psi_fla's Full Review: Carry on up the Charts: The Best of the Beautiful ...
It is not often I apply the word "perfect" to any album or film - and in truth, nothing or nobody is perfect. What one person may adore, another may loathe, and so forth.
However, this is one of those occasions where I'm tempted to apply the word perfect to an album, for there really is little that I can find wrong, personally, with The Beautiful South's first greatest hits compilation. I only discovered this album last year, but now it holds a place among my all-time favourites...and I hope it will mean as much to you.
INTRODUCTION
The band was formed in 1989 by Paul Heaton (lead singer) and Dave Hemingway (drummer). Additional members were Sean Welch (on bass), Dave Stead (also on drums) and Dave Rotheray (on guitar). Usually, the band's songs are co-written by Heaton and Rotheray.
In addition, the band have had three female vocalists - Briana Corrigan from 1989 to 1994, Jacqueline Abbott from 1994 to 2000, and Alison Wheeler from 2003 onwards. All three are incredibly gifted singers who have succeeded in adding more depth and feeling to the band's sound, thus allowing for greater versatility.
Carry On Up The Charts was released at the end of 1994, around the time Jacqueline had begun her association with the band. Thus the album contains contributions from both Briana and Jacqueline.
THE COMPILATION
The beauty and unconventional wit of the band is there for all to see in the opening song, Song For Whoever. Every album, especially a greatest hits compilation, needs a strong opening, and this is it. Musically, this is near perfection...but then the lyrics themselves reveal themselves to be rather striking too. Why write a love song for one when you can write one for so many? Strange, I know, but The Beautiful South seem to pride themselves on their "Different is good" label - a label that fits them to a "T".
You Keep It All In not only has lyrics that most will identify with, but is a remarkably catchy little ditty that has stood the test of time brilliantly. (It seems that TBS's "second tracks" on their albums are their catchiest songs.) Heaton and company ease off into more conventional territory for a bitter but beautiful love ballad, in the form of I'll Sail This Ship Alone. It takes a bit of time to grow on you, but trust me, it's worth it.
Which brings me to A Little Time, the South's only Number #1 to date, and a duet at that. A very well worked, and above all, indelible duet with a memorable trumpet interlude to boot. Surely the compilation can't maintain this standard?
But it can - the irreverent My Book is a fine showcase for the band's lyrics, whilst Let Love Speak Up Itself provides a gentle lead in to one of the album's highlights, Old Red Eyes Is Back. This gem - exciting to listen to (or even sing), rhythmic and meaningful - encapsulates all that is good about The Beautiful South.
Beauty and wit, side by side, maybe even at once. The pattern of this album is becoming as familiar as the words I'm using.
And there's more... starting with the effortlessly hypnotic and energetic We Are Each Other, which contains a standout chorus. (The lyric "Closer than a sister to a baby brother, closer than a secret agent working undercover..." is a highlight.)
Another beautiful (there's that word again) duet follows in Bell Bottomed Tear, before we move on to the surprising 36D. Surprising, because just when you think it'll be a gentle tune, Heaton suddenly belts out an incredibly aggressive chorus. Weird combination, true, but it works.
To an extent, Good As Gold (a welcome hit in Spring 1994) is even stranger, but even more likable. The highlight of the song, for me, is the "Carry On..." bridge, repeated twice. (You'll know it when you hear it.)
We take another breather for Jacqueline's lovely performance of the classic Everybody's Talkin', before taking a look at those so-called "Prettiest Eyes". One of the South's more underrated efforts, this little gem manages to be both clever and moving.
And there's still time for One Last Love Song - the perfect finale, if there ever was one.
THE BOTTOM LINE
It's a rare band that manage to pull off the task of being consistently sharp, clever and easy to listen to...truly, The Beautiful South are more than deserving of their name.
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.