The Big Music, is usually used to describe their mystic brew of the Waterboys who have fluctuated between folk and rock. Their 11th album, recorded in Nashville, finds Mike Scott and co evolving once again, adding southern soul to fiery blues with mixed results. The best tracks, such as “The Girl Who Slept for Scotland”, are a testament to Scott’s storytelling skills. But, at 56, the singer is still a fan and his songs try too hard to mimic the swagger of artists like Elvis, Marvin Gaye, Charlie Parker and others as “Modern Blues” namechecks.
The album is to be released on Harlequin And Clown, via Kobalt Label Services on January 19, 2015. It was recorded in Nashville and produced by Waterboys leader Mike Scott and mixed by Bob Clearmountain.
“Modern Blues” features Ralph Salmins, a mainstay on drums for the past four years, alongside Scott and regular Waterboy Steve Wickham, as well as Memphis keyboard player “Brother” Paul Brown and Muscle Shoals bassist David Hood.
Modern Blues will be released on CD and also double vinyl. The vinyl features an extra track, an acoustic demo of “Long Strange Golden Road”.
The Fat Angel Sings 