A Brighter Beat is the third studio album by Scottish singer-songwriter, Malcolm Middleton, released on 25 February 2007 on Full Time Hobby. The album is the first Middleton solo release since Arab Strap's split in 2006.
| A Brighter Beat | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 25 February 2007 | |||
| Recorded | Castle of Doom Studio Glasgow, Scotland | |||
| Genre | Indie rock | |||
| Length | 44:40 | |||
| Label | Full Time Hobby | |||
| Producer | Tony Doogan | |||
| Malcolm Middleton chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |    link |
| Mojo | March 2007, p.98 |
| The Observer | link |
| Pitchfork | (7.8/10) link |
| Q | March 2007, p.115 |
| The Scotsman | link |
| The Times | link |
| NME | (7/10) link |
Overview
editIn 2006, after Arab Strap had split up after ten years together, Malcolm signed to Full Time Hobby and recorded A Brighter Beat. Malcolm has commented on the album, saying
If I was forced to describe it, which I am, I'd probably say it was a pop album for people who hate pop music. Or maybe I'd describe it as love songs for depressed people who find it hard leaving the house sometimes and worry too much about dying and the consequences of their daily actions and thoughts to be able to enjoy life fully.[1]
The album cover is a photograph by Scottish artist David Shrigley[2]
Track listing
editAll tracks are written by Malcolm Middleton
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "We're All Going To Die" | 2:49 |
| 2. | "Fight Like The Night" | 3:39 |
| 3. | "A Brighter Beat" | 2:55 |
| 4. | "Death Love Depression Love Death" | 4:44 |
| 5. | "Fuck It, I Love You" | 3:48 |
| 6. | "Stay Close Sit Tight" | 4:35 |
| 7. | "Four Cigarettes" | 4:49 |
| 8. | "Somebody Loves You" | 4:48 |
| 9. | "Up Late at Night Again" | 5:35 |
| 10. | "Superhero Songwriters" | 6:58 |
- "A Brighter Beat", "Fuck It, I Love You", "Fight Like The Night" and "We're All Going To Die" were released as singles.
Personnel
edit- Malcolm Middleton – guitar, bass guitar, vocals
- Barry Burns – piano
- Jenny Reeve – violin, vocals
- Paul Savage – drums
- Mick Cooke – brass
- Tony Doogan – producer
Release history
editA Brighter Beat was released in various countries in 2007.
| Country | Release date | Record label | Format | Catalogue number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 25 February 2007 | Full Time Hobby | LP | FTH033 |
| United Kingdom | 25 February 2007 | Full Time Hobby | CD | FTH033CD |
References
edit- ^ "Official Malcolm Middleton Website". Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2007.
- ^ "faceculture.tv". Faceculture.tv. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 8 February 2012.