Stuart Adamson is THE GOODS. Well, was... God rest his soul. Shame he's gone. Edge had long been a fan and had 'borrowed' many ideas from Stuart from The Skids days, and maybe a bit from Big Country days too.
Bruce Watson of Big Country, also UNDER-RATED.
And I'd like to add Bruce and Stuart to the dual guitar teams list. The weaving of their guitars wove the rich sonic tapestry of Big Country's music.
While some might call Big Country a one hit wonder, I beg to differ. I think that thier "The Crossing" (album), "Wonderland" (EP), "Steeltown" (album) and "The Seer" (album) are 5 star goodness. Kate Bush's backing vocals on "The Seer" (song) are amazing! And "Peace In Our Time" (album) is pretty strong too.
I think I shall have to listen to some Big Country here at work now...
PS - Mark Brzezicki (sp) is a phenomenal drummer. LOVE his playing. He was a huge influence on my drumming. AND Mark also played drums on ALL of The Cult's 1985 album, "Love", except "She Sells Sanctuary". Oddly enough, Mark IS in the video for "...Sanctuary"!
I'm a longtime Big Country Fan too, but I have to disagree to certain points.
I think Stuart and Bruce were a great guitar team, but I always was amazed how hard Bruce had to concentrate on his guitar during a concert. He hardly stared anywhere else than at his fretboard.
Technically Bruce has improved a lot during the last twenty years, but he still lacks the feeling that Stuart had, sorry. Saw Big Country live as a trio a few months ago, and the single guitar was the weakest part. I hate to say so, but even if it was completely sufficient for a nice revival, I believe they'll need a second guitar player if they want to continue seriously.
The rhythm section (Mark & Tony) is beyond any criticism. No wonder that they were booked so often for other recordings. Roger Daltrey borrowed them for "Under a raging Moon". Now Bruce and Mark play with Fish.
The first three records were incredibly good. The fourth one "Peace in our Time" has some great songs, but weak production. Not as bad as the follow- up "No Place like Home", of course. I'd strongly recommend the comeback album "Buffalo Skinners" to all those who are interested in the band - I rate it as high as their first three. "Long Face" is similar, but not as powerful. The last album "Driving to Damascus" is... ah well, it's different. Much different. I do like it a lot, but I fully understand those who don't.
Those who like the first three albums should also check out the "Greatest 12" Hits" CD. Besides that there's a gazillion of B-sides and different mixes contained in the "Rarities" CDs.
Here's another Big Country fan, I really think Stuart Adamson was one of the greatest guitar wizards ever. If someone needs more prove, check the DVD Final Fling, or, maybe better Without The Aid Of A Savety Net, to see the man playing, really playing
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Well, I am a BIG U2 fan and nevertheless The Edge is NOT my favorite guitarist and Adam is NOT my favorite bassist. We should not forget the difference between "favorite" and "best"
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notable live performance A great performance of Walk On from the All That You Can't Leave Behind album was played in Slane, Ireland on 2001-09-01, according to user imustbeanacrobat.
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did you know? The title for the song 'Shadows and Tall Trees' is taken from William Goldings "Lord Of The Flies", whose 5th chapter bears the same name. The song, and the album, is about boyhood, innocence and struggle, as is Golding's book.
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latest site news I'm sure in a few hours somewhere on the world it will be 2009, if it's 2009 where you are, I wish you on behalf of me and the whole U2start crew all the best, a happy, healthfull and U2-ish new year!
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