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Dominic Carter - 06/03/2010
A mind-blowing cocktail of Beyonce and Sasha Fierce. Queen Bey has outdone herself once again with an album which reaches for the limits of both R&B Music and Pop Music. The soulful sound echoes the meaningful lyrics in songs, such as Ave Maria and Smash into You, building on the success of hits Halo and If I Were a Boy.
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sam sansom - 05/03/2010
This is a must for old and new fans alike. If you're an old fan looking to replace worn out vinyl, or someone new looking to check out his most famous songs. They're all here, Parchman Farm, Young Man's Blues and Seventh Son, among the sixteen tracks. An inspiration, and essential for anyone remotely interested in the sixties, Georgie Fame, jazz & Blues.
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Sean Anderson - 27/02/2010
The Beautiful South is one of my all time top bands and 'Welcome to the Beautiful South' has some stunning instances of their work at its finest. One of my other favourite bands is The Kinks and, while they differ in terms of how they sound there is one shared trait: the ability to tell a story.
The intelligence of the songwriting is reflected in the layers of each song on the album: many of the tracks sound light-hearted and melodic, but this is superficial, disguising a nasty reality and intensifying the effect. In everyday life, people and events might not be what they seem.
'Song for Whoever' begins the album and lulls the listener into a false sense of security with the longing and sincere voice. However, The Beautiful South's characteristic humour is conveyed through the pencil case metaphor. The song is very easy-listening, with subtle and slow instrumentation and the commercialised single version, which features in best-of compilations, preserves only this segment. This is a shame because the underlying theme of revenge is revealed as the song picks up in tempo and Paul Heaton's vocal range comes to the fore. 'Late at the night, by the typewriter light, she ripped his ribbon to shreds.' Something here is achieved in a song that might normally be achieved in a film: all the way through, the charming slime bag has got away with exploiting women to 'reap his Number 1s' and, in a moment of genius, his latest girlfriend has crept down in the middle of the night and destroyed the ribbon of the typewriter that he probably loved more than he did her.
'Have You Ever Been Away?' successfully captures a character that many people know in their lives. Someone who likes to relax on the sofa in the evenings with a newspaper after a dinner of roast beef or fish and chips, rants about Britain for the British and then retires to bed by eight o'clock. Paul Heaton also seems to use the songs as an attack against nationalism, willing to put his hands in the air and admit the British too have made mistakes: 'I'll crap into your Union Jack and wrap it round your head. take a look at all the blood we've shed.' Since his Housemartins days it has been typical of Heaton to weave such political and anti-Establishment messages into songs. It is a refreshing change to hear such poignant lyrics amidst the sea of endless love songs.
'From Under the Covers' is another character cross-section. Heaton is, as usual, fearless in using straightforward and gritty such as, '.We're coughing up the phlegm. and we'll vomit and we'll choke.' This is grim working-class life under a grey, polluted sky, with little escapism. In a typical Beautiful South ironic - and very witty - twist, the layabout's headboard becomes his gravestone. He has achieved nothing, but died where he liked being the most.
From the same working-class environment comes the couple whom Heaton portrays arguing in 'You Keep It All In'. It captures a lingering obedience to the institution of marriage. They stick together through thick and thin without really talking things through, but there is an underlying patriarchy that sees the woman as a victim of domestic abuse: '.All I wanted to do was knife you in the heart.' The band should be praised for such fearless forays into topics that might be considered taboo even in an age of liberty and openness.
'Woman in the Wall' also deals with dysfunctional domestic environments. If the music is listened to alone, it has an upbeat and almost infantile quality to it, yet upon hearing the extremely dark lyrics, it makes them even more perverse. 'But he only knew his problem when he knocked her over and when the rotting flesh began to stink.' The childlike music serves to invoke in the listener the husband's naiveté under the influence of drink, convincing himself that she is still alive even though he has killed her: he is living in his own bubble.
The remaining tracks all have a fair share of cynicism, humour and catchiness. These include 'Straight in At 37' and its insight into the fickle nature of the music industry: 'Why don't your videos have dancing girls, with hips that curve and lips that curl?' And 'Oh Blackpool' has one of the catchiest albums from the entire album. You will soon find yourself singing along to, 'I'm out tonight, I can't decide between Soviet hip and British pride' even when you're not listening to it.
Overall, the title of the album is an apt one: this welcome into the wonderful imaginations of the Beautiful South will have you wanting to come back for more. If you're tired of soppy love songs, come and learn more about the possibly less than desirable lives of the people who write them, courtesy of the Beautiful South's ability to tell it like it is.
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hazel rigazio - 25/02/2010
When you listen to this album it's fantastic listening to tracks that were big hits. This album has all the great songs from huge stars such as Amy Winehouse, JLS ,Black Eyed Peas, Cheryl Cole, Tinchy Stryder and Duffy, but to name a few. After listening to the album it made me realise what fantastic artists are out there and in my opinion this is one of the best albums with some of the greatest artists that we sing along with, dance to, cry with, get chills from, go weak at the knees with all in one album. If we love songs why just like them for their life in the charts when you can own this CD and keep listening to your favourite songs for as long as you want.
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hazel - 25/02/2010
This in my opinion is the greatest album of all time, by the greatest artist of all time. The album includes joyous songs such as I Want You Back, Dancing Machine and I'll be There. In total there are 38 tracks from when Michael first performed with his brothers in the Jackson Five, right through to him going it alone. There are lots of Michael's albums on the market but this is the one to own if you are a huge fan. It would cost an absolute fortune to purchase all his albums and there is no need to go to that expense as this album contains all the best of Michael Jackson. The album will be very sentimental to you as it is to me as we know there will be no more new music from the great. If i could give the album 10 stars I would.
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hazel - 25/02/2010
I don't own this cd but have a friend who has lent it to me. Ellie Gouldings voice stands out but in the best possible way. I have got a feeling Ellie will be massive in 2010. The songs are great, Guns and rRoses, I Wish I Stayed are sure to be the first massive hits.
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hazel rigazio - 25/02/2010
I remember hearing Keisha was leaving the band and thought that it would be downhill from there for the sugababes, but i was more than suprised - the album is fantastic. The new member Jade,is a fantastic singer. Every song on the album is really catchy and fun. I love no more you, about a girl. This is a cd full of amazing songs you won't be able to get out of your head.
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Alex Thomas - 23/02/2010
Having listened to Bon Jovi for years and still enjoying their new releases, I thought it best to return to their earlier releases in particular NEW JERSEY.
After the mainstream commercial success of SLIPPERY WHEN WET, NEW JERSEY built on the foundations and you had a mix of SLIPPERY with more emotionally involved songwriting especially 'I'll Be There For You'.
'Lay Your Hands On Me' is a great opening track and stands out as one of their best, even after all of these years and pushes the band into territory that will be further expanded in KEEP THE FAITH.
All in all the album is a great listen from beginning to end but even the non-CROSS ROAD material like 'Living In Sin' & 'Stick To Your Guns' are easily as good as the more familiar ones. I think this is one of their best albums and definitely worth another listen!!!!!
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Galen Cromar - 15/02/2010
The debut album from three schoolmates from London, this effort is full of wistful lyrics about love, ethereal guitar lines (reminiscent of first-or-second-album Kings of Leon), and catchy drumlines.
Oliver and Romy's hushed voices entwine in a delightfully low-key layer, further adding to the dreamlike nature of this album.
In summary, then, a thoroughly enjoyable, by turns both relaxing and energising, slightly psychedelic trip through electronica-tinged alternative rock. Just like a good dream, one hopes against hope that it won't end.
Now thoughts turn towards how the band can improve for their next album. Perhaps splashing out on the artwork a little?
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hazel rigazio - 09/02/2010
Outstanding cd by Beyonce which proves she is capable of performing such a wide variety of songs that are not all her usual style. This album shot Beyonce up to where greats like Tina Turner stand. Amazing album. People fill the dance floor when songs from this album, you can hear it from car stereos everywhere, that's because this album is amazing 5 stars plus.
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hazel rigazio - 08/02/2010
I think the lads have done an amazing job with this album and their voices are fantastic. I admire these soldiers so much and take my hat off to them for doing this for such a great cause. They are not just soldiers singing songs they have great voices. With such songs as 'Stand by Me' and 'Tears in Heaven' are tremendously emotional and meaningful. It is extremely hard not to have a lump in your throat when listening to it. The songs that have been picked for the album are so fitting and are classic greats which are so enjoyable to hear again.
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hazel rigazio - 08/02/2010
I first heard Katherine sing, I believe, on the radio and was so blown away by her amazing voice that I got her album. I wasn't disappointed, the songs on the album are some classical and none classic ones. I have also purchased a few of her other albums but this one is the best, she goes from strength to strength with each album.
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hazel rigazio - 08/02/2010
Breathtakingly beautiful songs from The Priests. The songs are so relaxing they quieten a stressed mind and uplift the spirit. Crystal clear, powerful voices, absolutely amazing album.
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
Such a beautiful intimate album. Norah has the ability to lift you up and take you on the journey with her in her songs. Very laid back, distinctive and appealing, easy to listen to. Norah's voice is so supple and precise. Lie back and melt into all these amazing songs.
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
Stevie wonders music suits all occasions and he is a musical genius admired by so many people. His career has spanned 30 years and I had the pleasure of growing up listening to his music. A lot of Stevie's best songs are featured on the album so it's really excellent value. With classics such as I Just Called To Say I Love You, will make you smile. This album always is uplifting to me.
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
I received this album as a Christmas present and wasn't really sure what to expect but I was more than pleasantly surprised. Such a clever fusion of styles from reggae, folk to jazz. His voice is so diverse and mature for his young age. Very uplifting and feel good songs, each and every song is so different in style and content. The album is an infectious, hand and foot tapping brilliant collection of songs . Most people who listen to my album have gone out and brought it too and all described it as 'wonderfully infectious'
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
This has to be Luther's best album of all time. He still keeps his classic soulful style yet they are modern songs. A mixture of gentle love songs and upbeat tracks too. Dance With My Father is such an emotional song that really pulls at your heart strings. Luther is fantastic and the album is fantastic.
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
George Benson really showcases his talent as one of the leading soul greats of his generation with this album. His velvet voice is simply amazing. Very sensual, sexy songs. If you like sexy soul by one of the greatest soul kings of all time then this is a must for your collection.
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
The album is upbeat and fun. It took a little while for some songs to grow on me but I soon got into them all and loved them that much, I would sing the tracks all the time even when I wasn't playing the album. Feel good music that is loved by all generations.
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hazel rigazio - 07/02/2010
Unforgettable songs such as Red Red Wine are classics from UB40 and I am so delighted that they have made an appearance again. I went to see them in Manchester in early Jan 2010, wow it blew me away. Ali still has the same amazing voice. UB40 will attract lots of new fans as well as the old and loyal. They could return in 20 years and still be fantastic unlike some 80's groups that have reformed but shouldn't have as they sound awful.