Beggar on a Beach of Gold is the fourth album by Mike + the Mechanics, released on 6 March 1995. This album contains three singles: the No. 12 hit "Over My Shoulder", the No. 33 hit "A Beggar on a Beach of Gold", and the No. 51 hit "Another Cup of Coffee". All three songs charted in Germany as well, and "Another Cup of Coffee" was also popular in Russia; "Over My Shoulder" was particularly successful in France, reaching No.9. The album was certified Gold by the BPI for sales of 100,000 copies. Adrian Lee performed on this album as a session musician following his departure from the band, and this was drummer Peter Van Hooke's last album as an official member of the band as he left the band shortly after the album's release.
Track listing
Personnel
Mike + The Mechanics
Mike Rutherford – keyboards, electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, backing vocals Paul Carrack – lead vocals (2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12), keyboards, backing vocals Paul Young – lead vocals (1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 13), electric rhythm guitar, backing vocals Peter Van Hooke – drums
Additional personnel
Adrian Lee – keyboards
B. A. Robertson – keyboards
Paul "Wix" Wickens – keyboards
Dale Newman – programming
Clem Clempson – electric rhythm guitar, electric guitar
Gary Wallis – drums
David Frangioni – drum loop programming (3) Rich Mendelson – drum loop programming (3) Andy Newmark – drums (12) Pete Beachill – brass arrangements (13) Katie Kissoon – backing vocals (5) Tessa Niles – backing vocals (5)
Production
Mike Rutherford – producer
Christopher Neil – producer
Paul Gomersall – engineer (1, 2, 4–11, 13) Nick Davis – remixing (1), recording (3, 12), mixing (3, 12) Mark Robinson – assistant engineer Bob Ludwig – mastering at Gateway Mastering (Portland, ME). Mike Bowen – technical assistance Geoff Callingham – technical assistance Hills Archer Ink. – artwork David Scheinmann – photography