Live Review

Paul Heaton – Academy 2, Manchester

• 27th Sep 2010

About 500 people packed out this small venue, most of whom being loyal followers of the Housemartins and The Beautiful South. They were hoping for similar lyrics and tunes – they weren’t disappointed and nor was I. Chants of ‘Heaton’ ensured his unpretentious charismatic appeal of the past 25 years. His unique voice has defined his previous bands, so could it define part 3 of his career? It most certainly could, and it did.

There were no ‘covers’ of his previous classic songs. The set contained the usual Heaton observations that define his quick-witted observational humour, and at times his lyrics, although not too deep and meaningful, were still touching. He has never changed his style, musically and personally, and he stuck to his fail-proof style of catchy memorable songs; the saying ‘If it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ springing to mind. Everyone was very pleased that he stuck with his usual formula of clean guitar, vocal melodies and humorous lyrics. You could be forgiven thinking that all of his new songs would be gratefully performed by both of his previous bands and still appreciated by many.

The set was varied, consisting of upbeat catchy guitar riffs with Heaton being jovial, acoustic ballads, a love/heartbreak song, an angry heavy metal-esque number, much melodic harmonica from the man, and one song with all 4 band members just harmonising with him, reminiscent of ‘Caravan Of Love’ but still as good.
Considering the band only consisted of one guitarist, bassist and drummer, the sound was very full from them. They enjoyed the gig as much as us, and this showed in their very capable ability to play the range of song styles. Heaton obviously enjoyed it, we didn’t need his two (yes, two) encores to prove this, but we were still grateful.

His lyrics are still as touching and witty, always detailing the smaller issues people encounter rather that going for general ‘world-changing’ ideals. For example, he can put humour into a failing relationship and get away with it. He wore an Adidas jumper, giving the impression that he is ‘one of us’, possessing no ego but being easily comfortable and entertaining in a smaller venue that the bigger arenas he’s been used to playing in before. He mentioned he was sharing a 3-star hotel room with the bass player, not the sign of a man who is famous and could easily demand having his own. He is just too polite and humble to accept his celebrity status. You imagine you could quite happily share a drink with him in your local pub, which means he, as well as his music, appeals to many.

No matter what your favourite genre of music is, everyone likes the Housemartins and Beautiful South (everyone’s parents own a ‘Greatest Hits’ I’m sure, mine certainly do), and everyone will like his new album. It’s just a shame he isn’t being marketed towards ‘the masses’ like he should. Millions would certainly buy his ‘product’ like they always have done.