THE WATERBOYS
A Rock In The Weary Land (BMG)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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London, Dublin, New York, London - Mike Scott has come full circle. After enrapturing college radio in the mid eighties with thrilling, passionate music (something a similar sounding U2 managed to parlay into a decent career move) Scott took his Waterboys to Ireland and a more rootsier though uneven sound, then to New York where it all fell apart. Scott infused his music with a heavy handed, sappy new faith soul searching approach, and frankly that was the end for the Waterboys. Years later a much delayed solo record promised hope. And now several years later the Waterboys are indeed back. Back in London. Back recording thrilling, passionate music in long, drawn out doses. Not the stuff that radio swallows easily, but tis what Scott does best. Grandiose rock, swimming in mellotrons, mandolins, guitars and that raspy voice can still send a shiver.

© 2001 - John Sekerka