The Boy With The Arab Strap

The Boy with the Arab Strap is the third album from the Scottish band Belle & Sebastian. The inspiration for the album’s name came from the band Arab Strap, who are also from Scotland and briefly toured with Belle & Sebastian. An Arab strap is a sexual device for retaining an erection. Arab Strap were reportedly less than pleased with their inclusion in the title of the album. When questioned about it, Arab Strap’s leader/singer, Aiden, said “They have a sense of humor.” Malcolm, the band’s instrumentalist, added, “Because Arab Strap is quite an interesting name. The words go well together. That’s why we chose it as a band name. We’re friends with them, but there’s a limit to putting someone else’s name on an album. They’re taking away something from us.” He also mentioned that the album had been confused as a collaboration between the bands.