The Crossing

Big Country 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.

Within a year of their first release, many existing bands began to emulate Big Country's sound, but nobody achieved it quite like them. Released in July 1983, The Crossing 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, The Crossing features four of Big Country's best-known songs: "In A Big Country," "Fields Of Fire (400 Miles)," "Harvest Home," and "Chance."

This re-issue faithfully replicates the original 1983 Mercury Records UK release with a textured blue sleeve and is pressed onto high-quality 180g vinyl.