Carry On Up The Charts: The Best Of The Beautiful South

Beautiful South | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 9, 1995)
• Original Release Date: October 10, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Fontana Island
• ASIN: B000001FIT
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #61,146 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is a definitive best-of from the scathingly satiric, invariably tuneful band that arose from the ashes of The Housemartins. Sadly, Paul Heaton and friends have always been too twee and clever for the colonies, though classics like "My Book" and "Old Red Eyes Is Back" deserved better. A lovely, sing-along new track, "One Last Love Song," sounds like a farewell to arms, while the limited-edition disc of B sides proves that only XTC can match them in terms of high-caliber throwaways. --Jeff Bateman

Product Description

1995 compilation for the enduring indie act. This Canadian version two bonus tracks. Universal. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for everyone, October 17, 2003

By 

Si "Mozzer's nuts" (Lancashire, England, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Carry On Up The Charts: The Best Of The Beautiful South (Audio CD)

Arising from the ashes of The Housemartins certainly wasn't going to be an easy move (as The Housemartins were also a great band), but as this compilation proves, they pulled it off with some aplomb. Their individual albums covered here are worth getting anyway (especially 0898, Choke and Miaow), but this compilation probably takes the very best songs from these albums, so one can't complain. Every song is simply excellent, even the ones you may not have heard before. The lyrics are cynical and witty, almost Morrissey - like in parts, and the music is simply (probably) the catchiest you've ever heard! It's just a shame that some people will find themselves thinking they're 'too cool' to listen to The Beautiful South, as they think all they sing is 'love songs.' But this is far from the truth; They adress all kinds of issues such as relationships, domestic violence, lust, politics etc. better than all of the moronic Nu-metal cliched bands out there, the fans of which wouldn't know good music if it smacked them in the face with a trumpet, then created music bliss with the gorgeous strings in 'Old Red Eyes Is Back.' Anyway, before I get carried away, go and buy this if you have sense. Broaden your musical horizons. It's just a shame their second 'Greatest Hits' CD was rather a cynical marketting ploy (retracting from the fact it's still a damn good, near perfect collection of songs), as 7 of the songs here feature on 'Solid Bronze.' They could've released a 'Best of 1995 - present date,' but hey, never mind.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for Whoever, but Good as Gold for me, July 9, 2002

By 

Gerald J. Mahoney "robotmonsterman" (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Carry On Up The Charts: The Best Of The Beautiful South (Audio CD)

First of all, this is one of my favorite albums. I'm not the kind of person to give everything five stars, but this one definitely earns it. The songs are deep, heartfelt, insanely catchy, and I can listen to them a million times each and never get tired of them. It's an album I can put on at any time, no matter what mood I'm in, and enjoy it.

That being said, it's not an album for everyone. The cynicism in the lyrics won't be to everyone's liking, especially as the dark humor is couched in some really poppy, upbeat melodies. For me, that stark contrast in tone is what makes the music so oddly affecting, but I can see why they never caught on in the U.S.

On the other hand, if you're looking at this item, it's a safe bet you DO like the music you've heard from the Beautiful South. And in that case, you can't go wrong. If you "get" the Beautiful South, this is the album to buy! Truth be told, I think they're primarily a singles band. Their albums tend to be uneven in my opinion, each with a few fantastic songs and then some filler and experiments gone wrong. That's why a singles collection is the best way to enjoy this band.

If you know this music and you're at all considering buying this album, buy it now! You won't be disappointed. If you've never heard this band, listen to a couple of songs before you decide. You might not like them, or like me, you might be on the verge of discovering your new favorite group.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A TOUCH OF CONTAGION, July 2, 2011

By 

OLD GUY. - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Carry On Up The Charts: The Best Of The Beautiful South (Audio CD)

If you like amazingly well-produced vocal groups then The Beautiful South might be what you want. In fact, there's nothing here to not like. This collection entered the British charts at number one and is one of the most popular albums in British history. That should be worthy of notice even in the U.S. These tunes are crazily magical, slyly inventive, sophisticated, jazzy-pop. The songs are written by Paul Heaton (of The Housemartins) and David Rotheray the group's guitarist. The vocals are by Heaton, Dave Hemingway (also of The Housemartins), and Jacqueline Abbott. Earlier versions of the group had Briana Corrigan singing. Most of the material is about the varying states of love relationships all in sharp, smart, sophisticated settings. Wonderful sound. Happy melodies with occasionally cynical lyrics--if there's something to say they say it. Wry, witty, warped, clever, satiric, humorous, acerbic--might even take a shot at the culture you love. Polished poppy-pop. I have a few favorites here--A Little Time, Old Red Eyes is Back, We Are Each Other, Bell Bottomed Tear, 36D, Good as Gold (Stupid as Mud)--easy to love. There are two covers as well. I always prefer originals, but these were probably chosen for intercontinental reasons. Everybody's Talkin' and Dream A Little Dream Of Me--both great versions, but no matter how fancy the elevator I don't need them again and again. The Beautiful South are indeed beautiful. So lovable that even those who don't normally love this sort of beauty will immediately love it. I play this disc twice each time it hits the speakers. Pretty music with a touch of contagion.