Sad to hear The Beautiful South are splitting up, due to 'musical similarities'. I really like them, much more than I ever liked the Housemartins, but they are a band who tend to polarise people. Some find them super bland, but I think the voices of Heaton and Rotheray and the others are just wonderful together. Songs like Bell Bottomed Tear, Rotterdam, Prettiest Eyes, This Old Skin - rather moving really.
They've worked their way through various female singers, none of which seem to be able to cope with the laddishness of the personalities involved. I bought the solo album by Briana Corrigan, their first lady of song, hoping it would brilliant as I love her voice, however it's no great shakes and she seems to have disappeard without trace. I also liked the next girl, Jacqui, but she too seems to have died a death. The last one was fine, but not a patch on the other two.
The hits have dried up a bit, though I liked Manchester. Very much in the Beautiful South formula, possibly a formula that's become a little dated for mass tastes. Good to get out while you can. THink of the legacy of great hits. I'll miss them.
I can't think of a song I don't like.
2 comments:
I think they are the most English band ever, and you either get them or you don't. Prettiest Eyes is one of the best love songs ever, and proof that, despite what the music industry tells us, you can be over 21 and still have feelings.
Their lyrics were excellent - very intelligent and witty.
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