Description

The Waterboys – The Big Music – 7 Inch Vinyl Record

The Big Music is a term closely associated with The Waterboys, a band known for their influential blend of rock, folk, and Celtic music. It is not just a song or an album but a concept that Mike Scott, the band’s lead singer and primary songwriter, used to describe their expansive and spiritually infused sound. The term ‘The Big Music’ was also used as the title of a track on their 1984 album ‘A Pagan Place.’

The concept of ‘The Big Music’ refers to a rich, powerful sound that combines rock’s energy with the depth and spirituality of folk and traditional Celtic music. This sound is characterized by grandiose song arrangements, sweeping melodies, and emotive lyrics. Mike Scott described it as music that seeks to transcend the ordinary and touch on universal emotions and truths, aspiring to a kind of spiritual and emotional depth that connects listeners to something larger than themselves.

While the track ‘The Big Music’ is found on ‘A Pagan Place,’ the ethos permeates much of The Waterboys’ early work. This album showcases the early phase of their evolving sound, which would later mature into the fully realized ‘Big Music’ that defined their later albums such as ‘This is the Sea’ from 1985, which includes the hit ‘The Whole of the Moon,’ and the folk-influenced ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ in 1988.

The Waterboys’ sound, particularly during the mid-1980s, was instrumental in shaping alternative rock and integrating folk elements into a broader rock context. The Big Music song and concept left a lasting impact on the genre, influencing a wide range of artists who sought to incorporate similar depth and grandiosity in their music. Critics and fans alike have praised the band for their ambitious approach and the emotional power of their music.

For those interested in exploring ‘The Big Music’ and its impact, listening to ‘A Pagan Place’ and following it with ‘This is the Sea’ provides a comprehensive view of how The Waterboys developed this concept. New and old listeners alike a chance to experience the power and depth of what Mike Scott dubbed The Big Music.

NEW Never played

Black vinyl

1984 Ensign Sound

UK Import

Marked ‘From promo use only Not For Resale’

Track Listing
The Big Music (Edit For Radio)
The Big Music (Full length version)