Back catalogue: Folk/Americana

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Brit folk rock troubadours The Waterboys have put together an evocative exploration of life's complexities with this, their 16th album, all while being inspired by actor Dennis Hopper's defiant spirit. The album blends folk-rock, Americana and poetic lyrics into an introspective look at mortality, legacy and transformation. With Mike Scott's distinctive voice and emotive songwriting, the tracks balance philosophical musings with gritty realism and so embody Hopper's famously raw and rebellious energy, the sort that made him such a star of the silver screen and movies like Easy Rider. The album's atmospheric instrumentation includes sweeping strings and soaring guitars that enhance its reflective nature. Life Death & Dennis Hopper is an ambitious record but one that resonates with depth.

Review: The 1985 boxset is a comprehensive collection of The Waterboys' musical endeavors during that year. It features a diverse range of materials, including unreleased tracks, demos, outtakes, and live recordings. The set also includes a remastered version of their acclaimed album This Is The Sea. The boxset offers a glimpse into the band's creative process, with numerous alternate versions, song sketches, and covers. It also showcases the band's eclectic musical influences, ranging from traditional Irish folk to experimental rock. Despite its length, the boxset is a cohesive and engaging listen. The remastered This Is The Sea is a highlight, with Tom Verlaine's guitar playing adding a new dimension to the classic album. Other standout tracks include the previously unreleased instrumental 'Meridian West' and a cover of Bob Dylan's 'Sweetheart Like You.' Overall, the 1985 boxset is a valuable addition to the collection of any Waterboys fan. It provides a comprehensive overview of the band's creative output during a particularly fertile period. The boxset also offers insights into the band's musical influences and their commitment to their craft.

Review: Fisherman's Blues, the fourth album by The Waterboys, marks a significant transition in the band's sound, shifting from their earlier style to a more traditional folk-inspired approach. Released in 1988, this album features rich instrumentation that beautifully blends Irish folk, country, soul and rock. The standout title track, while not a blues number, is a poetic exploration of longing and adventure, capturing the essence of Scott's lyrical strength. Violinist Steve Wickham's fiddle work elevates the music, particularly on tracks like 'We Will Not Be Lovers', where his aggressive bowing complements the intensity of Scott's lyrics. The album also includes memorable renditions, such as the haunting interpretation of W.B. Yeats' 'The Stolen Child', highlighting the band's connection to traditional roots. With compositions like 'And a Bang on the Ear', which reflect on love and loss through vivid storytelling, and 'Has Anybody Here Seen Hank', a nod to country blues, Fisherman's Blues remains a timeless classic. This 180-gram yellow vinyl reminds listeners of the band's innovative spirit during a period when musical authenticity often took a backseat. An impactful listen from a very important band.

Review: Brit folk rock troubadours The Waterboys have put together an evocative exploration of life's complexities with this, their 16th album, all while being inspired by actor Dennis Hopper's defiant spirit. The album blends folk-rock, Americana and poetic lyrics into an introspective look at mortality, legacy and transformation. With Mike Scott's distinctive voice and emotive songwriting, the tracks balance philosophical musings with gritty realism and so embody Hopper's famously raw and rebellious energy, the sort that made him such a star of the silver screen and movies like Easy Rider. The album's atmospheric instrumentation includes sweeping strings and soaring guitars that enhance its reflective nature. Life Death & Dennis Hopper is an ambitious record but one that resonates with depth.