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Welcome to the Beautiful South

by The Beautiful South

Released: October 23, 1989

Indie pop

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Debut Album.

The Album

"Welcome to the Beautiful South" is the debut album by the English band the Beautiful South, released in October 1989 by Go! The original album cover featured two images by Jan Saudek—one of a woman with a gun in her mouth and another of a man smoking. This prompted Woolworths to refuse to stock the album, citing concerns over its potential impact on young fans.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

As a result, an alternative cover was created…

As a result, an alternative cover was created, depicting a stuffed toy rabbit and a teddy bear.

Discs and later in the United States by…

Discs and later in the United States by Elektra Records.

A second alternative cover was also designed for…

A second alternative cover was also designed for the Canadian edition, which included only the image of the smoking man.

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Essential Tracks

You Keep It All In

The album featured three singles that became top 40 hits in the UK: "Song for Whoever" reached No. 2, "You Keep It All In" hit No. 8, and "I'll Sail This Ship Alone" peaked at No. 31.

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The Beautiful South - Welcome to the Beautiful South

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Then

Reception

The album featured three singles that became top 40 hits in the UK: "Song for Whoever" reached No. 2, "You Keep It All In" hit No. 8, and "I'll Sail This Ship Alone" peaked at No. 31.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Welcome to the Beautiful South" is the debut album by the English band the Beautiful South, released in October 1989 by Go! Discs and later in the United States by Elektra Records. The album featured three singles that became top 40 hits in the UK: "Song for Whoever" reached No. 2, "You Keep It All In" hit No. 8, and "I'll Sail This Ship Alone" peaked at No. 31.

The original album cover featured two images by Jan Saudek—one of a woman with a gun in her mouth and another of a man smoking. This prompted Woolworths to refuse to stock the album, citing concerns over its potential impact on young fans. As a result, an alternative cover was created, depicting a stuffed toy rabbit and a teddy bear. A second alternative cover was also designed for the Canadian edition, which included only the image of the smoking man.