THE WATERBOYS – BOOK OF LIGHTNING (2007)RATING
Mike Scott is in rude health. He may have been off the radar for a while but he’s back with a new record, a chance to rediscover his distinctive voice, adept lyrics, and whimsical Celtic verve, and a reminder that in the decade of vast musical statements (the 80s) his collective were a justified competitor with the likes of U2 and Simple Minds. At the turn of the decade Scott’s releases became more ‘selective’, taking in more of the traditional Irish folk that was originally previewed on “Fisherman’s Blues”. It was an honest strategy that was well received by the purists but diminished his mainstream appeal. “Book Of Lightning” is the perfect compendium of both traditional references and epic Rock, and matched up with some of his most insistent songwriting in years, will draw approval from all legions of fans and may just encourage a few new listeners too. Recorded mainly in London’s Sarm studios, regular Waterboys cohorts Steve Wickham (Fiddle) and Richard Naiff (Keyboards) are joined by familiar session musicians, in particular, Leo Abrahams who provides some soaring Lead Guitar moments.Lyrically, Scott is as personal as your brother, as he confides in you his stories of relationship break down (“She Tried To Hold Me”, “Love Will Shoot You Down”), facing adversity (“Sustain”), and willfully snaring an unfortunate girl into unreturned love (“Everybody Takes A Tumble”). The heartland Rock of “The Crash Of Angels Wings” and “Love Will Shoot You Down” are a refreshing prelude to the richly familiar second half of the disc which delves in the evocative Dylanesque Folk of “Everybody Takes A Tumble”, “Strange Arrangement”, “Sustain”, and “The Man With The Wind At His Heels”. Wickham’s melodies add a natural authenticity, and Scott sings with uplifting passion and rare vitality. Whether the album re-establishes The Waterboys into the mainstream conscience they fully deserve is anyone’s guess, but for those who take the plunge and invest in “Book Of Lightning”, expect an album that rivals any of their 80s work.One doubts the album will make much of a dent in the charts, but it deserves to be bought by the crate load.
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