Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this CD, December 2, 1999
By A Customer
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.
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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
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.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must for everyone, October 17, 2003
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.
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