New Release: The Last King of Pop - Paul Heaton

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The Last King of Pop - Paul Heaton
Virgin EMI Records
Released 16th November 2018



The Last King Of Pop Tracklist

‘I Gotta Praise’ [radio mix] (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘Don’t Marry Her’ (The Beautiful South)
‘Poems’ (Paul Heaton)
‘Happy Hour’ (The Housemartins)
‘Moulding Of A Fool’ [radio mix] (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘Prettiest Eyes’ [single version] (The Beautiful South)
‘Me and the Farmer’ (The Housemartins)
‘Good As Gold’ (The Beautiful South)
‘Real Hope’ [radio mix] (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘You Keep It All In (The Beautiful South)
‘Austerity of Love’ [radio mix] (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘Build’ [single version] (The Housemartins)
‘Rotterdam’ (The Beautiful South)
‘She Got The Garden’ (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘Old Red Eyes Is Back (The Beautiful South)
‘Flag Day’ [single version] (The Housemartins)
‘Manchester’ (The Beautiful South)
‘D.I.Y.’ [radio mix] (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘Perfect 10’ (The Beautiful South)
‘I Don’t See Them’ [radio mix] (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘Song For Whoever’ [single version] (The Beautiful South)
‘A Little Time’ (2018 Version) (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)
‘7” Singles’ (2018) (Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott)

**************

The cynic in me says that you know Christmas is on the way because there is almost an avalance of artists putting out Christmas music albums or putting out "Greatest Hits" packages but I am not overly cynical about this release from Paul Heaton at all! Yes, there are a few concerns because the music of his bands The Housemartins and The Beautiful South have featured individually and together on these types of collections in previous years. In many ways there's always that element of disappointment regarding things that have been on albums of like nature before. On the other hand though I think that the concept behind The Last King of Pop is spot on as it draws from the wells of over 30 years of a musical career and gives us the "highlights" in a sort of edited Match of the Day broadcast!

So let's have a quick look at what's included (and maybe mention a "few" things that are not!). There could quite easily have been a 2CD set for this because there is so much to draw upon and the compiler has stuck to the mandate of putting together an album of Glorious Poptastic Tunes and thus some better tunes have been laid to the side. I have included a whole bunch of links to some of these songs that could quite easily have found a home on this release. Click on them to enjoy more music from the songbooks of King Paul!

(The Housemartins)

It's fitting that 'Flag Day' should be included as this was the first ever single by the band. 'Happy Hour' (which was their first massive hit, reaching #3), 'Me and the Farmer' and 'Build' (singles taken from their great second album 'The People Who Grinned Themselves To Death') are also included. It's a shame that 'Sheep', 'Think For A Minute' and 'Five Get Over Excited' were overlooked because they were terrific singles as well.

(The Beautiful South)

After the folding of The Housemartins in 1988, Paul Heaton, Dave Hemingway and roadie Sean Welch formed The Beautiful South. Dave Rotheray became the creative writing partner of Paul Heaton and between 1988 - 2007 they churned out some absolute gems over the course of 10 studio albums and 34 singles. Nine songs from this phase of Heaton's musical journey appear on 'The Last King of Pop': 'Song for Whoever' (their debut single that reached #2), 'You Keep It All In', 'Old Red Eyes is Back', 'Good As Gold (Stupid as Mud)', 'Prettiest Eyes', 'Rotterdam', 'Don't Marry Her', 'Perfect 10' and 'Manchester' are the selections here. 

There is one more but it's a new version of an old Beautiful South classic (more about that later). 

A case could be made for 'Let Love Speak Up Itself'. 'We Are Each Other', 'My Book', 'Pretenders To The Throne', and 'How Long's A Tear Take To Dry'.

(Paul Heaton)

One of the "disappointments" if you can call it that is the inclusion of only one track from Mr Heaton's Solo career ('Poems' from his debut album 'Fat Chance'). Surely a track or two from 'The Cross Eyed Rambler' (released in 2008 - 'I Do', 'She Rolled Her Own', 'Everything is Everything', 'The Kids These Days', for instance) or 'Acid Country' (released in 2010) - 'The Old Radio', 'It's A Young Man's Game', or 'Acid Country'.

(Jacqui Abbott + Paul Heaton)

The solo years between 2007-2010 might not have been his most successful time at all but unlike other songwriters/musicians he was about to get a fourth shot at the big time and this time with Jacqui Abbott (who had been with him in The Beautiful South between 1994-2000).

On working with Abbott once again, Heaton said: "Working with Jacqui again was like going into your garage and discovering a beautiful, covered up Rolls Royce that hadn't been started in years. Jacqui is one of the best singers I've worked with and is also part of my past. It was only a matter of time before I asked her."

Three tracks from their debut album 'What Have We Become?' are featured ('D.I.Y.', 'Moulding of a Fool' and 'Real Hope'); two tracks from 'Wisdom, Laughter, and Lines' ('The Austerity of Love' and 'I Don't See Them'); and two from the third studio album 'Crooked Calypso' ('I Gotta Praise' and 'She Got The Garden') are included.

Two newer songs round out the album, a new version of The Beautiful South's 'A Little Time' (given a very significant overhaul from it's original quite sombre tune to be a bit of a rock and roll hoedown!) and the very brilliant '7" Singles' (which is a deliciously "infectious ska-pop paean to a lifetime of jukebox dancing and pop music obsession").

To celebrate the release of 'The Last King of Pop', Heaton + Abbott will play 3 very special live shows at London’s Royal Albert Hall, Sheffield City Hall and Blackpool Empress Ballroom at the end of November where they will perform the album in full.

The dates are as follows:

24 November: Blackpool, Empress Ballroom
26 November:  Sheffield, City Hall
28 November: London, Royal Albert Hall.

I'm sure the title of the album might sound a little bit pretentious to some as it's a massive boast. I think Paul Heaton had his tongue firmly in his cheek when he came up with title but love him or loathe him, with this 23 song collection I'm pretty sure if he's not already on the throne he's either marking time or has a cunning plan for his eventual ascension!

The Soundtrack4Life Concert Series: Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott

A double header from Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott. First up a charity show from back in January this year where they performed an hour long acoustic set.

And then a show from their first tour back together from 2014.

Acoustic Show

Hotel Football

Manchester 

19th January 2016

O2Academy 

Liverpool

June 2014

New Video: Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott - (Man Is) The Biggest Witch Of All (Feb 29th)

(Man Is) The Biggest Witch Of All is the brand new single and video from Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott and is taken from thir smash hit album Wisdom, Laughter and Lines.

Previous Videos from the album

The Austerity of Love.

I Don't See Them.

New Video: Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott - I Don't See Them (November 2015)

Brand New Video from Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott was released today. It's track #3 on their latest smash hit album Wisdom, Laughter and Lines and is a marvellous follow up to the first single from the album The Austerity of Love.

Wisdom, Laughter and Lines - Paul Heaton + Jacqui Abbott (23rd October 2015)

Very excited for tomorrow when hopefully the brand new album from Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott should drop through the letter box.

Until then here's a couple of tracks they've released from the new album Wisdom, Laughter and Lines.

Austerity of Love.

Austerity of Love (Behind the Scenes).

The Queen of Soho.

(Man is) The Biggest Bitch of All.

BBC Radio Humberside 9th October 2015.

The Making of an Album.

T in the Park 2015

The Austerity of Love - Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott (New Video)

 Brand new video from Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott was released today.

The song is called The Austerity of Love and is taken from their up and coming Brand New Second Album 'Wisdom, Laughter and Lines' which will be released on 23rd October 2015

Here's the dates for the up and coming Tour including the extra dates that have been added due to popular demand.

Extra Dates Added
Friday 21st November Aberdeen Music Hall
Saturday 22nd November Newcastle O2 Academy 1
Sunday 23rd November Bradford St George’s Hall
Monday 24th November Blackburn King Georges Hall
Wednesday 26th November Nottingham Royal Concert Hall

Real Hope - Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot

Loving Arms - Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot (Promo Video)

This brand new release just missed being named as one of the songs of 2014. It's included on a new Bonus Edition of 'What Have We Become'.

New Edition includes 'Loving Arms', 'Real Hope' and 'The Snowman (Brass Version)'.

 Bonus

Live At Blackburn 24th November 2014

(Not in Order Played)

The S4L Pop Album of the Year 2014: What Have We Become - Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott

It could not have escaped many people's notice that the return of Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot recording together again, and wowing audiences up and down the land is one of Pop's great stories of the year.

Heaton had told The Independent Newspaper that as he was reflecting upon his solo career, which up until that point had been one kick in the teeth after another that he came to the conclusion that he should be "thinking of splitting up with myself!" 

It's actually a real shame that Paul's solo career didn't take off so good but it did put him in a position to relight a friendship from his past days in The Beautiful South. Jacqui had six years with the band singing on some of their most epic tunes ('Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud)', 'Everybodys Talking',  'Prettiest Eyes', 'One Last Love Song',  'Dream A Little Dream', 'Pretenders to the Throne', 'Rotterdam', 'Don't Marry Her' (Censored Version), 'Perfect 10', 'The Table') before leaving in 2000 to concentrate looking after her family.

So a chance meeting in Salford back in 2011(the first in 10 and a half years) led to Jacqui singing once again with Paul and then to teaming up together to make 'What Have We Become'.

On working with Jacqui Abbott once again, Paul Heaton said: "Working with Jacqui again was like going into your garage and discovering a beautiful, covered up Rolls Royce that hadn't been started in years. Jacqui is one of the best singers I've worked with and is also part of my past. It was only a matter of time before I asked her."

The First Single

D.I.Y.

Summer Performances at the likes of Glastonbury didn't hurt their profile either and even a cover of the Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers classic 'Islands in the Stream' was a clear demonstration of how good these two are together.

There was no question really that this was going to The S4L Pop album of the Year 2014. Almost from it's release back in May it has continued to get a hearing in our house. Quality songs, great lyrics as ever from Mr H. I hope that they can take the opportunity again to record another album together because they work so well together and their voices blend perfectly giving the listener a truly wonderful listening experience.

They are about to undertake a new tour in about a week's time and there's a link at the bottom of the page where you can find out the dates, tickets etc.

They have been on TV numerous times and have had live sessions on the radio. The album by the way hit the #3 spot on the UK Album Chart beaten out by Michael Jackson and Coldplay!

Tracklist

1.     "Moulding of a Fool"       3:39
2.     "D.I.Y."       2:21
3.     "Some Dancing to Do"       4:13
4.     "One Man's England"       4:12
5.     "What Have We Become"       4:31
6.     "The Snowman"       3:50
7.     "Costa del Sombre"       3:15
8.     "The Right in Me"       3:18
9.     "When It Was Ours"       4:12
10.     "I Am Not a Muse"       4:48
11.     "Stupid Tears"       2:17
12.     "When I Get Back to Blighty"       4:52
13.     "If He Don't (Deluxe Edition bonus track)"       3:47
14.     "My Own Mother's Son (Deluxe Edition bonus track)"       3:19
15.     "Advice To Daughters (Deluxe Edition bonus track)"       6:37
16.     "You're Gonna Miss Me (Deluxe Edition bonus track)"       3:49

Shepherd's Bush Empire

27th May 2014

Old Red Eyes Is Back.
Costa Del Sombre.
Rotterdam.
Prettiest Eyes.
Moulding of a Fool.
We're Not Deep.
The Snowman.
Build.
Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud).
D.I.Y.
Me and the Farmer.
Loving Arms Again/Caravan of Love.*
*Loving Arms is not a cover of a Beautiful South song by the way but the classic tune that was performed by Etta James and also Elvis Presley.

Tour Dates and info.

Real Hope (the New Single).

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott - Live

Got a little something special today. A spotlight on recent performances by Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbot. Hope you enjoy them. Remember click on the links to enjoy the music.

The Lowry, Manchester 23rd May 2014
Some Dancing to Do.
Old Red Eyes is Back.
Costa Del Sombre.
Rotterdam.
Prettiest Eyes.
Moulding of a Fool.
We're Not Deep.
Snowman.
Build.
Dream A Little Dream.
Don't Marry Her.
When It Was Ours.
Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud).
D.I.Y.
Happy Hour.
When I Get Back To Blighty.
I'll Sail This Ship Alone.
Me and the Farmer.
Loving Arms.
Caravan of Love.
 
Liverpool O2 Academy 2014
 Some Dancing to Do.
Old Red Eyes is Back.
Costa Del Sombre.
Rotterdam.
Prettiest Eyes.
Moulding of a Fool.
We're Not Deep.
Snowman.
Build.
 When It Was Ours.
Dream A Little Dream.
 Don't Marry Her.
The Right In Me.
Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud).
D.I.Y.
Happy Hour.
I'll Sail This Ship Alone.
Me and the Farmer.
Loving Arms.
Caravan of Love.

 

BBC Introducing Stage at Glastonbury 2014.*

 

*It is possible that folks outside the UK might not be able to see this video.

D.I.Y./Rotterdam Live on Absolute Radio.

 

Interview with Paul Heaton.

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott - What Have We Become Deluxe Edition (19th May 2014)

Click on the links to enjoy the music.

The first single from the album is 'D.I.Y.' 

The video is directed by Johnny Vegas.

For the first time in more than a decade Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott are back singing with each other again on record. The last time was of course back in the days of The Beautiful South. Jacqui was a part of the group for four albums - 'Miaow' (1994), 'Blue is the Colour' (1996), 'Quench' (1998) and 'Painting It Red' (2000).

 The Beautiful South Later Special Full Playlist.

Perfect 10/Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud) - Glastonbury 1999.

Jacqui is best remembered for her performances on some of the excellent singles by The Beautiful South -

'Good As Gold (Stupid As Mud)', 'Everybodys Talking',  'Prettiest Eyes', 'One Last Love Song',  'Dream A Little Dream', 'Pretenders to the Throne', 'Rotterdam', 'Don't Marry Her' (Censored Version), 'Perfect 10', 'The Table'.

BBC Breakfast Interview with Paul and Jacqui.

Ever since the band split up after 19 years of playing due to "musical similarities" Paul Heaton has been a solo artist releasing a couple of albums but whilst they were good they lacked a certain something, or someone even!

Interview and performance of 'D.I.Y.' Live on The One Show.

So it's absolutely fantastic that they are back together again making music and you'd never think they had been apart. 'What Have We Become (Deluxe Edition)' is a great collection of 16 tracks full of Heaton's great wit and blended with Abbott's beautiful tone produces one of the great pop albums of 2014. I do hope that they get some success with this. It's great to see and hear them together again.

On working with Abbott once again, Heaton said: "Working with Jacqui again was like going into your garage and discovering a beautiful, covered up Rolls Royce that hadn't been started in years. Jacqui is one of the best singers I've worked with and is also part of my past. It was only a matter of time before I asked her."

 The Plug, Sheffield 14th December 2013

'Some Dancing To Do (Live).

'Snowman/Caravan of Love' (Live).

Rotterdam (Live).

Poems (Live).

There's quite a few other live performance videos on You Tube worth checking out as well.

 

For Tour Dates and other information check out their Official Website.

Through The Years with Paul and Jacqui