The Beta Band (1996-2004) were an alternative rock group who received much critical acclaim and achieved cult status, but failed to make much of a commercial impact on the popular music scene. Their style was self-described as being folk hop, a blend of folk, rock, trip hop, and experimental jamming.
Their music has featured on numerous film and TV soundtracks. The song Dry the Rain from their 1997 debut EP, Champion Versions, was possibly their most popular track and was famously featured in the film, High Fidelity.
Their live performances were legendary, often ending with the whole band playing percussion. Their dancing and energy got the whole audience moving, often in the same style as their idols on stage. It has been suggested, sometimes by the band themselves, that they were better live than recorded.
All I have in my possession is The Three EPs compilation that brings together 12 tracks released between 1997 and 1998 including the aforementioned Dry The Rain. It’s an album that Q magazine back in 2000 placed at #74 in its list of the 100 Greatest British Albums Ever while Pitchfork had it is high as #23 in its Top 100 Albums of the 1990s.
mp3 : The Beta Band – Dog’s Got A Bone
Enjoy
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 
Embarrassed to admit I never heard of the band until the ‘Hi Fidelity’ soundtrack. But I was sure to see them when they toured the States, and caught an outstanding show at the Fonda out here in LA.
Isn’t there some connection between BB and Django Django?
my fave beta band track
I owned all of those first 3 EP’s on 12″, but sold them when particularly strapped for cash – what was I thinking? A wonderful band who I saw a number of times throughout their career – yes, they were truly great live, specially in the early days. I tried to put a Beta Band imaginary compilation together for you, but really couldn’t narrow it down at the moment. Perhaps I’ll come back to that one.