[ October 9, 2000 ]
NME: Closer Than Most
NME
Closer Than Most (Go!)
October 9, 2000
by Victoria Segal
Travel rugs. Boot sales. Scrabble. Rain. For their detractors, the world of The Beautiful South is one of dreary parochialism, music for people who don't like music, but do rather enjoy washing-up. And, maybe, while the plates are draining, a nice digestive biscuit.
Of course, this was the point where the 'spirited' defence of Paul Heaton and friends was supposed to come in, a) because the new album is actually very good, and b) there aren't many bands today who can sneak mad stuff like wit and empathy into sterile chart territory. Unfortunately, the brassy 'Closer Than Most' is a deeply irritating song, a jaunty comment on lasting love that's rhythmically reminiscent of being forced onto the dancefloor by an elderly aunt at a family gathering and damn well made to enjoy yourself. Not good.
Bah. Bring me my travel rug. And my biscuits. I feel a game of Scrabble coming on...
Delores / Link to Here
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