Search - Arab Strap :: Monday at the Hug & Pint

Monday nights are always a bit blah

Ryan Scott | Fitchburg, MA United States | 11/11/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I do love Arab starp, I really do. However I find this album starts off a bit too well (if that's even possible) and hits a semi decent stride throughout the rest of the disc.



We open up with "The Shy Retirer". A dancey and upbeat yet mellancholly folk/dance song that will get you moving in no time, however it seems like within five minutes the party is over and it's time to get back to drinking yourself into a mess.



Really, I wouldn't say what comes after the opening track is bad, per-se, quite the opposite, it really shines as just good material, however this choice in progression just leaves me confused.



However there are the shinning gems amongst the rough rocks we call tracks you just have to look for them.



Overall it's a nice CD/LP but it feels more like one of those gifts where you just have to say "Well, it's the thought that counts."



And here it is the thought that counts, and the general motions are there however there is just a little something lacking that would make this a great Arab Strap release."

Good for your pint's companion, but...

Takis Tz. | InYourHead | 04/01/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you're apt for really discovering this largely unnoticed but great band it's best not to start here. This is by no means a bad album but Arab Strap have offered better things in the -not so distant- past. This band have made their underground name by being masteful in expressing their weirdo melancholy through stories of everyday sadness and through very distinct melodies which range from low-fi to experimental rock. Overall, this is a seriously idiosyncratic band, and this whimsiness of theirs has brought forth a few gorgeously moody albums previously. What's missing then is first of all the bizzarity in the music which comes across rather flat and non-distinguishable compared to what this band is capable of. Still, if this album is your first point of contact with Arab Strap you might find this LP very worthwhile and pleasant. Pleasant i said? That's the problem. Arab Strap aren't that good when they are "pleasant", even if that means -in this case- more accesible. This however, should in no way discourage you from checking them out as it's obvious that i'm speaking from a -positively- biased point of view. An added pointer: Arab Strap come under the Chemical Underground label, a label with some very intriguing bands on their roster (usually rock bands with a tendency to experiment). Check out their stuff as well, but other than that be sure to listen to earlier Arab Strap LPs especially the one previous to "Monday at the Hug and Pint"..."