Paul Heaton - Fat Chance

Solo debut from the Beautiful South frontman, Fat Chance was originally released under the Biscuit Boy pseudonym in September 2001. The album features members of Joe Strummer's Mescaleros & is produced by long-time Heaton collaborator, Jon Kelly. Includes the singles 'Mitch' & 'The Perfect Couple'. Mercury. 2002. Album Description

Fine Breakout from Beautiful South

This album was initially released under 'Biscuit Boy' (not Paul Heaton). It got lost, as the title confused people. Re-released under Paul Heaton, then people got interested. A previous reviewer stated the Heaton is 'The Beautiful South', and I can only subscribe to that notion. This could have very easily been relabelled as a Beautiful South album, and would have fitted in nicely (and probably sold more). The collection is what you would expect from Heaton, catchy melodies, quirky lyrics and you always feel that his humour prevents him from slipping over to the 'dark side'. Songs such as the wonderful 'Mitch', '10 lessons in Love' and 'The Perfect Couple', are vintage Heaton. The rest of the album is good and enjoyable. Am I glad that I bought it? - Definitly, Would I recommend? - Absolutely, Is it his best ? I'm not so sure. November 3, 2008

The beautiful voice of The Beautiful South

This is the voice behind The Housemartins and The Beautiful South and his first solo album. Heaton's charm and his talent are the lyrics he writes that are so full of bitter humour as he dissects various relationships. His voice hasn't the range he had during his younger years, but it's still very moving to hear. September 30, 2003

Paul is still alive

Well,
strange story. When i discovered the Housemartins in 1986 i thought the beatle's spirit was in their LP. Saw them on stage (we were happy few in Paris - automn 86-) and was sure that i met a new miracle of music ... too bad they stopped so fast. Of course the beautiful south came but the spirit has gone away ... however their first 3 LP were quite good .... but the rest was a kind of bad soup ...
But Paul is Paul, it means one of the most fantastic "pop voice" i've ever heard (with Morissey, Fergal Sharkey ....). If you think you know "you've got a friend" (from C. King) listen to Paul's performance and you'll change your mind .....

My secret wish would be to meet him and go together to church where he could sing to me magical a capella songs June 30, 2003

Paul Heaton, minus the B.S.

If you've always suspected that Paul Heaton WAS The Beautiful South, here's your proof. I have been waiting 13 long years for a solo effort from him (and let me make clear: I am NOT a Beautiful South fan; I am a Paul Heaton fan) so I guess this album is a wish come true.

Paul Heaton has always been outstanding on two levels: his lyrics and his vocals. He is half-present on this album.

The cynicism is there (and welcomed) as always ("the difference between the junkie and me...I always failed successfully"). Rumor has it, Heaton's off the sauce, and I was afraid it would affect his typically brilliant lyrics (is that selfish of me?). Fortunately it hasn't. Melodies are damn catchy as well.

Sadly, Heaton seems to have forgotten that he can sing. I first listened through the cd, skipping from one song to the next, straining to hear SOMETHING -- some trace of his powerful, ethereal vocals (ala "Lean on Me" / "Let Love Speak Up Itself"). No evidence of it on this record, though, which I found very disappointing. Over the course of his career, Paul lost his faith in God. Did God take his gift away? Hmmm.

Frankly, I think Paul missed his window. He should have immediately gone solo following the Housemartins' breakup, but instead wasted much time fooling around with the Beautiful South (whose first 3 albums were fantastic -- "Welcome to The Beautiful South", "Choke" & "0898" -- BUY THEM -- but the albums following them were sort of flat).

But I'm being harsh. I still adore Paul -- he could sing the Zimbabwe national anthem and I would buy it. Overall, not a bad album. An obvious must for any Housemartins/BS fan, but not my favorite of all of his efforts. Go ahead and buy it, but while you've got the credit card out, purchase a copy of the Housemartins' "London 0 Hull 4" album as well, and listen to "I'll Be Your Shelter" 'til your ears bleed. January 3, 2003

Don't overlook this album!!

Well, I am please to inform those of that are fans of the Beautiful South that this is a remarkable record considering Paul is on his own. The sound is that of the South and a little bit more. He seems to be experimenting with techno sounds on a couple of tracks, but not too much so that it makes you skip to the next song. I like most of the album and really really dig the rest. It is worth the import price. I should also mention that he seems to be trying out three new female vocalists here since the departure of Jackie a couple of years ago. Only one caught my attention, but they all serve his voice well. If you go to the French Amazon site , you may find it cheaper there. Good luck and enjoy. December 28, 2002

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