Album: Fisherman's Box by The Waterboys (2013)
Genre: Rock | Style: Rock/Pop | Mood: Gritty
Format: Album

Description: Mike Scott had been pursuing his grandiose "big music" since he founded the Waterboys, so it came as a shock when he scaled back the group's sound for the Irish and English folk of Fisherman's Blues. Although the arena-rock influences have been toned down, Scott's vision is no less sweeping or romantic, making even the simplest songs on Fisherman's Blues feel like epics. Nevertheless, the album is the Waterboys' warmest and most rewarding record, boasting a handful of fine songs ("And a Bang on the Ear," the ominous "We Will Not Be Lovers," "Has Anybody Here Seen Hank?," and the title track), as well as a surprisingly successful cover of Van Morrison's breathtaking "Sweet Thing." [Fisherman's Blues was reissued in 2006 with a bonus disc containing 14 outtakes, alternate versions, and late-night studio jams.

Artist Background: The Waterboys are a band formed in 1983 by Mike Scott. The band's membership, past and present, has been composed mainly of musicians from Scotland, Ireland and England. Edinburgh, London, Dublin, Spiddal, New York, and Findhorn have all served as homes for the group. The band has played in a number of different styles, but their music is a mix of Celtic folk music with rock and roll. After ten years of recording and touring, they dissolved in 1993 and Scott pursued a solo career. They reform... Part of the Edinburgh, Scotland, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Related Artists: World Party, Hothouse Flowers, Van Morrison, Levellers

Music Scene: Part of the Edinburgh, Scotland, UK music scene. Emerged in the 1980s era. Associated with Rock movement. Known for Rock/Pop style.

Tags: Rock, Rock/Pop, Gritty, 2010s, Album

Additional Context: Available on Discogs marketplace


Mike Scott had been pursuing his grandiose "big music" since he founded the Waterboys, so it came as a shock when he scaled back the group's sound for the Irish and English folk of Fisherman's Blues. Although the arena-rock influences have been toned down, Scott's vision is no less sweeping or romantic, making even the simplest songs on Fisherman's Blues feel like epics. Nevertheless, the album is the Waterboys' warmest and most rewarding record, boasting a handful of fine songs ("And a Bang on the Ear," the ominous "We Will Not Be Lovers," "Has Anybody Here Seen Hank?," and the title track), as well as a surprisingly successful cover of Van Morrison's breathtaking "Sweet Thing." [Fisherman's Blues was reissued in 2006 with a bonus disc containing 14 outtakes, alternate versions, and late-night studio jams.

Fisherman's Box

The Waterboys

Track List

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