Sleight of Heart

Sleight of Heart is comprised of tracks written during the Brighter Beat sessions and a handful of cover versions. Initially conceived as an acoustic LP--and largely remaining so--the album was recorded at Chemikal Underground Studios in Glasgow. Middleton's recording band (featuring Mogwai's Barry Burns on piano, ex-Delgadoes man Paul Savage on drums, touring bassist Stevie Jones, and Jenny Reeve on backing vocals) joined in to flesh out the sound. "I suppose this album is a reaction to the production of A Brighter Beat, which I love, but I felt it was time for something quieter," says Middleton. "My songs are usually written on a guitar, so this way they are closer to the original form." It all amounts to a captivating record from a man who's fast becoming one of the UK's most cherished--and prolific--artists.