You know you are an elder statesman when many are eagerly waiting in their wings for your 'misses'. As with beautiful supermodels, they look for any sign of aging and similarly for rock stars, sign of cirrhosis. It seems to me that with the release of a Beautiful South album of late, there would be a group of fans who lash out at them. Is Beautiful South on the slipperly slope to the land of ex-pop stardom and the members should check their retirement accounts to ensure that they won't run out of beer money for the rest of their lives? Fat chance.

Not with this one, at least. Sure, there is a growing sign of tiredness of remaking old records which will probably mean strong witty lyrics and so-so music. What sets 'Painting it Red' apart is the venture into different music genres. The playfulness is not so much in the lyrics anymore but instead in the wide variety of musical arrangements. From the hip street beat 'Just Checkin' to sentimental ballad 'The River' to slightly soulful 'Baby Please Go'. This is arguably the first time in years you can filter out the lyrics and still have a pretty decent record from them. All the songs are pretty consistent, equally good although there are no killer tunes ala 'Song for Whoever' or 'Rotterdam.'

I certainly hope that Beautiful South will keep on making excellent records such as this, but all the enticement the past fans have thrown at me might one day prove irresistible. Until then, they are my chosen drug tonight.

The Beautiful South makes music for grown-ups: achingly pretty, savagely witty pop songs about the dark corners of human feeling. "Painting It Red" is their latest offering, seventeen beautifully crafted songs that examine the ways in which we love, fool, doubt and disappoint ourselves and each other.

Dave Rotheray's music is, as always, an insidiously catchy blend of pop, r&b, soul and jazz, with hooky riffs percolating through "Just Checking" and "A Little Piece of Advice." Paul Heaton's lyrics manage to be both hilariously contemptuous and quietly compassionate. ("They say be wary of strangers/Especially when they offer you sweets/But there ain't no government health warning/On half the mad fuckers you meet/Save yourself personal tragedy/Go back to the man with the sweets") And the vocals---by Heaton, Dave Hemingway and Jacqueline Abbot---are nuanced and lovely: heartfelt, but never forced.

This band gets better and better with each new disc. Check them out. Pop music may never be deep enough to truly capture the mix of hilarity and heartbreak in the way we live today. But as their song title says, The Beautiful South come "Closer Than Most."

How can one band come up with so many damn good songs in one career? The Beautiful South are not a band that can get away with throwaway tracks by simply laying down a beat, cranking up the guitars and ripping for five minutes. Their songs are delicate, almost fragile, supported only by the intelligence of the lyrics, the easy interplay between the three lead singers, and a seemingly endless supply of jaw-dropping melodies. Painting It Red checks in a 17 tracks and nearly 70 minutes and you will never hear a second of it on the radio in the United States, but this band is a treasure and Painting It Red continues their amazing legacy admirably.

After success (first 4 albums) sadness/frustration (Blue...) and confession (Quench), Heaton and company graduate from the school of hard knocks-- and sing about it.

Here's What They've Learned:

1. Advanced music writing. After their prerequisite, "Quench," they continue experimenting with various styles, giving the album some well-appreciated range and balance.

2. People are people. Everyone gets a voice. The songs are ostensibly written by the Heaton/Rotheray team, but I'd be willing to bet they're heavily influenced by the other band members as well. Listen for J. Abbot's voice in the writing on "Masculine Eclipse" and "Tupperware Queen," for example.

3. Listeners like lots of songs! Even the US release has 17 tracks! Enough said.

Fans of earlier Beautiful South work, listen before you buy. On the other hand, if you liked "Quench," here's the next course.

Those new to the music of The Beautiful South probably ought to have a listen first to "Blue is the Colour" & "Quench" in order to better appreciate "Painting it Red".

Much to my disappointment, this album tends to appeal more towards those already well acquainted with The Beautiful South. References to Paul Heaton's well-chronicled struggles with drink are few, aside from the solid track 'The Mediterrean'. PH's lyrical brillance continues to shine through on several tracks, however many others fail to reach the level of quality we've come to consistantly expect from The Beautiful South. David Hemmingway's increased presence on PIR is welcomed, and particularly in light of Jacqui's departure for reasons yet unclear.

Those looking for more playful songs e.g. Perfect 10 or Don't Marry Her-to drawn upon the previous two albums will find this element missing. 'Closer Than Most', their most commercial track, why lyrically lacking in some respects, is a refreshingly upbeat track. The country-rock influenced track, 'Hot on the heels of hearbreak' is an excellent duet between Paul & Jacqui-and what a shame it was never performed on tour.

PIR reflects, in my view, Paul Heaton's long-awaited shift towards sobriety and personal responsibility for his own sense of well-being. The rumored COUTC 2, should certainly include at least 2 or 3 tracks from PIR-but the selections will be obvious. As it has been often mentioned, the album is better appreciated through multiple listenings. Those who do will not be disappointed, nor estatic, but satisfied.

'Chicken Wings' an extremely sad but wonderful track is missing from the 17 track US release. I would suggest the UK standard 19 track album including 'Chicken Wings'. It's worth paying a bit more to get this track. The UK limited 20 track double CD has been sold out, the missing track, 'White Teeth' is not worth the large premium being asked-except for hardcore fans. The 20 track UK release does offer the convenience of getting to know each 10 track disc, without suffering burnout. Many would argue that PIR would have been better received if fewer songs were released.

Still an incredible group, let's hope their next album will be a bit more accessible. Bring back the hits, the lyrical wit, but with a different sound.

3 1/2 Stars