Listen to Entire Solo Album By Steve Mason

Steve Mason is the former frontman for the touchstone artistry of Edinburgh's The Beta Band. Responsible for some of the best music of the 90's and directly influencing that era's mainstream Brit Pop surge, The Beta Band with Mason's ghostly vocals with always hold a special spot in my memories. Although he has also has side projects King Biscuit Time and Black Affair, Mason released his first solo LP Boys Outside in June on Domino Records.

After giving it a couple of listens, I am reminded of how I have such trouble enjoying the solo career of an artist after their band (that I loved) breaks up for good. The list is huge: Frank Black, Bob Mould, Morrissey, etc. In the given cases, there is always that missing element that can never be recaptured. Boys Outside definitely carries a Beta Band quality beyond his vocals, utilizing an understated style wrapped in a mysterious electronic/acoustic blended drape. It is good background listening that makes you sit up and pay attention not unlike that scene in High Fidelity. However, the content of many of Mason's lyrics are too upfront to be Beta Band quality, choosing topics that are well-worn and creaky, defining the innocuous, we-were-once-cool easy listening of Adult Alternative radio. Maturity, in this case, is not a strong suit. Still, this album contains value with song highlights "Stress Position", "The Letter", single "Am I Just A Man" and the title track.

Purchase Steve Mason - Boys Outside here. Also, click on the link to download the track "All Come Down" for free.

Steve Mason - Boys Outside