The Beautiful South
This intriguing UK pop and rock combo were built out of the ashes of the commercially successful Housemartins. The line-up features both Paul Heaton (b. 9 May 1962, Birkenhead, Merseyside, England; vocals) and drummer David Hemmingway (also vocals) from Hull's self-proclaimed 'Fourth Best Band'. In reference to their previous dour Northern image Heaton sarcastically named his new band Beautiful South, recruiting Sean Welch (bass), Briana Corrigan (vocals, ex-Anthill Runaways), former Housemartins roadie David Stead (drums), and his new co-writer David Rotheray (guitar). Continuing an association with Go! Discs, their first single was the ballad Song For Whoever which gave them instant chart success. After the rejection of the original sleeve concept for their debut album (a suicidal girl with gun in her mouth), WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL SOUTH emerged in October 1989 to an encouraging critical reception. The single A Little Time became their first UK number 1 the following year. Built on a bitter duet between Corrigan and Hemmingway, it was aided by a memorable knife twisting domestic visual which won The Best Music Video award at the 1991 BRIT awards. Lyrically, Heaton had honed his songwriting to a more salubrious style which allowed the twists and ironies to develop more fully: ‘I find it difficult to write straightforward optimistic love songs...I throw in a row, a fight, get a few knives out...’. Recent offerings such as Old Red Eyes Is Back, a picturesque but pathetic tale of the decline and death of a drinker, continue to reveal him as a lyricist able to deal with emotive subjects in an intelligent and considered manner.