Played the album to death when it first came out. I am not surprised you found it difficult to pin it down. There was nothing else like it at the time and the album was as an unsung part of the development in the multi layered post punk sound which The Chameleons then conquered. At times Stuart Adamson's guitar playing was mesmerising.
Glad you enjoyed, favourite album from them, too underrated. Not sure why the track listing is so messed up on Spotify and what you use, the orginal vinyl release is the proper tracklist. Stuart Adamson is one of the all time greatest guitarists. Thanks for seeing my suggestion!
You should give their definitive track "Into The Valley" a listen. "Arena" comes from their introspective 3rd album, wheras they really made their name from the rabble rousing guitar punk 1st album, with its killer bass lines, and memorable rhythm and lead guitar hooks.
Actually, Skids' post-punk is very arty. As much for Richard Jobson's somewhat bombastic vocals as for their atypical musical arrangements. Their second album Days in Europa (1979) was even produced by Bill Nelson (singer/guitarist of the 70s art rock band Be-Bop Deluxe). Their fourth album Joy (1981) even approaches Celtic folk-rock on occasion. There is plenty to explore in their discography !
I cannot listen to Joy. Stuart Adamson was gone and the album was depressing, highlighted (?) by the god-awfully depressing And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. The first three Skids' recordings were magnificent.
@@markallan5484 Stuart Adamson still plays on the track "Iona". Anyway, even though Adamson was a crucial part of the Skids, I don't miss his absence on the other tracks from Joy, who is admittedly much more introverted and gloomy but nevertheless its unique atmosphere always appealed to me. On the other hand, I've never been too attached to Big Country for some reason that I can't explain.
What a powerful song. Goosebumps!
Played the album to death when it first came out. I am not surprised you found it difficult to pin it down. There was nothing else like it at the time and the album was as an unsung part of the development in the multi layered post punk sound which The Chameleons then conquered. At times Stuart Adamson's guitar playing was mesmerising.
Glad you enjoyed, favourite album from them, too underrated. Not sure why the track listing is so messed up on Spotify and what you use, the orginal vinyl release is the proper tracklist. Stuart Adamson is one of the all time greatest guitarists. Thanks for seeing my suggestion!
You should give their definitive track "Into The Valley" a listen. "Arena" comes from their introspective 3rd album, wheras they really made their name from the rabble rousing guitar punk 1st album, with its killer bass lines, and memorable rhythm and lead guitar hooks.
Actually, Skids' post-punk is very arty. As much for Richard Jobson's somewhat bombastic vocals as for their atypical musical arrangements. Their second album Days in Europa (1979) was even produced by Bill Nelson (singer/guitarist of the 70s art rock band Be-Bop Deluxe). Their fourth album Joy (1981) even approaches Celtic folk-rock on occasion. There is plenty to explore in their discography !
Well said, love to you
I cannot listen to Joy. Stuart Adamson was gone and the album was depressing, highlighted (?) by the god-awfully depressing And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda. The first three Skids' recordings were magnificent.
@@markallan5484 Stuart Adamson still plays on the track "Iona". Anyway, even though Adamson was a crucial part of the Skids, I don't miss his absence on the other tracks from Joy, who is admittedly much more introverted and gloomy but nevertheless its unique atmosphere always appealed to me. On the other hand, I've never been too attached to Big Country for some reason that I can't explain.
You knew it was coming -BIg Country
Arena is a great closure to this album. I think it needs the full album to get into context.
Very nice. This is my favorite song actually. And thanks so much TurnipsReturn, his TH-cam uploads fueled my Skids addiction
Unlike most the Skids' tunes, this one takes time to unfold. Once it does, you've got an anthemic sound.
It certainly did for me. Over forty years but worth the wait.
Interpol "Evil"