When the British pop band the Housemartins [see Fatboy Slim/The
Housemartins entry] dissolved in the late '80s, frontman Paul
Heaton and drummer Dave Hemingway formed the Beautiful South; its
name, a barb aimed at the posh southern region of the country, is
as drenched in irony as its lyrical sentiments. The Beautiful
South's juxtaposing of sweet vocals and sunny hooks with acerbic
lyrics evoked t...