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There are two types of people in this world – those that had the presence of mind to listen to one of 2007’s finest moments... and those that didn’t. I want you to take a long hard look at yourself, which are you?
Of course I am speaking of Malcolm Middleton’s revelation, his album A Brighter Beat... and if you are still staring blankly into the screen without a flicker of recall, then please, come and visit me again once you’ve listened to it.
Ok, now we’ve sorted that lot out, let’s get on with it. As you know, Malcolm Middleton was the guitarist for Scottish Indie band Arab Strap. Since going solo he has increasingly become an expert at his craft - delivering tunes with a heart of guitar, along with lyrics straight from one of the finest exponents of black humour you’ll find.
On his fourth offering Sleight of Heart, Middleton has stripped it back somewhat. The nine tracks here are primarily acoustic, with six originals and three covers. What is most noticeable though is that the artist has become more confident in his own ability, content to have a tune stand on its own two feet, without any unnecessary distractions.
Opening track 'Week Off' is the most similar thing here to A Brighter Beat. It is totally infectious and bathes the listener in an uptempo celtic rhythm – but listen closely for that dark soul...
“I’ll write a good song,
Just give me more time,
It’s easy hating yourself,
It’s hard making it rhyme...”
From there, just enjoy. The remaining tracks are slower, but lack none of the bite. Watch out for the aching cover of Madonna’s ‘Stay’ – and the uplifting 'Love comes in Waves', definitely two of the album highlights.
Discover Malcolm Middleton now, thank me later.
Essential Tracks
Week Off
Stay
Love Comes in Waves
Full Track Listing
1. Week Off (3:33)
2. Blue Plastic Bags (3:25)
3. Total Belief (4:01)
4. Just Like Anything (2:36)
5. Follow Robin Down (3:02)
6. Stay (4:02)
7. Marguerita Red (2:51)
8. Love Comes In Waves (7:05)
9. Hey You (2:49)
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