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, a fact unknown to Stuart Murdoch at the time. 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, Aidan Moffat, said "They have a sense of humour." Malcolm Middleton, 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.
1. It Could Have Been A Brilliant Care (Er)
2. Chickfactor
3. Simple Things
4. Rollercoaster Ride
5. Sleep The Clock Around
6. Is It Wicked Not To Care
7. Ease Your Feet In The Sea
8. Summer Wasting
9. Seymour Stein
10. Space Boy Dream
11. Dirty Dream Number Two
12. Boy With The Arab Strap