraption) and entitling it "Malcolm Middleton... himself / SUC" is pure double entendre genius.
The songs he covers are also quite fittingly full of innuendos. Of course, all this would have been scabrous if it weren't for MM's talent for the sombre side-up.
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"i have a feeling it's going to suck ...the joy out of anyone, so buy."Never a better recommendation as that in my book, haha!
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You give good SUC, Ill-lady.
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Mike: The Twilight Sad's James Graham also sings in a kind of hoarse Scottish drawl so the association isn't far off.
as for your Arab Strap (mis)education, consider this a send-off then...
Turbulence (BIS remix) (2001) - 3:54
...i'm holding off on the major downers so as not to spoil your discovering them. (;
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dmdm: aw thanks, i really appreciate that from the bottom of my cold, empty heart. ;D
Pekka: true about his latest solo - i've heard half of it. i must've said something funny to get a "heheheh" out of you, Mr. Morose. (+
Michael: although "himself" and "SUC" were written deliberately, i can not take credit for their combination. it was unintentional - Freudian, perhaps? sombre side-up - hah!
August: i would be equally thrilled receiving the same recommendation about something, he he.
Cody: i am taking that as a compliment cuz i'm ILL. 3)