After the collapse of Arab Strap many music fans were left wondering where next to get their fix of a uniquely Scottish misery. Thankfully, both Strap members have gone on to have successful solo careers, with Middleton even making a play for Christmas number one. Last year saw a bright creative period for the Falkirk bard, with his album A Brighter Beat winning across the board acclaim. Here are the off-cuts from those sessions, an acoustic stripped-back affair featuring neglected works and oddball covers. Much more than a mere afterthought to A Brighter Beat, the album has an intimate feel – more akin to a sneaky peak at a friend’s diary than a pop record. For obvious reasons, ‘Follow Robin Down’ is this writer’s personal favourite, but the song is emblematic of the album – peering into darkness yet aware that the sun is always rising. With heart-on-sleeve covers of Madonna, King Creosote and Jackson C Frank also present, the album becomes an unexpected triumph.