The Waterboys Album: “This Is the Sea [Remaster]”

Description :

The Waterboys: Mike Scott (vocals, various instruments); Steve Wickham, Marek Lipski (violin); Anthony Thistlethwaite (saxophone, double bass, bass guitar); Roddy Lorimer (trumpet); Karl Wallinger (piano, organ, keyboard programming); Kevin Wilkinson (bass guitar, drums); Martin Swain (bass guitar); Chris Whitten (drums, cymbals); Pete Thomas (snare drum); Martin Ditcham (percussion); Max Edie (background vocals). <p>Liner Note Author: Mike Scott. <p>Recording information: 1984 - 1985. <p>Released in 1985, THIS IS THE SEA stands as the Waterboys' most ambitious and impressive record. The Scottish band takes the majestic, Phil Spector-influenced "Big Sound" of the era, and applies it to grand tales of the ocean and the countryside. While singer/songwriter Mike Scott's plaintive vocals and cinematic lyrics are prominent, the album's shimmering production also showcases the bold layers of instrumentation and lush arrangements. "The Whole of the Moon" spotlights the regal keyboard lines of Karl Wallinger (who would soon leave to form World Party), providing a nice contrast to moodier tracks such as "The Pan Within," a mythology-heavy song that glides along on a slinky melody, and "Medicine Bow," an urgent, expansive guitar-fueled rocker. Scott masterfully caps off the album with the jangling title track, evoking a glorious sense of liberation while sailing into the sunset. (Note: The 2004 reissue of THIS IS THE SEA includes an outstanding bonus disc that culls 14 tracks from Scott's archives, and features a bevy of previously unreleased songs.)

This was a great album released in 1985. It is now even better. It is the only Waterboys ablum I have ever owned. (and I have heard them all) For some reason this album has an alluring quality to it that beckons the listener to absorb it completely. I was thrilled when it was finally given the treatment it deserved. The remaster is glorious. There are instruments that I never heard on the orginial CD pressing. The packaging is great too. Extensive liner notes make this a great read about how the album was put together. The bonus CD mirrors the quality of the cuts that made the album. The full version of "Spirit" is fantastic and should have been the cut on the actual album. There are a few insrumentals on the bonus CD that could have easily replaced "Be my enemy" which made the cut and should have been omitted in favor of any of the gems on the bside bonus CD. I was very impressed with the overall value and package of this landmark 1985 recording. Buy it...you won't be sorry.

The music on this album is great and the album repackaging and the addition of a new CD with outtakes and alternate takes enhances the value of the original album.

IMHO, the worst part of the repackaging are the new comments by Mike Scott in the CD. They are a mixture between self-indulgence and own pride not everybody would be pleased with.

If you are looking for a Waterboys album, get this one or Fisherman Blues.