{"title":"Big Country","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"without-the-aid-of-a-safety-net","title":"Without the Aid Of A Safety Net","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Country's\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eWithout The Aid Of A Safety Net\u003c\/em\u003e was their first ever live album, originally released in 1994 and recorded at a homecoming gig at The Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe set mixes tracks taken from their recent studio album, \u003cem\u003eThe Buffalo Skinners\u003c\/em\u003e, such as the singles \"\u003cem\u003eAlone\u003c\/em\u003e\" and \"\u003cem\u003eShips\u003c\/em\u003e,\" along with the classic tracks from their catalogue \"\u003cem\u003eIn A Big Country\u003c\/em\u003e,\" \"\u003cem\u003eLook Away\u003c\/em\u003e,\" and \"\u003cem\u003eFields Of Fire\u003c\/em\u003e,\" as well as two Neil Young covers, \"\u003cem\u003eRockin’ In The Free World\u003c\/em\u003e\" and \"\u003cem\u003eHey, Hey, My My (Out Of The Blue)\u003c\/em\u003e.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original vinyl version of this album only had a limited pressing on one vinyl. This new deluxe version features the complete unedited concert recording split over 3 vinyl for optimal sound quality. The package is a tri-fold sleeve with Triple 180 Gram Vinyl with sleeve notes written by guitarist Bruce Watson.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chrysalis","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50460817424715,"sku":"1119818","price":39.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/c876695d-530f-42d5-8cc8-055d12d350ec_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727238711"},{"product_id":"the-seer-3","title":"The Seer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e was formed by ex-Skids guitarist Stuart Adamson in 1981 with old friend Bruce Watson and, from 1982, rhythm section Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki. The band proved to be a fascinating proposition, adding punk, new wave, and even new romantic elements to heavy, meaning-laden pop\/rock with a passionate Celtic slant and fierce integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUsing effects, Adamson and Watson's chiming guitars evoked traditional Scottish instruments, making their sound unique and highly influential. Within a year of their first release, many existing bands began to emulate the group's sound, but nobody achieved it quite like \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Seer\u003c\/em\u003e, released in 1986, contained the group's biggest UK hit single, \"\u003cem\u003eLook Away\u003c\/em\u003e,\" a glorious arms-in-the-air 80s rock anthem. Kate Bush, known for being selective in her collaborations, even guests on the album's title track, showcasing how highly regarded \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e had become.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe melody-rich album, which reached No. 2 in the UK charts and made the Billboard Top 60, was produced by Robin Millar. It explores Scottish history and demonstrates how Stuart Adamson had matured as a songwriter. This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1986 Mercury Records UK release and is pressed onto high-quality 180g vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercury","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50466775728459,"sku":"2005009","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/The_Seer_Re-Presents_f5abff1f_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727321182"},{"product_id":"buffalo-skinners","title":"Buffalo Skinners","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Country’s\u003c\/strong\u003e sixth studio album, \u003cem\u003eThe Buffalo Skinners\u003c\/em\u003e, was originally released in 1993. The self-produced, impassioned explosion of rock roundly delivers on pulling this band's working-class masculinity, love of full-throated guitar, and sense of political and social outrage together in one rousing, melodic, lyrical onslaught.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFeaturing the singles ‘Alone’ and ‘Ships’, along with fan favorites ‘What Are You Working For’ and “We’re Not In Kansas”, these rely on a heavier guitar sound than their previous album. The pace rarely lets up throughout, taking in the anthemic ‘The One I Love’ and the outraged “The Selling of America” before it all ends on the angry, science-gone-wrong, cloak and dagger horror tale of “Chester's Farm”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe original vinyl version of the album only had a limited pressing and was only on one vinyl. This new deluxe version has been split across 2 vinyl for optimum sound quality and also features some b-sides and rare tracks on side 4. The package is a 6mm spine gatefold sleeve and double 180 Gram Heavyweight Black Vinyl with sleeve notes written by guitarist Bruce Watson.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chrysalis","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50466801451339,"sku":"1119817","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0a12b4c0-7a7e-4ed7-b087-ad1c4b3f0fcb_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727322449"},{"product_id":"steeltown","title":"Steeltown","description":"\u003cp\u003eFormed by ex-Skids guitarist Stuart Adamson in 1981 with old friend Bruce Watson and, from 1982, rhythm section Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki, Big Country proved a fascinating proposition, adding punk, new wave and even new romantic elements to heavy, meaning-laden pop\/rock with a passionate Celtic slant and fierce integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing effects, Adamson and Watson's chiming guitars evoked traditional Scottish instruments. This was unique and proved highly influential. Within a year of their first release, many existing bands began to emulate the group's sound. Nobody achieved it quite like Big Country. Written as a critique of the collapse of industry in the 80s, \u003ci\u003eSteeltown\u003c\/i\u003e took its inspiration from East Midlands town of Corby, to which many Scots migrated during the Great Depression. Recorded at ABBA's Polar Studios in Stockholm, and produced by Steve Lillywhite, the album became the group's only UK No.1, when it entered the chart at the very top, preceded by the Top 20 single, East Of Eden. With its knotty instrumentation and references to politics, the album has long been a favourite of James Dean Bradfield – it is clear to hear the impact of Big Country on his group, the Manic Street Preachers. This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1984 Mercury Records UK release with gatefold sleeve and is pressed onto high quality 180g vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercury","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50477324960075,"sku":"2005010","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Steeltown_Remastered_34023757_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727469278"},{"product_id":"the-crossing-5","title":"The Crossing","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e was formed by ex-Skids guitarist Stuart Adamson in 1981 with old friend Bruce Watson and, from 1982, rhythm section Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki. The band proved to be a fascinating proposition, adding punk, new wave, and even new romantic elements to heavy, meaning-laden pop\/rock with a passionate Celtic slant and fierce integrity. Using effects, Adamson and Watson's chiming guitars evoked traditional Scottish instruments, making their sound unique and highly influential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWithin a year of their first release, many existing bands began to emulate \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e's sound, but nobody achieved it quite like them. Released in July 1983, \u003cem\u003eThe Crossing\u003c\/em\u003e is considered by many to be the band's greatest album. The album was both of its time and completely out of step with what was then happening, with its traditional, well-made songs and sounds taking it to No. 3 in the UK charts and into the US Top 20. Produced by Steve Lillywhite, \u003cem\u003eThe Crossing\u003c\/em\u003e features four of \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e's best-known songs: \"\u003cem\u003eIn A Big Country\u003c\/em\u003e,\" \"\u003cem\u003eFields Of Fire (400 Miles)\u003c\/em\u003e,\" \"\u003cem\u003eHarvest Home\u003c\/em\u003e,\" and \"\u003cem\u003eChance\u003c\/em\u003e.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1983 Mercury Records UK release with a textured blue sleeve and is pressed onto high-quality 180g vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mercury","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50477326401867,"sku":"320688","price":6.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50477326762315,"sku":"2004977","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/The_Crossing_Digitally_Remastered_803bc421_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727469361"},{"product_id":"essential-big-country","title":"Essential Big Country","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen he left them in 1980, Stuart Adamson’s song writing talent and unique guitar playing had already elevated Scottish punk\/new wave band the Skids, led by charismatic singer Richard Jobson, to 5 UK top 40 singles and 3 UK top 40 albums in 3 short years. Whilst DJ John Peel had dubbed him ‘the new Jimi Hendrix’, most were surprised to see him step centre stage to take lead vocal duties in the new band he’d co-founded called Big Country but by the start of 1983 they were already gracing the UK top 10 singles chart. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFormed in Dunfermline 2 years earlier, Adamson had clearly learnt from life in the Skids, spending the time away from the spotlight constantly writing collaboratively and rehearsing with his new bandmates in a disused furniture warehouse. It was here they defined not just their sound, an unparalleled mix of traditional Scottish folk, rock, pop and martial styles but also their working relationship. It was relationship which over the next 8 years would see them score 13 UK top 30 singles (all included here) and from where the bulk of the rest of this 3 disc set is derived, 5 UK top 40 studio albums, including the UK No1 \u003ci\u003eSteel Town\u003c\/i\u003e. Welcome then to a Big Country.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisc 1 starts with their 2nd single (and 1st hit), the distinctive\u003ci\u003e Fields Of Fire \u003c\/i\u003e(UK No.10). Wearing its Scottish folk influences on its sleeve, the bagpipe-like ringing guitar sound gave the track an anthemic quality and very much heralded the bands arrival on the music scene. It’s followed by the reflective, melancholy of \u003ci\u003eChance\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.9), which introduces a very different side to the band. The marvellous bittersweet\u003ci\u003e In A Big Country\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.17) picks up the pace and as the title suggests conveys a sense of the great outdoors. Debut single\u003ci\u003e Harvest Home\u003c\/i\u003e is next and closely followed by \u003ci\u003eKing Of Emotion\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.16), taken from their 1988 UK top 10 album, \u003ci\u003ePeace In Our Time\u003c\/i\u003e, the title track from which provides the next selection (UK No.39). From there for the most part it’s much loved tracks from debut album \u003ci\u003eThe Crossing\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.3) amongst which you’ll find the wonderful folk inspired \u003ci\u003eThe Storm\u003c\/i\u003e and the beguiling \u003ci\u003eClose Action.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisc 2 begins with \u003ci\u003eWonderland\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.8) from 1984 and their 4th hit single (and 3rd top 10) in 12 months! \u003ci\u003eEast Of Eden\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.17) is next and at time of release was a taster for their 2nd album, whilst \u003ci\u003eJust A Shadow \u003c\/i\u003e(UK No.26) with its reflective mood was a late single from the same long player. That album\u003ci\u003e Steel Town\u003c\/i\u003e had taken them to the top of the UK album charts in the autumn of 1984 and ensured the band were in demand here, across Europe and in the US. \u003ci\u003eWhere The Rose Is Sown \u003c\/i\u003e(UK No.29), \u003ci\u003eBroken Heart\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.47) and \u003ci\u003eBeautiful People\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No. 72), taken from their 3rd album \u003ci\u003eThe Seer\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.2) follow. The title track from that same album, also included on disc 2, features Big Country fan the legendary Kate Bush! Collectable 12” mixes and a live cover of the soul classic The T\u003ci\u003eracks of My Tears \u003c\/i\u003econclude the set.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisc 3 commences with the bands most successful and arguably most memorable single \u003ci\u003eLook Away\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.7). From the same album (\u003ci\u003eThe Seer\u003c\/i\u003e) comes \u003ci\u003eOne Great Thing\u003c\/i\u003e (UK No.19) and \u003ci\u003eThe Teacher \u003c\/i\u003e(UK No.28). Further later singles including \u003ci\u003eRepublican Party Reptile \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eSave Me \u003c\/i\u003e(UK No. 41) follow, whilst \u003ci\u003eHold The Heart \u003c\/i\u003e(UK No.55) brings us back to \u003ci\u003eThe Seer \u003c\/i\u003ealbum. Further sought after 12” mixes (\u003ci\u003eOne Great Thing, In A Big Country, Fields Of Fire\u003c\/i\u003e) rub shoulders with experimental outings \u003ci\u003e(Flag Of Nations\u003c\/i\u003e) and later key album tracks. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis set takes the listener up to 1991 when commercially their star began to fade but they continued recording and touring extensively until 1999 when they released\u003ci\u003e Driving To Damascus\u003c\/i\u003e. Adamson would later confide that the poor response to the record left him with depression, which in turn caused him to disappear on more than one occasion. More live work in 2000 followed but later that year and much to everyone’s concern he would disappear again. Shortly before Xmas 2001 terrible news broke, Adamson had taken his own life. Inevitably tributes came from many including David Bowie and the Clash’s Joe Strummer and Mick Jones. U2’s The Edge stated that Adamson with Big Country had written the songs that he wished U2 could write and Bruce Springsteen is quoted as saying ‘Whoever wrote In A Big Country was the real deal’. The 10 million album sales Big Country racked up during their time together are testament to that. Enjoy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spectrum","offers":[{"title":"CD | x3","offer_id":50480749019467,"sku":"1094267","price":5.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/91b2a534-ed11-4e8b-b2e9-bc1f8022b85b_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727526437"},{"product_id":"why-the-long-face-rsd-2024","title":"Why The Long Face - RSD 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\n                            This product is a Record Store Day exclusive title and is not available to pre-order.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n                            To buy in-store: 8am, 20\/04\/2024 (Record Store Day).\u003cbr\u003e\n                            To buy online: 8pm, 22\/04\/2024. (Subject to availability).\u003cbr\u003e\n                            Don’t forget: Click 'Notify Me' to be the first to know about its availability online. It also helps us to place accurate orders so that we can please as many of you as possible on the day.\u003cbr\u003e\n                            \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom 1995, the 8th studio album by Big Country featuring the original line-up of Stuart Adamson, Bruce Watson, Tony Butler and Mark Brzezicki. Combining new wave and even new romantic elements with Celtic slanted pop-rock, the album features live favourites ‘I’m Not Ashamed’ and ‘You Dreamer’. Only 3,000 copies were pressed initially and it has never been re-pressed. Now available for Record Store Day on limited edition tourquoise vinyl.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"BMG","offers":[{"title":"Blue LP","offer_id":50531169960267,"sku":"2181178","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Big_Country_Why_The_Long_Face-ERA_9b9421f0_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728096833"},{"product_id":"driving-to-damascus-deluxe-edition","title":"Driving To Damascus - Deluxe Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriving To Damascus\u003c\/strong\u003e is the eighth and final album by \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e with Stuart Adamson. This 4CD Deluxe Edition includes the live-in-the-studio ‘Nashville Sessions’, single versions, alternate mixes from the US release ‘John Wayne’s Dream’, and two discs of demos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFormed by singer\/guitarist Stuart Adamson in 1981 after leaving his previous group Skids, the Scottish rock band \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e were hugely successful in the UK and US. They scored four UK Top 10 albums including \u003cem\u003eThe Crossing\u003c\/em\u003e (a UK platinum, US gold record) plus a further 2 UK Top 30 albums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDriving To Damascus\u003c\/strong\u003e features the classic \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e lineup of Stuart Adamson (vocals\/guitar), Bruce Watson (guitar), Tony Butler (bass), and Mark Brzezicki (drums). The album was recorded in the legendary Rockfield Studios in Wales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlbum highlights include ‘\u003cem\u003eSomebody Else\u003c\/em\u003e’ and ‘\u003cem\u003eDevil In The Eye\u003c\/em\u003e’ which were co-written by Ray Davies of The Kinks. Eddi Reader is a guest vocalist on the single ‘\u003cem\u003eFragile Thing\u003c\/em\u003e’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIan Grant, \u003cstrong\u003eBig Country\u003c\/strong\u003e manager from 1981 to 2013, has written the sleeve notes providing a personal insight into the album’s genesis.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cherry Red","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50933707440459,"sku":"2020522","price":28.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/qDieiwMw_62fdde56_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1733355358"},{"product_id":"live-at-rockpalast-1986-and-1991","title":"Live At Rockpalast 1986 and 1991","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe performance on 15 March 1986 at the Grugahalle in Essen captured on DVD1 was the beginning of the tour in support of Big Country's third album \u003cem\u003eThe Seer,\u003c\/em\u003e and saw the band performing material from their first three albums\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Mig Music","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":51062017720651,"sku":"2238253","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_d8fe8b4d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1736351109"},{"product_id":"why-the-long-face-deluxe-and-expanded","title":"Why The Long Face - Deluxe and Expanded","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis release includes not only the full length album \u003cem\u003eWhy The Long Face\u003c\/em\u003e, but also their live 1996 album \u003cem\u003eEclectic\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso features a huge array of bonus tracks and band demos, including alternative and acoustic versions of classic tracks such as ‘In A Big Country’ and ‘You Dreamer’, plus a whole load of rarities including Big Country’s cover versions of Alice Cooper’s ‘Teenage Lament’, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s ‘Down On The Corner’ and Neil Young’s ‘Hey Hey My My’.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll material contained within has been remastered especially for this release.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComes packaged in a clamshell box set, with booklet containing full sleeve-notes documenting the band’s activities throughout the release of the album.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFormed in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1981 by the band’s guitarists and founder members Stuart Adamson and Bruce Watson, Big Country quickly broke worldwide with their initial album The Crossing, selling over two million copies and receiving three Grammy nominations in the US. Success continued, and the band went on to put out another five highly regarded albums before the release of ‘Why The Long Face’ in 1995.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith original singer Stuart Adamson at the helm, Big Country scored 17 top 30 singles in the UK, and achieved 5 gold and platinum albums during the period.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Cherry Red","offers":[{"title":"4CD","offer_id":53234214371659,"sku":"5013929105805","price":21.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/s-l1600_70fe397c-9b8e-4ef5-9e54-5b4b38949c2d.jpg?v=1755936470"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/collections\/big-country.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}