Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

What can you say about sarcastic, clever lyrics that discuss the joys of drinking, one-night stands, romance and the lack thereof? No matter what the topic, they always make me smile. Paul Heaton and his pals are the best imports England's sent in decades. The covers of Dream a Little Dream and Everybody's Talkin' are almost better than the originals.

I was introduced to this band after seeing some of their videos on VH-1 during a recent trip to England, and their songs immediately caught my attention. After reading some of the reviews of this CD on this website I was persuaded to buy it, and I certainly haven't regretted my decision. The songwriters have a gift for melody that is nothing short of amazing, and with several talented band members sharing lead vocals the variation is refreshing. I find myself playing this CD over and over...

One thing I must say is that Paul Heaton has the most beautiful voice I have ever heard in my life. I simply love listening to him sing " I'll Sail This Ship Alone". The lyrics are satiric and entertaining to listen to. "Old Red Eyes Is Back" is my favorite song. I am so glad I own this CD. The only thing is that they are never in the U.S. For an adolescent teen who must listen to her peers flap their mouths about people with no talent like Britney Spears, Usher, and Alanis Morisette, listening to Paul Heaten, David Hemingway, and Jaqueline Abbott, who have real talent, is a relief.

I have purchased this album 4 times now, and am about to go for a fifth. Every time I have it and play it for a friend they fall in love with the most beautifully sarcastic songs you will ever hear. (They usually go home with it)

The music is soft and sweet, but the lyrics tell the real stories. Every song is deceptively soothing, as they sing lullabies about prostitutes, drinking, and any other social situation that plagues humanity; but the true art is the sarcasm that ties it all together. It may seem depressing at first, but ultimately it's like taking all of those negative things that happen in this world, accepting them as part of life, and then making it all a joke in which we each play a part. Truely Brilliant.

Didn't expect to write so much... just buy it, and give it a chance. The two disk set is out of print, so this is your last chance. (highly recommended for any of you American BNL fans)

A friend of mine who lives in England told me about the Beautiful South, and said I should get this CD. She was so right. I've had it for a few years, and play it often.

My wife, who generally resists when I try to make her listen to things, wasn't a fan. However, she was a big BareNaked Ladies fan, from way back, and knew they were influenced by the Housemartins...but had somehow missed out on these guys. She still wouldn't listen -- until she saw them open for BNL at a concert this past summer.

She loves it, too, now.

Hats off to inventiveness, but The Beautiful South began to go adrift after "Miaow". If you could capture the band's signature sound, "Carry Up the Charts" would be the way to do it.

I could gush over so many songs, but my definitive favorite is the piano tinged "Let Love Speak Up Itself". It's impossible to not hum along with "Good as Gold" and "Prettiest Eyes".

The combination of intelligent lyrics, the influence of Paul Heaton's former group The Housemartins, the wonderful female vocals (Brianna Corrigan and later Jacqui Abbot) and British wit make this a terrific pop CD.

A personal favorite.