The two things that stick out on the Shy Retirer EP are the unlikely covers. Van Halen's "Why Can't This Be Love" is turned into a drunken singalong, although the programmed rhythm and string arrangements that typify many an Arab Strap song are as present as ever. AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" is also turned into a drunken singalong, but Aidan Moffatt yelps with conviction over a lone acoustic guitar and some handclaps. The Dirty Hospital dance remix of the A-side is fairly forgettable, if not a failure, and the two Strap-written B-sides -- "The Good Part" and "The New Saturday" -- are worthy of album placement and shouldn't be overlooked. ~ Andy Kellman
Rovi