Saturday, April 14, 2007

The Face of Youth Keeps Turning West
The spectre of Ian Curtis, and the legacy of both Joy Division and New Order dwells long in some places. No more so than in the early work of The Beloved. I've blathered on about this band before and without wishing to repeat myself think that they were super-duper. Yes they lost their way later on, but for a couple of years produced almost perfect pop records. And now, of course, Jon Marsh has made his way as a very successful DJ - see here.

In the early period they received regular criticism from the music press for clinging to New Order's coat tails, especially in the bass lines and the production values. But more often than not they won their detractors over with some fine lyrics and, at times, frenzied guitars. Despite the hundreds of CD's on my shelves I still reckon that stuff by The Beloved is the most regularly played. Do people agree with me though? Do they heck. Despite all my best efforts, my pleas for recognition fall on deaf ears from the majority of my friends. I just don't understand. Horses for courses I suppose.

But I keep trying .....

The Beloved - This Means War (mp3)

The Beloved - If Only (mp3)

The Beloved - A Kiss Goodbye (mp3)

So come along, dust off your credit cards and buy The Beloved here. 'Happiness' for only £4.97 is the bargain of the century. Also checkout the free downloads on the Jon Marsh website here

Oh, and while your at it buy the amazing novel by Toni Morrison - 'Beloved' here - probably one the greatest reads you'll ever have

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