Beauty Shop - Yard Sale
by Benjamin Howarth
published: 17 / 5 / 2006

Label:
Select Label
Format: CD
intro
Slightly pointless compilation from talented American band the Beauty Shop, which consists of songs from each of their two albums to date 'Yr Money or Yr Life' and 'Crisis Helpline'
John Hoeffleur is, I’m convinced, a truly brilliant songwriter and great front man. So that is why you should listen to his band’s music. Easy. If you want an easy reference point, think the Uncle Tupelo that made 'March 16-20, 1992' covering Nirvana songs. But that doesn’t really tell you enough. Hoeffleur’s songs are dazzling. Opening track, ‘Monster’ is upbeat, with punky drumming and a racing vocal line. But the second, ‘Death March’ is a deep throated ballad, weary and resigned, but no less effective. ‘Paper Hearts For Josie’ is even better, a lovely song, a sad and affecting melody, about another wasted night, “passed out underneath the disco ball”. The Beauty Shop’s appeal isn’t at all complicated - the songs simply hit the spot, every time. And while the all acoustic sound may not be new, it is still a thoroughly pleasant change. It breaks my heart, therefore, not to be able to give a better review to this compilation. With eleven songs, most from their 2004 release ‘Crisis Helpline’ and a smattering from its 2002 predecessor ‘Yr Money Or Yr Life’, both of which originally came out Shoeshine Records this is a reasonable reflection of the band - even if my personal favourite song isn’t included. With no material, just a brief video, that the band’s fan base won’t already own, this isn’t very good value for money. If you aren’t already enamoured of the band’s music, I predict this might be your album of the year, but (and I know there aren’t enough of us yet) one feels the fan base could be given a little more. Hopefully, this re-packaging on the bigger label of Snapper( with sleeves that don't look as if they are home made) will give the Beauty Shop the audience they more than deserve. If so, I’ll forgive them this slightly pointless release. After all, the Beauty Shop are anti-style, and absolutely full of substance. I can’t wait until we get a (real) new album.
Track Listing:-
1 Monster2 Death March
3 I Got Issues
4 Paper Hearts For Josie
5 A Desperate Cry For Help
6 Babyshaker
7 Rumplestiltskin Lives
8 Science Lights
9 Shell Game
10 Nightcrawlers
11 The Love I Could Not Save
interviews |
Interview (2004) |
![]() |
Illinois trio the Beauty Shop play all acoustic country flavoured punk/rock and roll. Strolling around Exeter on a recent British tour, frontman and songwriter John Hoeffleur speaks to Ben Howarth about the band's new album, 'Crisis Helpline' |
reviews |
Crisis Helpline (2004) |
![]() |
Worthy-of-attention second album from Illinois Americana trio, the Beauty Shop, which underneath the pleasant enough melodies of its surface, displays a black, noirish heart |
most viewed articles
current edition
John McKay - InterviewRobert Forster - Interview
Cathode Ray - Interview
Spear Of Destiny - Interview
Fiona Hutchings - Interview
When Rivers Meet - Waterfront, Norwich, 29/5/2025
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every Song
Chris Wade - Interview
Brian Wilson - Ten Songs That Made Me Love...
Shrag - Huw Stephens Session 08.12.10 and Marc Riley Session 21.03.12
most viewed reviews
current edition
Peter Doolan - I Am a Tree Rooted to the Spot and a Snake Moves Around Me,in a CircleVinny Peculiar - Things Too Long Left Unsaid
Garbage - Let All That We Imagine Be The Light
Vultures - Liz Kershaw Session 16.06.88
John McKay - Sixes and #Sevens
Little Simz - Lotus
HAIM - I Quit
Morcheeba - Escape The Chaos
Eddie Chacon - Lay Low
Billy Nomates - Metalhorse
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart