Great Big Sea

Great Big Sea | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 11, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Zoe Records
• ASIN: B0001XAPOW
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #333,364 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Great Big Sea/Gone By the Board

2. Someday Soon

3. Excursion Around The Bay

4. What Are You At?

5. The Fisherman's Lament

6. I'se The B'y

7. Drunken Sailor

8. Irish Paddy/Festival Reel/ Roger's Reel

9. Time Brings

10. Jigs: Eavesdropper's/Both Meat & Drink/Off We Go

11. Berry Picking Time

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In 1993, a youthful quartet recorded a self-titled, independently produced debut album. They had been playing their own brand of Scots/Irish-influenced folk-rock to increasingly loyal audiences throughout Canada for several years, so there was a pre-existing demand. But it just kept growing! Thus begins the astonishing tale of how an obscure band from Newfoundland gradually evolved into a platinum-selling international phenomenon. Six albums later, their resources have broadened considerably, but the essence of their patented sound was obviously there from the beginning. Strong, tightly harmonized vocals, driving guitars, a profound mastery of Celtic instruments and traditions, plus a gleeful, uninhibited way with a hook were already part of the band¹s arsenal, much as they are today. Each of the 11 tracks has something to offer, but "The Fisherman's Lament," a bitter dirge about the destruction of Newfoundland's fishing industry, remains in the heart and head long after the music stops. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars not bad, first effort, November 10, 2004

By 

CJ "CJ" (connecticut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Great Big Sea (Audio CD)

GBS's songwiting has not yet reached their full potential, however their political bent and celtic leanings shine through in this effort. A must have for any GBS fan, and a very good album overall.

3.0 out of 5 stars A promising debut, but only a hint of things to come, December 21, 2006

By 

A. Gammill (West Point, MS United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Great Big Sea (Audio CD)

On the DVD accompanying Great Big Sea's 2005 album "The Hard and the Easy", the Newfounland-based Celtic rockers indicate this self-titled debut is still their favorite album. Perhaps it's that feeling of "it's never as good as the first time." But the fact is, Great Big still had a ways to go when this independent-label disc was released in 1993.

For fans who relish the band's traditional songs--often age-old sea shanties, drinking songs and odes to their homeland--this album is one to treasure. I personally discovered Great Big Sea with their follow-up 1995 album "Up", in which the tradional material is mixed with a handful of upbeat original numbers. Most of their succeeding albums would follow this formula, bringing the band increasing success with each release.

The best parts of the album are GBS's versions of "Drunken Sailor", "I'se the B'y", and the studio version of live favorite "Excursion Around the Bay." If you're new to the band, I'd still recommend getting "Up" first, and mabye the 2002 release "Sea of No Cares."

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun, enjoyable update of old Celtic trad..., July 18, 2004

By 

DJ Joe Sixpack (...in Middle America) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Great Big Sea (Audio CD)

These Canadian fellas offer an earnest, bouncy mix of upbeat, slightly dorky, soft rock and Celtic-by-way-of-Newfoundland trad, sort of like the Pogues but without all the drunkenness and scary dental work. And, y'know what? It's not bad! There's sort of a relentless, Muppetlike cheerfulness about their debut record which can wear down even the most sniffy and grumpy of traditionalists. And it you're looking for some bright, lightweight pop, this could be a big winner for you. Worth giving a spin.

(PS - This is a reissue of a record originally released in 1993.)