the beta band - music (the best of the beta band)
for once, an album that does exactly as it says on the tin.
over the course of 4 albums the beta band established their own brand of harmony rich experimental pop music. sometimes they drifted off into areas of pure self indulgence and wonder, sometimes the results could be patience testing, but for the most part, the band basically crafted some of the most perfect music this side of the planet. with their own brand of distinctive vocal harmonies, unusual instrumentation, and deft sonic trickery, establishing one of the most unique styles in recent times, only for the released results to be criminally ignored by the masses.
so, if you don't have any of the beta band albums, but want to see why so many people are rather upset that they have called it a day after releasing possibly their strongest album, 'heroes to zeros' last year, then this 16 track collection will definitely suffice, comprising of all the best bits from each album into one perfect package, with little in way of any excess.
oh, and for the collectors, there will be an extra disc provided, showing that while the band were most at home with their toys and extra sensory production techniques, they were very capable of recreating the magic in the live arena, so they have added a full concert from the bands final tour, handkerchiefs at the ready, and careful with those chill up the spine moments of which there are plenty, for example, the crowd participation during 'dry the rain', and the downright funked up version of 'house song' being of particular note.
i believe a dvd will be released in the near future, thus preserving the legacy of one of britains best bands for all to see and hear.
the best.
01. Dry The Rain
02. Inner Meet Me
03. She’s The One
04. Dr Baker
05. It’s Not Too Beautiful
06. Smiling
07. To You Alone
08. Squares
09. Human Being
10. Gone
11. Broke
12. Assessment
13. Easy
14. Wonderful
15. Troubles
16. Simple
the live cd - recorded at the shepherds bush empire
1. its not too beautiful
2. squares
3. inner meet me
4. simple
5. she's the one
6. easy
7. dr baker
8. dry the rain
9. quiet
10. broke
11. assessment
12. dog's got a bone
13. house song