Buzzin Music

Aidan Moffat & the Best Ofs
The Luminaire, Kilburn, London 8th September 2009

So after swine flu, a serious infection and a bad back, Aidan Moffat finally makes it to London to show off his album from February, How to get to Heaven from Scotland.

With a minimum of fuss, Aidan Moffat, a guitarist and double bass player strolled on to the tiny stage and proceeded to do the whole album. With only minimal instrumentation, this sounded almost like a jazz band.

Moffat picked up a squeezebox a couple of times to add a folk element to the music. The only negative thought I was left with was how limited the music was. All the songs did sound the same. But Aidan still has a great stage presence and can still make you laugh just introducing a song. Highlights were The Last kiss and Big Blond both of which are lyrically genius.

He finished off with some cover versions and his latest children’s story.  It sounds twee, but it worked really well.

A gold star must also be awarded for the t-shirt of the night reading ‘I shagged Aidan Moffat and all I got was this lousy shirt’. I wonder how many men bought it.

Overall, it was an enjoyable night but there was a disappointing turn-out. Maybe with Malcolm Middleton’s star quality losing its shine, could 2010 bring an Arab Strap re-union?