Arab Strap

An arab strap is a sexual device usually made of leather and a metal ring that is fastened or cinched around a human male's genitalia. Its purpose is two-fold: usually to help sustain an erection by keeping the shaft engorged, and for clitoral stimulation during coitus.

Arab Strap is also the name of a post-folk indie band from Scotland signed to independent record label Chemikal Underground. Vocalist Aidan Moffat and multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Middleton met in Falkirk, Scotland, bonded over their mutual love for Drag City recording artists such as Smog and Will Oldham, and began a collaboration in 1995. The band is completed by violinist Jenny Reeve and cellist Stacey Sievewright.

Arab Strap's marked characteristics include snide, rather sordid lyrics -- described by the NME (http://www.nme.com/reviews/2811.htm) as "fly on the duvet vignettes" and a brooding, spare sound.

Moffat records as a solo artist under the name Lucky Pierre, with this work also characterised by brooding, spare sound but is instrumental in nature. Malcolm Middleton also has a solo career under his own name, and his music is released by Chemikal Underground.

Discography

• The Week Never Starts Round Here (1996)
• Philophobia (1998)
• Singles (1999, compilation, Japanese release)
• Mad For Sadness (1999, live)
• Elephant Shoe (1999)
• The Red Thread (2001)
• Quiet Violence (2002, EP)
• Monday at the Hug and Pint (2003)
• The Cunted Circus (2003, live)

External Links

• Arab Strap Official Site (http://www.arabstrap.co.uk)
• Chemikal Underground Records - Home of Arab Strap (http://www.chemikal.co.uk/artist/arab_strap.html)