Malcolm Middleton Covers Madonna On New Record

Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap and failed Christmas number one fame has covered Madonna on his upcoming new album.

The largely acoustic record, titled ‘Sleight of Heart’, features three cover versions –Madonna’s ‘Stay’, King Creosote’s ‘Marguerita Red’ and Jackson C Frank’s ‘’Just Like Anything’ – plus six original Middleton compositions.

The plaintive release features a number of guest collaborators including Mogwai’s Barry Burns, ex Delgados man Paul Savage on drums.

Speaking of the record, Middleton said: “I suppose this album is a reaction to the production of (previous record) ‘A Brighter Beat’, which I love, but I felt it was time for something quieter.

“My songs are usually written on a guitar so this way they are closer to the original form.”

The record as always is full of astute lyrics and observations, most notable ‘Blue Plastic Bags’ which is a comment on British drinking culture.

Middleton notes: “As a nation we're all drinking too much. Not the binge drinking of the ‘90s but the sneaky innocent couple every night. If the fridge is empty at 9:30pm, you start sweating and run out to buy some for ‘just in case’.”

‘Sleight of Heart’ is released through Full Time Hobby Records on March 3.