James

Yeah I think so, you expanded on my love for The Smiths too. Think we are standing at about 10 - 3.

The Fascinating Turnip

I better start picking up. Ever heard Jarvis Cocker's second solo album, Further Complications?

James

I haven't heard any Jarvis Cocker sol albums. I will check it out.

The Fascinating Turnip

Git tae it then, ye radge!

Engine

I like 'Jarvis' well enough but even Albini couldn't save 'Further Complications'. I wanted to like it but could only get through it maybe twice.

Back on topic: Arab Strap!
I've been listening to Philophobia pretty much nonstop since this thread came back to life. I like it far more than I remember. I hadn't heard it in over a decade and it's definitely an album that sounds better after my life has gone to shit and back several times.

__________________

Like an arrow,
I was only passing through.

The Fascinating Turnip

Is it as good as Mad For Sadness?

And I thought Further Complications was much better than Jarvis, to be honest.

Engine

Enough about Mr. Cocker. None of his music gets me off. I'm sure there's a Pulp thread around here for y'all to pontificate further on his stuff..



Anyway, I'm going to try to answer your question: Is Philophobia as good as Mad For Sadness?
It's a difficult question.

Mad For Sadness is unquestionably good if not great (I re-listened several times before making this reply). For a live album the performance and sound quality are impeccable and Arab Strap adds layers of musical goodness to the studio versions of the songs.

So my answer is multifold.
First; Yes I do like Philophobia better. But this is a very personal opinion. Of the songs on Philophobia that they play live on Mad For Sadness (which are like 40% at least), I like the album versions better. That said, I can totally understand feeling the opposite. The live versions are more musically dynamic and sound lovely.

The live versions are bigger and more engrossing. So I have no complaints about anybody liking those versions better.

Personally, though, I like the more minimal versions on Philophobia. The straightforward, skeletal versions made with ancient digital sounds just grab me more. Mad For Sadness is like an Arena Rock version of the songs. They're beautiful and moving but I like the minimal stuff more because it's like the band is talking directly to me as I nod my head like, yes I know exactly what you mean. So there ya go.

Regardless, thank you for setting me out to hear Arab Strap again. They were a fucking excellent band and I'll never forget them again.

__________________

Like an arrow,
I was only passing through.

The Fascinating Turnip

I just had a go at Philophobia, and I have to say, it's every bit as good as Mad For Sadness.

I Would've Liked Me A Lot Last Night effectively blows my bloody mind in ways I don't yet understand.



It's fucking brilliant. Bloody fucking brilliant, and it seriously makes me mad that they seem to be fairly unknown and that both this and Mad For Sadness don't really seem to have a particularly high rating on, say, RYM. Thank you, James.
And you're very much welcome, Engine. Fuck, I hope no one ever forgets them.

Engine

This song perfectly narrates what may happen when you're old enough to have adult relationships and to have become used to getting really drunk, but are young enough to be incapable of controlling your emotions to the point that violence erupts.

'One Day, After School'

__________________

Like an arrow,
I was only passing through.

The Fascinating Turnip

I've given Elephant Shoe a go and it's quite decent. Whenever it isn't remarkable, it's at least pleasant. I'd say the highlights are as follows: