The Waterboys - Out Of All This Blue
After issuing the triumphant Modern Blues just two years ago, Scott's newly-charged batteries continue to buzz with energy on this even more sprawling 14th album (if you include his solo efforts). His first Top 10 album since 1993's Dream Harder, Out Of All This Blue is a better album by a country kilometre for several reasons, the main one being the songs.
There's less blues than you might imagine and far more blue-eyed soul and dare one suggest, a groovy spring in its step. Head to the Hammond-informed instrumental The Memphis Fox (and vocalised cousin Connemara Fox) and you'll be wiggling your arse like a good 'un. Clock a few seconds of the mildly cheeky If The Answer Is Yeah and you're back in the '90s when 'baggy' was on every radio station. New York I Love You is Mike Scott getting all 8 minutes of disco-rock on our butts. This may all sound cringeworthy but trust me - Scott's mojo has rarely been so buoyed and given his opinion of world events (see his informed Twitter feed), he's brimming with smiles not just bristling with rage - check Monument for a likely dig at presedential egos coated in brassy 4/4 disco-pomp. It's amazing what a new relationship can do, right Mike?
At his most plaintive on The Girl In The Window Chair or the glorious Love Walks In, you're reminded of the kind of tune he'd knock out for fun on Room To Roam. And that's a good thing. There are a swathe of bonus tracks pinned to the end but don't be dissuaded - 34 tracks later and you'll be replaying it all again, guaranteed. 8/10
There's less blues than you might imagine and far more blue-eyed soul and dare one suggest, a groovy spring in its step. Head to the Hammond-informed instrumental The Memphis Fox (and vocalised cousin Connemara Fox) and you'll be wiggling your arse like a good 'un. Clock a few seconds of the mildly cheeky If The Answer Is Yeah and you're back in the '90s when 'baggy' was on every radio station. New York I Love You is Mike Scott getting all 8 minutes of disco-rock on our butts. This may all sound cringeworthy but trust me - Scott's mojo has rarely been so buoyed and given his opinion of world events (see his informed Twitter feed), he's brimming with smiles not just bristling with rage - check Monument for a likely dig at presedential egos coated in brassy 4/4 disco-pomp. It's amazing what a new relationship can do, right Mike?
At his most plaintive on The Girl In The Window Chair or the glorious Love Walks In, you're reminded of the kind of tune he'd knock out for fun on Room To Roam. And that's a good thing. There are a swathe of bonus tracks pinned to the end but don't be dissuaded - 34 tracks later and you'll be replaying it all again, guaranteed. 8/10