The Beautiful South Album: “Superbi”

Admittingly, the first couple times I listened to the cd, I was a tad disappointed. The move to a very country music sound isn't ultimately suprising as there have been songs from them here and there in the past that had a country feel to them ie. One Last Love Song, Pretty etc. But this cd is really along those lines but even more so. At first the melodies seemed a little weak, however, after about five listens or so, whew, the songs unravel and are breathtaking. They're the kind of songs that grow on you and then you're addicted, unlike songs that just bang you over the head with delight upon first listen....and then get old within a month or so. I have a feeling I'll be playing this cd often and for a long time to come. I've really enjoyed every BS cd with the exception of Painting It Red, I still can't make that cd click with me. Superbi reminds me most of Miaow without a doubt...again, with a bit more of a country flare. I highly recommend it to any Beautiful South fan. The band's creative juices are still stirring up a incredible blend of surprises. Enjoy!

Since the late 80s, The Beautiful South have been one of my favourite bands. I was also, of course, a fan of The Housemartins. I have all 13 of the BS albums, including Best Of's and Paul Heaton's solo effort Fat Chance. I've admired their melodies, interesting lyrics and general musicality. While I believe their best work was done in the years when Briana Corrigan was part of the band, everything done since then has still been worthy of purchase and listening.

I couldn't wait for release of Superbi here in Australia, so I purchased a copy off eBay, from England. First play was extremely disappointing: all the tracks sounded sing-song-y, too simple, perhaps a little too country - couldn't discern any of the male/female vocal battles we've been used to from past CDs. So taking the advice of the only reviewer of the CD on Amazon, I persevered.

Sure enough, after about the sixth play through, the songs began to reveal themselves.

That said, I still only like half the tracks - I guess 50% is not that bad. It's just that I'm used to devouring almost each and every track on a BS album.

For me, Superbi is certainly a welcome reminder of what The Beautiful South are capable of, but I was definitely expecting more.

Sadly, this is the last Beautiful South album, but it's also their best. The songwriting, playing and vocals have never been better. Alison Wheeler's parts are especially excellent. This album just never gets old.

The Beautiful South is one of the finest bands currently working. One of two groups rising from the ashes of the politically-motivated Housemartins (the other being Beats International), Paul Heaton's band can do pretty much anything in any style and make it sound coherent. Whether working in folk, torch song or music hall the changes in style never come off as stunts. This is do in part to Heaton's songwriting, but also to a group of musicians who are totally in tune with each other.