"New thing, done thing, even last year's thing ... Are just a few of the things that I ain't," sings Beautiful South's Paul Heaton. He's got that right.

For over a decade, Heaton and co. have been living proof that life and the music biz are patently unfair. Featuring ex-members of The Housemartins, the South boast three superb vocalists, two gifted tunesmiths and a catalog of smartly crafted Britpop gems -- yet remain criminally unknown outside their U.K. home.

We'd like to think Gaze, their latest superlative set of addictive melodies, melancholy grooves, lightly rootsy arrangements and wry, wistfully witty words would improve their lot, but we'd likely be wrong.

On the other hand, gorgeous Squeeze-like numbers like Pretty, Life vs. the Lifeless and 101% Man are sure to improve your world a bit.

Track Listing
1. Pretty
2. Just A Few Things That I Aint
3. Sailing Solo
4. Life Vs The Lifeless
5. Get Here
6. Let Go With The Flow
7. The Gates
8. Angels And Devils
9. 101 Percent Man
10. Half Of Him
11. Spit It All Out
12. The Last Waltz