Thank you for reacting to Big Country. It's very much appreciated. 💙 Best live band I've ever seen. Love them to this day. I listen to twenty seven of their others before this, but still think it's great.
I saw Big Country play live twice in 1983. On both occasions, their performances were physically and emotionally committed, inspiring an atmosphere of celebratory excitement amongst the audience. Regarding the similarity between this song and "In a big country" ; The vast majority of rock bands have at least one element in their material which is recognisably theirs, whether it be the rhythm section, a guitar sound or vocal mannerisms. Also, the two songs were recorded in the same studio during the same sessions, so a consistency in production was inevitable.
I kind of had the same thoughts as John about the particular song, but they are obviously a great live band! I was pretty blown away by bass more than anything else here? Wow! ❤ And their energy level is off the charts.
You need to listen to the album version of this song and also some later live performances where the guitar sound is much heavier. This particular recording is from a TV show, it is played live, but not in the band's usual situation. The 'bagpipe' sound was a combination of 3 major components: 1) Stuart Adamson's playing style, which was rooted in folk music 2) The combination between the two guitarists, Bruce Watson and Stuart Adamson and 3) Rack mounted MXR Pitch Transposers, which were a key element to their recorded and live sound. Listen also to the entire album 'The Crossing', it is an absolute classic and totally unique.
A favorite song from a favorite album. Lots of good fireworks from Stuart and Bruce. I think Harvest Home precedes In a Big Country, so maybe they played into their strengths as they wrote their big single.
Who saw the fences falling Who broke the ploughman's bread Who heard the winter calling Who wore the tailor's thread How many sheaves were counted How did the carriage shine How many thoughts were doubted How did the landlord dine? Just as you sow you shall reap. Who led the mayday feasting Who saw the harvest home Who left the future wasting Who watched the families go? See where the bowls are empty See where the arms reach See where the butter melted See where the altars creak. Where were the days of promise Where were the gifts divine Where were the heroes honest Where was the summer wine? Watch how the waves must shatter Watch how the shore divides Watch how the nets will tatter Watch Canute and his bride.
My hometown heroes my idols and my friends BIG COUNTRY! The guitar tone IS NOT BAGPIPES first thing, it's Scottish folk music played on fiddle and accordion you are hearing. This tv appearance was almost exactly 40 years ago, just a couple of days past. I remember watching this well. I hope you continue to explore Stuart's amazing work, because your friend is very definitely entirely wrong. Stuart Adamson I was one of the most unique and identifiable guitarists and songwriters of the last 40 years. He will NEVER be forgotten as anyone who saw Big Country live with Stuart can tell you.
I love Big Country and their distinctive, original sound. They were a really tight band and brilliant live, it's just a shame that the guitars are so far back in the mix of this video making it sound quite tame. I saw them in 1982 supporting the Jam on their farewell tour. Cheers.
I recognise the name Big Country, but never heard them before. Ok , didn't hate it and kinda thought its ok. As for the guitar sounding like bagpipes, i agree. It reminded me of an Aussie iconic band The Angels... their song Am I Ever Going to See Your Face Again... which is an awesome song btw...they did it much better!
Saw Big Country over 20 times live fantastic
Thank you for reacting to Big Country. It's very much appreciated. 💙 Best live band I've ever seen. Love them to this day. I listen to twenty seven of their others before this, but still think it's great.
Best band ever, I was at this performance that night on TV in the UK
I saw Big Country play live twice in 1983. On both occasions, their performances were physically and emotionally committed, inspiring an atmosphere of celebratory excitement amongst the audience. Regarding the similarity between this song and "In a big country" ; The vast majority of rock bands have at least one element in their material which is recognisably theirs, whether it be the rhythm section, a guitar sound or vocal mannerisms. Also, the two songs were recorded in the same studio during the same sessions, so a consistency in production was inevitable.
I kind of had the same thoughts as John about the particular song, but they are obviously a great live band! I was pretty blown away by bass more than anything else here? Wow! ❤ And their energy level is off the charts.
You need to listen to the album version of this song and also some later live performances where the guitar sound is much heavier. This particular recording is from a TV show, it is played live, but not in the band's usual situation. The 'bagpipe' sound was a combination of 3 major components: 1) Stuart Adamson's playing style, which was rooted in folk music 2) The combination between the two guitarists, Bruce Watson and Stuart Adamson and 3) Rack mounted MXR Pitch Transposers, which were a key element to their recorded and live sound. Listen also to the entire album 'The Crossing', it is an absolute classic and totally unique.
You should do " Porrohman " from the same show .
A favorite song from a favorite album. Lots of good fireworks from Stuart and Bruce. I think Harvest Home precedes In a Big Country, so maybe they played into their strengths as they wrote their big single.
Who saw the fences falling
Who broke the ploughman's bread
Who heard the winter calling
Who wore the tailor's thread
How many sheaves were counted
How did the carriage shine
How many thoughts were doubted
How did the landlord dine?
Just as you sow you shall reap.
Who led the mayday feasting
Who saw the harvest home
Who left the future wasting
Who watched the families go?
See where the bowls are empty
See where the arms reach
See where the butter melted
See where the altars creak.
Where were the days of promise
Where were the gifts divine
Where were the heroes honest
Where was the summer wine?
Watch how the waves must shatter
Watch how the shore divides
Watch how the nets will tatter
Watch Canute and his bride.
Check out The Skids, Stuart Adamson was the lead guitar. Just seen them live and they are stll 65YO punk rockers !
My hometown heroes my idols and my friends BIG COUNTRY! The guitar tone IS NOT BAGPIPES first thing, it's Scottish folk music played on fiddle and accordion you are hearing. This tv appearance was almost exactly 40 years ago, just a couple of days past. I remember watching this well. I hope you continue to explore Stuart's amazing work, because your friend is very definitely entirely wrong. Stuart Adamson I was one of the most unique and identifiable guitarists and songwriters of the last 40 years. He will NEVER be forgotten as anyone who saw Big Country live with Stuart can tell you.
They definitely have a “sound”. I can hear IN A BIG COUNTRY in this for sure!
I love Big Country and their distinctive, original sound. They were a really tight band and brilliant live, it's just a shame that the guitars are so far back in the mix of this video making it sound quite tame. I saw them in 1982 supporting the Jam on their farewell tour. Cheers.
I recognise the name Big Country, but never heard them before. Ok , didn't hate it and kinda thought its ok. As for the guitar sounding like bagpipes, i agree. It reminded me of an Aussie iconic band The Angels... their song Am I Ever Going to See Your Face Again... which is an awesome song btw...they did it much better!
You need to do them at barrowlands 1983 New Year’s Eve. Much more mature sound. Try “angle park” at barrowlands.. full on energy