BIG COUNTRY
"THE CROSSING"
1983
IN A BIG COUNTRY - The track became a massive hit in the U.S.A. as well as the UK. As the opener to the
album it was simply huge and a fantastic song. Celtic
drums, catchy chorus, chants, the classic Bagpipe guitars, simply a
brilliant song and one of my alltime favourites by any artist. Great
singalong and one for the Air Guitar enthusiasts. Sheer class.
INWARDS - This was more a Pop Rock song than the singles, with minimal normal Big
Country traits, also parts of it reminded me of Medieval ambience. Atmospheric and engaging.
CHANCE - A ballad, and it was a gorgeous song, simple in its composition but
incredibly emotive, no big booming crescendos just a light, lilting
backing to Stuart Adamson's sensitive vocals. Love this song.
1000 STARS - Reminded me of U2 at the time for some parts but then the guitars kick
in with that familiar pipe onslaught and it brings you back to where you
belong. A little more Instrumental than usual but its a nice song.
THE STORM - Beautiful song, some intricate musicianship here. Amazing ambient
sounds with some choral backing and harmonies amid a light chug-a-chug
guitar and drum which at times features on its own to give a mysterious
feel. Again, my advice to you is listen to this album in headphones to
get the full effect!
HARVEST HOME - The debut single and a brilliant introduction to the band's sound, a pulsating almost
Punk-like chanted spoken track with Scottish drum and bagpipes (guitars)
abound, like a marching band rhythm
LOST PATROL - Almost Goth Rock, minimal lyrics and the familiar atmospheric whirring
backing akin to The Mission and The Cult who came later on the scene.
CLOSE ACTION - Hints at Progressive Rock with a little Folk thrown in for good measure. A reasonably slow track but nonetheless excellent.
FIELDS OF FIRE - I remember listening to this in headphones and the guitar sounds were so
pure and the Celtic Folk elements were heard in abundance. More
melodic than the debut single which was probably why it was a bigger
hit, a great chorus and more atmospheric.
PORROHMAN - A fitting end as it incorporates every sound and nuance of the previous 9
tracks. For this track see above! Its epic coming in at almost 8 minutes long and sums up the whole
amazing album by a great, original and unique band.
Pretty good review overall, apart from the constant referring to bloody bagpipe guitars!!
ReplyDeleteAarrrggghhh!!