An Eventful Day

Three years ago today, Arab Strap played their last-ever show in Tokyo.

Over the last year or so, I've seen a marked resurgence of interest in the band. Back in 2008, I asked Aidan and Malcolm if they minded my adding an Arab Strap section to Brightlight, to bring together touring and discography info. I've finally got round to doing something about it:

http://www.youngteam.co.uk/arabstrap/

The gigography is up, to be followed by a discography in the next few days. This is going to be a decidedly Web 1:0 affair. I've no intention of running a news service or reunion campaign.

Contributions very much welcomed, particularly for the gigography for 2004-2006.
Please also get in touch if you have live/session recordings of the band - lossless trades welcomed.

Stuart's picks for 2009

From the Matablog:

Stuart Braithwaite, Mogwai

1 Four Tet/Burial – Moth (12″)
2 Raekwon – OBFCL2 lp
3 Bill Callahan – Sometimes I wish we were an Eagle lp
4 Fuck Buttons – Tarot Sport lp
5 Batman and Robin – comic
6 Twilight Sad – Forget the night ahead lp
7 Missisipi Records – ENTIRE OUTPUT!!!!!!!!!!
8 Arkham Asylum – PS3 game
9 Sunn – Monoliths and Dimensions lp
10 Lil Wayne – No Ceilings mixtape

I wouldn't bother reading the rest of the article unless you're particularly interested in coffee, cakes, meat or people moaning about their contacts with law enforcement agencies.

Matador and your booking agents - please note - Birmingham, UK now boasts TWO decent venues (the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath, and the recently-opened Academy) - maybe you'd like to send some of your bands our way for a change. There are over a million of us, after all.

New shirts and Christmas savings

Three new Mogwai t-shirts designed by Aidan Moffat on sale now. Also Xmas offer of 10% off orders over £40.
http://mogwai.sandbag.uk.com

Special Moves mastering

Mogwai's forthcoming live album 'Special Moves (live in Brooklyn)' is being mastered today by Kenny MacLeod.

The album was recorded at Mogwai's three night stand at the Music Hall Of Williamsburg in April 2009. The shows were also filmed for the 'Burning' live film.

Vote Aitchy!

http://dearscotland.com/2009/12/02/vote-for-scotlands-greatest-ever-bassist/

Dominic's currently leading.

Artzine 2009

http://www.youngteam.co.uk/brightlight/eng/artzine2009.php

Thanks to our five contributors for their hard work. Feverish consideration of the entries has taken place this week, and the forum moderators (Christian, Neil and myself) have chosen Rik Rawling as the lucky recipient of the main prize. Everyone's a winner though - contributors, please can I have your postal addresses.