Album: Philophobia by Arab Strap (1998)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Philophobia is the second album by Arab Strap, released in 1998.

The artwork is of singer Aidan Moffat and his then girlfriend posing nude, created by Niall Sullivan.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Philophobia is the second album by Arab Strap, released in 1998.

The artwork is of singer Aidan Moffat and his then girlfriend posing nude, created by Niall Sullivan.

Album: The Last Romance by Arab Strap (2005)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: The Last Romance is the sixth and final studio album by Arab Strap, released on October 17, 2005 on Chemikal Underground. Upon release, vocalist Aidan Moffat stated that the album is "a lot more upbeat, but still deals with some of the darker aspects of relationships. It's like the dark side in Star Wars though – quicker, faster, more seductive."

Moffat also noted his desire for the album "to be shorter, more immediate. If our previous albums could be considered "hard work", I wanted this one to be a slap in the face. I felt it was important we didn't make the same album over ten years, so this one was going to be more digestible and a lot louder.
"
Following the album's release, Arab Strap announced that it would be their last. Moffat stated that: "there’s no animosity, no drama. We simply feel we’ve run our course. The Last Romance seems the most obvious and logical final act of the Arab Strap studio adventure. Everybody likes a happy ending."

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Rating score: 8. Based on 2 votes. Available on Discogs marketplace


The Last Romance is the sixth and final studio album by Arab Strap, released on October 17, 2005 on Chemikal Underground. Upon release, vocalist Aidan Moffat stated that the album is "a lot more upbeat, but still deals with some of the darker aspects of relationships. It's like the dark side in Star Wars though – quicker, faster, more seductive."

Moffat also noted his desire for the album "to be shorter, more immediate. If our previous albums could be considered "hard work", I wanted this one to be a slap in the face. I felt it was important we didn't make the same album over ten years, so this one was going to be more digestible and a lot louder.
"
Following the album's release, Arab Strap announced that it would be their last. Moffat stated that: "there’s no animosity, no drama. We simply feel we’ve run our course. The Last Romance seems the most obvious and logical final act of the Arab Strap studio adventure. Everybody likes a happy ending."

Album: Elephant Shoe by Arab Strap (1999)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Elephant Shoe is the third album by Arab Strap, released in 1999.

The album's title is a phrase sometimes used by children who are afraid of saying "I love you", where they mouth "I love you" under their breath, but when asked what they had said, answer "elephant shoe" or elephant juice, because the mouth shapes are the same.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Elephant Shoe is the third album by Arab Strap, released in 1999.

The album's title is a phrase sometimes used by children who are afraid of saying "I love you", where they mouth "I love you" under their breath, but when asked what they had said, answer "elephant shoe" or elephant juice, because the mouth shapes are the same.

Album: Arab Strap by Arab Strap (2016)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: “20 Songs for 20 Years”

Not content with sending their fans into delirium by announcing a handful of very special live shows this October, Aidan and Malcolm have also compiled a double album of Arab Strap ‘secret hits and rarities’ to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Reflecting on a 10 year career that was as influential as it was controversial, the compilation highlights an extraordinary output that staunchly refused to conform to expectation.  From the string-led sashay of ‘Shy Retirer’ to the piano-driven noir of ‘Love Detective’; the lo-fi crunch of ‘The Clearing’ to the spartan electronica of ‘Rocket, Take Your Turn’, Arab Strap were a fearless and resolutely original proposition from the minute Aidan regaled us with tales of their ‘First Big Weekend’ back in 1996.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2010s, Album


“20 Songs for 20 Years”

Not content with sending their fans into delirium by announcing a handful of very special live shows this October, Aidan and Malcolm have also compiled a double album of Arab Strap ‘secret hits and rarities’ to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

Reflecting on a 10 year career that was as influential as it was controversial, the compilation highlights an extraordinary output that staunchly refused to conform to expectation.  From the string-led sashay of ‘Shy Retirer’ to the piano-driven noir of ‘Love Detective’; the lo-fi crunch of ‘The Clearing’ to the spartan electronica of ‘Rocket, Take Your Turn’, Arab Strap were a fearless and resolutely original proposition from the minute Aidan regaled us with tales of their ‘First Big Weekend’ back in 1996.

Album: The Week Never Starts Round Here by Arab Strap (1996)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: The Week Never Starts Round Here is the debut studio album by Arab Strap, released on November 25, 1996, on Chemikal Underground. During a 2009 interview, Malcolm Middleton stated that The Week Never Starts Round Here is his favourite Arab Strap release: "it’s completely undiluted and free from any self-expectations, which we later developed."

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


The Week Never Starts Round Here is the debut studio album by Arab Strap, released on November 25, 1996, on Chemikal Underground. During a 2009 interview, Malcolm Middleton stated that The Week Never Starts Round Here is his favourite Arab Strap release: "it’s completely undiluted and free from any self-expectations, which we later developed."

Album: The Red Thread by Arab Strap (2001)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: The Red Thread is the fourth studio album, and fifth altogether by Arab Strap, released in 2001.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


The Red Thread is the fourth studio album, and fifth altogether by Arab Strap, released in 2001.

Album: Half-Told Tales by Arab Strap (2026)
Genre: Alternative
Record Label: Redeye
Format: Digital Media

Description: A funny thing happened to Arab Strap between their initial 1996-2005 phase and their 2020s renaissance: The most dour and depressing band in UK indie reemerged as its most feisty and agitated. Always a keen observer of our worst impulses, lead singer/storyteller Aidan Moffat has found fresh lyrical inspiration and ire in a contemporary cultural landscape beset by the manosphere, anti-vax conspiracy theorists and techno-fascists.

And the fun—if we can call it that—continues on Arab Strap’s third post-reunion album, Half-Told Tales, which sets Moffat’s signature half-spoken/half-sung narratives to an evermore boisterous backdrop of sax-blasted post-punk (“I Get Noise”) and driving post-industrial workouts (the looksmaxxing piss-take “Glamour Magick”) that make it easier to imagine an alternate ’90s where these Scottish sad sacks became alt-rock radio stars.

But while Moffat remains a master at painting vivid portraits of middle-aged malaise in single couplet, he can also find the hope and humanity in the bleakest scenarios: “You You You” may find him in a familiarly forlorn state (“I’ve got a hole in my shoe that lets in rain/And another new lump in another vein”), however, those self-deprecating slags tee up a sincere synth-pop devotional dedicated to the partner who stands by her man despite his failings.

Our Favourite Lyric: “I’ve had facials with cat litter, gold-plate and semen/Cryotherapy’s cold, but it keeps my skin gleaming/It takes years off me” (“Glamour Magick”).

Artist Background: Artist from GB, known for indie rock, indietronica, slowcore

Related Artists: Malcolm Middleton, The Twilight Sad, J Mascis, Low

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Alternative, 2020s, Digital Media, Redeye

A funny thing happened to Arab Strap between their initial 1996-2005 phase and their 2020s renaissance: The most dour and depressing band in UK indie reemerged as its most feisty and agitated. Always a keen observer of our worst impulses, lead singer/storyteller Aidan Moffat has found fresh lyrical inspiration and ire in a contemporary cultural landscape beset by the manosphere, anti-vax conspiracy theorists and techno-fascists.

And the fun—if we can call it that—continues on Arab Strap’s third post-reunion album, Half-Told Tales, which sets Moffat’s signature half-spoken/half-sung narratives to an evermore boisterous backdrop of sax-blasted post-punk (“I Get Noise”) and driving post-industrial workouts (the looksmaxxing piss-take “Glamour Magick”) that make it easier to imagine an alternate ’90s where these Scottish sad sacks became alt-rock radio stars.

But while Moffat remains a master at painting vivid portraits of middle-aged malaise in single couplet, he can also find the hope and humanity in the bleakest scenarios: “You You You” may find him in a familiarly forlorn state (“I’ve got a hole in my shoe that lets in rain/And another new lump in another vein”), however, those self-deprecating slags tee up a sincere synth-pop devotional dedicated to the partner who stands by her man despite his failings.

Our Favourite Lyric: “I’ve had facials with cat litter, gold-plate and semen/Cryotherapy’s cold, but it keeps my skin gleaming/It takes years off me” (“Glamour Magick”).

Album: Singles by Arab Strap (1999)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Compilation

Description: Japanese only compilation of selected single & EP tracks

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Compilation


Japanese only compilation of selected single & EP tracks

Album: Monday at the Hug & Pint by Arab Strap (2003)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Album

Description: Monday at the Hug & Pint is the fifth studio album by Arab Strap, released on April 21, 2003 on Chemikal Underground. The album featured Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Omaha-based indie collective Bright Eyes, and Barry Burns from Mogwai.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Monday at the Hug & Pint is the fifth studio album by Arab Strap, released on April 21, 2003 on Chemikal Underground. The album featured Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis from Omaha-based indie collective Bright Eyes, and Barry Burns from Mogwai.

Album: The Cunted Circus by Arab Strap (2003)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Live

Description: This limited edition album was sold on Arab Strap's European tour in 2003. It's a live set, recorded at the Cottier Theatre, Glasgow 2/7/03.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Live


This limited edition album was sold on Arab Strap's European tour in 2003. It's a live set, recorded at the Cottier Theatre, Glasgow 2/7/03.

Album: Mad for Sadness by Arab Strap (1999)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Live

Description: Mad for Sadness is a live album by Arab Strap, released in 1999.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 1990s, Live


Mad for Sadness is a live album by Arab Strap, released in 1999.

Album: Ten Years of Tears by Arab Strap (2006)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Compilation

Description: As a final parting shot to their fans, Arab Strap are releasing this 18 track CD of B-sides, rare songs, remixes, live tracks and demos before they disband at the end of their final UK tour in December, 2006.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Compilation


As a final parting shot to their fans, Arab Strap are releasing this 18 track CD of B-sides, rare songs, remixes, live tracks and demos before they disband at the end of their final UK tour in December, 2006.

Album: 2004-10-16: Acoustic Request Show: Nice 'n' Sleazy, Glasgow, UK by Arab Strap (2005)
Genre: Indie | Style: Rock/Pop
Format: Live

Description: Limited tour-only album.

Artist Background: Arab Strap were an indie rock band from Falkirk, Scotland that consisted of core members Aidan Moffat and Malcolm Middleton. The band were signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground, and split in 2006. As indicated by the title of Belle & Sebastian's third record, The Boy with the Arab Strap, and by Aidan Moffat's involvement in the two Reindeer Section albums, they were a central part of Glasgow's influential late 1990s music scene. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalis... Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Music Scene: Part of the Falkirk, United Kindom music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Indie movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Indie, Rock/Pop, 2000s, Live


Arab Strap

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