As we approach the end of the year, this series of first-time listens nearly draws to a close. So let's waste no time, and see what I've been listening to this month. The Beautiful South - Painting It Red (2000) Okay, not strictly a first-ever listen, though I'm only breaking my self-imposed rules, here. I bought Painting It Red on cassette back when it was first released, having enjoyed previous 'South albums. For some reason, I didn't particularly enjoy it and I never gave

From the interviews I've seen, Heaton comes across as a very humble, down-to-earth guy, and he seemed exactly the same that night, telling a humorous story of the first time he came to that very venue many years ago as a young man. He was very apologetic that it was a short gig and mindful that he wanted to pack as many songs in as they could...