The Beta Band

The Best of the Beta Band (Astralwerks)

Why did Scotland’s Beta Band break up after four albums and eight years? Because planet Earth never appreciated brilliant songs like “Dry the Rain” and “Squares.” This 16-track retrospective has no hits, only highlights, from a psychedelic and sometimes-extraterrestrial band. The bonus live disc, from their final show in November 2004, is proof they were the closest thing Scotland ever had to a jam band that could actually rock.

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This article appears in December 30 • 2005.

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