There’s quite a treat coming up for fans of the Waterboys. It’s just a matter of days now before we can hear a lot more from the lengthy recording sessions for their classic album Fisherman’s Blues. Stand by for an amazing 25-track set. Atlantic Rain: The Lost Fisherman's Blues Recordings is released on July 17.
The story starts with Mike Scott revealing that there was a whole stack of recording reels with over 150 hours of music in storage. They came from multiple recording sessions for the album from 1986 to 1988. It seems as though the labeling of the reels wasn't a priority at the time; Scott had to go through them all to find out what was there.
He was keen to do so as he had always been frustrated that the album was such a small slice of what they recorded at the time. Fisherman’s Blues marked a change in the band’s approach as they moved away from their alt-rock style to more Celtic and folky roots. That's reflected in these sessions and the album too.
The Waterboys Fisherman’s Blues sessions revisited
It’s not a rehash of versions and outtakes or demos of the album. The release has new tunes from the many sessions back then that are well worth hearing. There are also a number of cover songs included. It’s interesting to hear Scott and the band’s take on those.
The track listing further below shows what to expect. You’ll see a couple of lengthy versions of a Beatles classic. There’s also a Rolling Stones number, “No Expectations,” and a version of Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” amongst others.
The "new" Waterboys songs have some standout moments too. “Come Back to Galway,” “The Man With The Wind At His Heels,” and “Light Shine On Me” all offer variations on the band's sound. Folky, gospel, a touch of soul with a great brass sound. It’s all in there. Plus, there's plenty more to make this new release a must-have, and a must-hear, not just a collector's item.
Atlantic Rain tracklisting :
- 1. Too Close To Heaven (soul version) (5.32)
- 2. Come Back To Galway (8.51)
- 3. The Man With The Wind At His Heels (7.15)
- 4. And Then The Gods (2.47)
- 5. Light Shine On Me (3.14)
- 6. Endless Store (5.39)
- 7. This Land Is Your Land (studio version) (4.55)
- 8. Saints And Angels (1988 version) (4.41)
- 9. I Can’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore (2.35)
- 10. Knockin’ On Heavens Door (3.54)
- 11. Honky Tonkin’ (2.04)
- 12. No Expectations (3.03)
- 13. When Doves Cry (3.16)
- 14. Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground (4.59)
- 15. Killing My Heart (full length) (5.27)
- 16. Bob And Anto’s Soundcheck (1.07)
- 17. We Will Not Be Lovers (live take) (7.58)
- 18. Lost Highway (double version) (7.59)
- 19. The Good Ship Sirius / The Ship In Full Sail (2.31)
- 20. Mister Saxman (4.11)
- 21. The Waves (6.36)
- 22. The Last Jam (long version) (6.12)
- 23. Night Falls On Windmill Lane (1.18)
- 24. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (13.27)
- 25. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise) (6.54)
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