The Waterboys Album: “This Is the Sea”

Description :

The Waterboys: Mike Scott (vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, piano, bells); Karl Wallinger (violin, trumpet, piano, celesta, keyboards, guitar synthesizer, bass guitar, drums, maracas); Anthony Thistlethwaite (saxophone, double bass). <p>Additional personnel include: Steven Wickham (violin); Roddy Lorimer (piccolo, trumpet); Lu Edmonds, Matthew Seligman (bass guitar); Chris Whitten, Kevin Wilkinson (drums). <p>Recording information: England (03/1985 - 07/1985). <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.)

All I can say is that this is one of the few albums that has really lasted--it's almost 20 years old! It may have its flaws, it may be overly grandiose in parts, but as always with Mike Scott the payoff is enormous. This album means so much to me. I only wish it were remastered like the others. I also have a reissue vinyl version which I recommend hunting down because the sound on it is amazing, much better than the (unfortunately) slightly tinny feel of this cd. I agree that this is still the Waterboys' finest hour, and that in itself is quite a compliment.

This is seemingly the first thought that comes up my mind after listening to an album by this group, particularly This Is The Sea. I yearn for water because it actually seems as if I came from a long journey. The Waterboys' music is sort of like arranged in epic proportions and they are very keen on using "special" musical instruments. I will actually never forgive myself if I don't do a review of this album because this somehow affected my growing life one way or the other. Outstanding cuts for me are The Whole of the Moon and The Pan Within but the rest of the cuts are equally dramatic. I was introduced to this music during the 80s British New Wave invasion and was particularly struck by Scott's voice specially in The Pan Within where he sounded as if indeed he was doing a "journey under the skin". It is just sad that they weren't that much recognized but hey I am not complaining because it is usual that brilliant music and musicians are remembered for quality not quantity as opposed to those "highly commercial" ones. Even the layouts on the inner sleeve of the discs speaks of so much mystery of the group's music and image but now I can only sum them up in one word - fantastic. "Close your eyes...breathe slow and we will begin......"

This album is one I have worn out in vinyl and cassette. I can't imagine anyone not having this one. This album showcases fantastic and uplifting lyrics with solid, tasteful musicianship. Any Hothouse Flowers fan should listen to this recording and hear the album responsible for their sound. This is the album that preceded Fisherman's Blues, the brilliant recording that made the Waterboys "an Irish band". MIKE SCOTT IS SCOTTISH!!!!!! He obviously loves and reveres Irish Traditional music, but the Waterboys are not an Irish band! Listen to this recording until it wears out.

I first remember hearing the first few bars of "The Whole of the Moon" as an intro to one of the segments on "The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" and fell in love instantly (my appalled friend informed me that it was The Waterboys). After getting the cassette in 1986 I was amazed at the strength of their songwriting and the pure emotion put into songs like "Spirit", "The Whole of the Moon" and the title track. This is the type of album in which every song becomes a favorite. Inspriational, and definitely one of the best albums of the Eighties.

This review is in regards to the EMI remaster 2 cd release on April 20, 2004. The bonus cd of extra tracks that didn't make the original release are every bit as good as the tracks on the original album. Having a hard time categorizing this album 'cause at times I hear songs that U2 could have released or even Springsteen and yet it can be called alternative rock/ folk rock but it's not as simple as that. It is simply very good, strong lyrics and melodies and not dated as one would think considering it was originaly released in '85. A pleasant surprise for me, having listened to it three times thru, and I rarely ever do that. recommended.