THE FIRST BIG WEEKEND OF 2016 BY ARAB STRAP vs MIAOUX MIAOUX

Old bands getting back together when nobody wanted them to? Dontcha just hate 'em?
Ordinarily, yes. But when Arab Strap bifurcated and it's component parts went their separate ways, it always felt that there was more to give. They'd not outstayed any welcome and while Middleton and Moffatt produced some exemplary solo stuff (see IBWM Division passim), there was always a sadness that they were no more.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago and a cryptic 'HELLO AGAIN' appearing on an Arab Strap website. Well the dots weren't that hard to join. They're back. New gigs for their 20th anniversary were announced and with it a reworking of their debut single featuring Glasgow producer Julian Corrie, aka Miaoux Miaoux (another Division alumnus). The First Big Weekend Of 2016 is a subtle do-over, but incredibly welcome.

You can get it on iTunes. Follow the respective halves of Arab Strap @M_Middleton_UK and @AidanJohnMoffat