Something Beautiful

by Great Big Sea

Overview

On Something Beautiful, Great Big Sea starts putting more emphasis on the "rock" in folk-rock, and the results are impressive. The departure of bassist Darrell Power led the remaining three founding members to add bassist Murray Foster (of Moxy Fruevous) and drummer Kris MacFarlane to their lineup for these recording sessions, and the resulting sound is more muscular than has been typical of their studio work in the past: "Shines Right Through Me" and "When I Am King" are both straight-up rockers that open the program with a bang, and there is also a fine cover version of Runrig's "Pride of the Summer" (here titled "Beat the Drum") as well as a gorgeous rendition of the traditional "John Barbour." Great Big Sea's vocal approach is as charmingly plainspoken as ever, though the vocal harmonies are a bit more intricate on this album than before, perhaps thanks to Foster's presence. The album ends with a joyful set of dance tunes, "Heel and Toe Polka" and "Around the House." Highly recommended. ~ Rick Anderson

Product Details

Release Date:	02/24/2004
Label:	Wea/Warner
UPC:	0825646138722
Rank:	197367

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Great Big Sea   Primary Artist
Bob Hallett   Banjo,Fiddle,Vocals,Mandola,Bouzouki,Accordion,Concertina,Whistle (Human),Pipe
Sean McCann   Guitar,Vocals,Bodhran,Percussion
Michael Phillip Wojewoda   Vocals,Keyboards,Percussion
Kris MacFarlane   Drums,Guitar,Percussion,Piano-Accordian
Murray Foster   Bass,Vocals
Alan Doyle   Banjo,Guitar,Vocals,Bouzouki,Mandolin
Patch Boyle   Trumpet
Andrew Cooper   Trombone
Chris Stringer   Keyboards,Percussion

Technical Credits

Spencer Crewe   Assistant
Bob Hallett   Composer,Group Member
Great Big Sea   Arranger,Performer
Greg Calbi   Mastering
Sean McCann   Composer,Group Member
Michael Phillip Wojewoda   Engineer,Producer
Alan Doyle   Composer,Group Member
Louis C. Thomas   Management
Dustin Rabin   Photography
Chris Stringer   Engineer
Traditional   Composer