Album Briefs: New albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor) to four stars (excellent).

*** 1/2 The Beautiful South, “0898 the Beautiful South,” Elektra. Brashly British, relentlessly witty, the Beautiful South is one of those rare ace acts that can claim to be expanding the horizons of pop music instead of merely working skillfully within them. From the snotty “36D” to the mysterious “You Play Glockenspiel, I’ll Play Drums,” the band mixes mirth, memorable melodies, unusual instruments and a singer full of soul (Paul Heaton) for a strangely provocative and beautiful sound. The group will be at the Variety on June 20 and the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on June 21.