Album Rating: 2.5

Yep, I mean I get the idea of the song, but even with the "reveal", I just want him to drop the IMG part because it's a silly way to make it relatable and to throw in detail, maybe do it once if you must, but it instantly dates the song and seems clumsy. Like a simple line in Amor Veneris about removing his watch results in them being late because "he didn't want to scratch her or get tangled in her hair" works to show some sensitivity amidst the idea of a row, but isn't so overt. I think I preferred when Moffat used to sound like he's telling you a story in a pub, or talking straight to you. This album sounds like he's at a book launch reading excerpts to a crowd.

Album Rating: 4.5

Yup. The entire thing is one big poetry read in my mind. I guess that means I really need to pay more attention to the earlier stuff though to get the full picture.

Album Rating: 2.5

It's just my opinion, Watch, but one of their massive strengths was making spoken word sound fairly natural (which is really hard to do), and not having to be too wordy (for the most part) to create impact. So most people feel the lyrics have improved, but to me they're a step backwards.

Album Rating: 4.5

And that opinion is compelling me to take a deep dive. I should also ask where you are from because as an American (in rural Montana) it is incredibly life affirming to find myself identifying so much with the words and shared life experiences of a Scot.

Probably the best prose of any review I've ever read in this hardcore porn free niche of the internet. And I have reads 10's, nay, 20's of reviews.

Scottish hipsters never die, they just get hornier

Album Rating: 2.5

Lol, sorry to disappoint, I'm not even British. I'm from South Africa.

Album Rating: 4.5

There was never a possibility of disappointment. Just wondering if geography factors in to this equation, how and for whatever reason I don't know.

Album Rating: 2.5

I did live in the UK for awhile though, but many of the people loving this are British, so I doubt it's geography. Anyway, I would suggest Philophobia as a next listen if you are gonna look at the back catalogue, I like their first four the best, but I do think the debut and elephant shoe have some bad songs among the good stuff. Their live album is my favourite, it's straight up brilliant.

Album Rating: 4.5

Much homework to do...appreciate the civil discourse.

Album Rating: 2.5

Lol, no thank you, it's really nice to vent about this record, and you're very patient listening to my ramblings.

lol how can someone come to the conclusion, unless you're just pulling things out of your ass and were never paying any attention to begin with, that most Arab Strap songs are about jerking off? I mean, not to say it's never referenced, but from what I've gathered, most of the sexual activities/musings that come up in Arab Strap's music are not a solo effort

Hmmmmmm not feeling this much atm

yeah idk man this is hard to get into

Album Rating: 5.0

@fogza how familiar are you with Moffat’s other, Arab Strap-adjacent works? The two records with Bill Wells are quite nicely transitional and I think frame the shift nicely



thanks all for the lovely compliments, I will try not to wait another two years to do my next one

Album Rating: 2.5

@anat, not at all. I'll fire them up during the day and see how they go.

Album Rating: 4.5

Review is a 5 thanks to coining 'The pro-tug-onist'



The way Moffat sings that line you mentioned 'it's all step mums and step daughters, what's the fuck's all that abooooot' is that withering Scottish brogue is just infinitely lol



Grower on the album for me is the one with the silliest name, Kebabylon

Album Rating: 4.5

'yeah idk man this is hard to get into'



often the precursor to finding magic

Album Rating: 5.0

I pinged this over to Moffat on Twitter and he said “Ha ha - pro-tug-onist - cheers!” so you’re not alone with that sentiment doof

deep respect for you Anat! your 2020 #1 is fuckin legit. Can't wait to check what this is about!

Album Rating: 5.0

be careful triple d!