North Atlantic Drift

North Atlantic Drift is the sixth album by Ocean Colour Scene. The title track is political commentary on American cultural imperialism and its support by the UK government, particularly the then impending US-led invasion of Iraq, which was opposed by the majority of the British public. (OCS had shown their anti-war tendencies with the previous protest song Profit in Peace and associated with Paul Weller). "Meanwhile Rome burns" appears to be a reference to the September 11 Attacks, analogy with the Sacking of Rome, "Between the Euphrates and the other river now the home of the Devil and the liar" is a reference to Iraq and US President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, respectively. The first track, I Just Need Myself was played by Virgin Radio and reached #13 in the charts, though the other two singles did less well but still charted inside the top 40. The folky Second Hand Car was released as a single in Germany and Holland. She's Been Writing is dedicated to Sandy Denny, one of Fowler's favourite bands being Fairport Convention The U.S. version was released on August 19, 2003, and contained four bonus tracks, all of which were b-sides to the U.K. single releases of "I Just Need Myself." The album was released to a largely mixed-to-negative reception. It was the last album released with the original line up after Damon Minchella left the band in late 2003.