Customer Reviews

Great Big Sea

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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.

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."

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.)