The Beta Band - 'The Best Of The Beta Band Music' (Regal) Released 03/10/05

Soo, what happened there then. The Beta Band who have been hanging around a good little while (8 years), have gone and decided to call it a day, fold like a spent motor, and go do whatever talented musicians do when they split. A crying shame - and we're to blame for not buying their recordings. Which is the crux of the matter. For The Beta Band were always worthy of attention and respect for their quirky and idiosyncratic sound, envelope pushing not licking, for pretty much breaking the jelly molds. But hey kids, that don't always pay the rent or feed the meter.

This 'Best Of ' is a 2 CD format which encloses tunes chosen from their four albums and a live recording from The Shepherds Bush Empire of one of their final shows. Most of the tracks prove successful choices, with a small number challenging to the ear. One can categorise the Beta's for their sound as space-rock, or psychedelic-folk. Which they are, but the '60's are  also a crucial reference point. These guys, they twist and turn like an umbilical cord.

Opening with 'Dry The Rain' - we're gifted with a Happy Rain song, lots of acoustic riffs, bluesy-twangs, bass and lift, and sounds like (Mr) Beck with a swagger in its step, "..if there's something inside that you want to say..." - hailing from their first album. 'Inner Meet Me" features the continuous mantra amidst keyboard-play and acoustic guitar "Could it beeee - God inside" and would have made magical accompaiment to many a trip - if only... 'She's The One' is sheer class. Featuring strong narrative lyrics and acoustic riffs, the line "She's the one for Me" continues whilst centre-stage singing narrates just why - She's the one for Me. Things get whirly psyche-out with keyboards and speeded vocal-loops displaying the bands inventiveness.

'It's Not Too Beautiful' is kind of alt-anthemic - you know its good, playful, big, but doesn't want to be big for its boots. 'To You Alone' is a cosmic love-song featuring spartan drum-programming singing "You do not realise the line that runs from me across the universe to you alone, to you alone...", whilst 'Squares' continues loosey the  Cosmic-rock theme, "Daydream, I fell asleep amid the flowers...". 'Gone' is a beautiful song about old Papa Death. With melancholic piano, yet rich and joyful in lyrical beauty. 'Assessment' is just the kind of track which would have one the Betas wide recognition - a track with meat and gristle and anthemic appeal.

CD2 is the live performance with 10 of the 13 live songs featured on the studio CD1. Yet is like the difference between mono and glorious cinematic sound.  It's more than a consulation to buy this, its pretty essential.