Twenty-five years after its original release, Belle and Sebastian have produced their most popular album in limited pale blue artwork with matching coloured vinyl. This 25th Anniversary edition also includes an exclusive art print of behind-the-scenes photos from the promotional video for the album, taken by band member Sarah Martin.
This limited pale blue colour artwork is reproduced in the original colour used in 1998 on the album’s promotional poster and T-shirt.
The album was recorded in Glasgow at CaVa Studios during 1998. Videos were made at that time for Is It Wicked Not To Care, which inspired the 25th Anniversary art print, and Dirty Dream #2 (directed by Lance Bangs) which did not feature any band members.
Belle and Sebastian were awarded Best Newcomer at the 1999 Brit Awards following the release of The Boy With The Arab Strap.
Joining Stuart Murdoch on song writing duties on this album for the first time were band members Stevie Jackson, Isobel Campbell and Stuart David.
The eponymous title track has become one of the most popular Belle and Sebastian songs and an iconic symbol of the live shows, when the band are ritually joined by their fans onstage as they dance to ‘The Boy With The Arab Strap’