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Album Details

• Artist: Arab Strap
• Album: Monday At The Hug & Pint
• Label: Matador
• Year of Release: 2003
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2003-06-03

I sat and listened to Monday At The Hug & Pint about 5 times before I realized that there was no way I could review this album based on their past recordings. It's not that this Arab Strap album is completely different from their other output. It's more the fact that each album needs to be taken as a whole and you can't let old material cloud your vision. I will admit that I didn't really care for Monday At The Hug & Pint at first but after the fifth listen an appreciation grew along with my patience. If you are new to Arab Strap you can pretty much jump in anywhere in their catalog for a feel of what these Scots do. Their songs are basically sea shanty's on valium. The vocals of Aiden Moffat are as Scottish as they come, which is actually a very nice treat. He doesn't try to Anglicize his voice at all. Hug & Pint is a depressing affair, just like all the other Arab Strap albums but this one seems a little different and I couldn't really put my finger on it. There just seems like there is more depth to the band. It could be due to some of the different arrangements Malcolm Middleton comes up with on here. Anyway, Hug & Pint will fit next to Elephant Shoe or even their earlier Philophobia quite nicely. As I said, newer Arab Strap fans should jump in anywhere they want. The band is as consistent as molasses.

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