ABC - Beauty Stab

Digitally remastered 1997 reissue of the band's second album with the rare B-side 'Vertigo' added as a bonus track.Originally released in 1983, the album features the singles 'That Was Then But This Is Now' & 'S.O.S.'. 13 tracks total.A Mercury Records release. Album Description

ABC - And now for something completely different!

"That was then but this is now" was the first single release in 1983 and at the time some fans and music press hacks just didn't "get it" did they. They had all expected The Lexicon Of Love Part 2 (some say "Alphabet City" is it, I'm inclined to agree!)...well as it happens the majority didn't have the wherewithall to realise the first single's title said it all! "that was then.." Lexicon, "..this is now" Beauty! Like it or lump it!

After the lush rollercoaster prodution of Trevor Horn that was Lexicon, ABC had to do something completely different and thats what Beauty Stab is all about! ABC did all the production themselves and introduced a regenerated musical approach, gone were the orchestras, in were the rock guitars matched, a gritty sound (bordering lo-fi before it became fasionable!) and some gritty lyrics make this a "must have" for any true ABC fan.

Now in 2007/8 This is an album that Martin Fry, Mark White, Steve Singleton can all be very proud of...its a pity it led to David Palmer and Mark Lickley of the band quitting before the albums release in 1983, but that's showbiz folks! November 20, 2007

almost a masterpiece.....almost

take out "by default by design" "bite the hand" and "vertigo" which i never got on my vinyl anyway thank you very much....and you got an A+ group of songs...though united kingdom is perhaps an acquired taste...here you go kids...a perfect example of how too many songs can bring down the album as a whole...take out the ones listed above and you got something special. Gotta love those lyric twists that few others like elvis cost. can get out in song. shes vegetarian except when it comes to sex...
unzip unzip unzip September 19, 2007

unappreciated album ..

ABC was one of those 80s bands we all remember for a couple songs "Look of Love", "Poison Arrow", etc., but they had a nice body of work. Sure, Lexicon of Love was an outstanding first album and is a must to any collection, but their sophomore effort was very unappreciated. Certainly, it is not as radio-friendly as the Lexicon tunes, but it has some very catchy and memorable tunes as well. I personally like "SOS" as much as any ABC song, and "King Money," "Unzip," and "The Power of Persuasion" are classic Martin Fry at his best. But give "Love's a Dangerous Language" or "If I ever thought you'd be Lonely" a listen and you see some new sides of ABC that I personally really like. Give this album a chance and I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

August 4, 2007

Belle Epoque metal.

With a lot of guitar distortion, perfect arrangements and really strong hooks. February 11, 2006

The One That Got Away

If I may, let me begin this review with an anecdote:

A year or so ago, I was home in the UK and visiting a musician friend. Well, it just so happened that Steve Singleton (ABC founder member and sax player) was also there. Aside from the thrill of meeting one of my musical "heroes", I was thankful to have the opportunity to tell him personally how much I love this album and how much it means to me.

This album was ripped to shreds by the British music press upon its release and, in a real sense, I don't think the band ever recovered. (Steve left shortly thereafter.) Shame on those talentless Journos - failed wannabe popstars one and all. They should come up with something as timeless and classic as this album.

The album has been reviewed in detail elsewhere and I can only concur with the vast majority who recognise it for the classic it so truly is.

I'm listening to this album as we speak. And 23 years on, it still sounds as contemporary as the day it was made. One of my all-time Top 10. And highly recommended. January 11, 2006

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