• achtergronden
• DE 7EVEN
• video's
• agenda

ernaast

Malcolm Middleton | 5:14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol John Nicotine

Malcolm is only happy when he's sad.
CD, Chemical Underground/Konkurrent

Tekst: Thomas van Schaick

Publicatiedatum: 06 oktober 2002

Malcolm Middleton and Aidan Moffat are the heart of the now Glasgow-based band Arab Strap. With their cynical songs about booze and bad sex, they could easily hold the title "Scotland's Most Miserable Losers." A title not covering the whole, for their beautiful-sounding records are full of twinkling instruments and fine melodies that complete the melancholic picture in a pleasant way.

5:14 Fluoxytine Seagull Alcohol John Nicotine is Malcolm's long-awaited first solo effort. The album is based around a collection of acoustic tracks brought to us in true troubadour tradition. With additional rhythm box beats and varied instrumentation, it presents a rich palette of musical moods. Contributions are made by Jenny Reeve (Eva), Barry Burns (Mogwai), and Arab Strap buddy Aidan.

Malcolm shows us the world through the eyes of Crappo The Clown: "Made a wrong move, baby / At the wrong time / Made a wrong move / I'm gonna pay for my crime." The character of the sad clown, full of self-pity, is present on the entire album. Life sucks when you're misunderstood, and you better not hide from the consequences. "When I'm up, I'm still down, and my smile is my frown / I'm a clown, I'm still falling away from you" (The King Of Bring).

Of course, the clown is just a mask to hide behind; Malcolm is getting rid of his own doubts and frustrations. Not in a cynical Arab Strap way, but very personally and self-reflective: "I'll never be good at anything . . . and my songs are shite" (Angel And The Devil). Luckily, while the clown drowns in hopelessness, Malcolm never loses humor.

Although the average tone is sad, this record will put a smile upon your face. Malcolm is only happy when he's sad, and there's nothing wrong with that.

http://www.kindamuzik.net/recensie/malcolm-middleton/5-14-fluoxytine-seagull-alcohol-john-nicotine/1929/
Meer Malcolm Middleton op KindaMuzik: http://www.kindamuzik.net/artiest/malcolm-middleton