Great Big Sea - Something Beautiful (CD)

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Feb 11, 2005

Less Celtic pub, more quirky arena rock

By Yahoo! Shopping User  May 31, 2004

Pros: -

Cons: -

The seventh album from this Newfoundland band, the second for the U.S. based Zoe/Rounder, rocks more heavily than their earlier releases. The songs are still hugely melodic, with well executed harmonies and backing vocals, but the bass and drums exert themselves more fully, and even the singing has some extra punch. The band's Celtic influences often move more to the edges, influencing the melodies and arrangements (such as the rhythmic backing vocal of "Beat the Drum") in more subtle shades.

On the surface, these songs sound like the sort of rousing arena rockers turned out by Bare Naked Ladies and Dave Matthews, but at their core are the sort of progressions brought to rock 'n' roll by Black 47 and The Pogues. The traditional instruments come to the fore now and again, such as for the quick spinning hockey reel, "Helmethead" the sea-faring waltz, "Lucky Me," and the accordion-and-whistle polka, "Chafe's Ceilidh."

Longtime fans will decry the band's growing affinity for the mainstream, manifested most notably in their employ of Bare Naked Ladies producer Michael Phillip Wojewoda to helm these sessions. But they're a really good mainstream band, weaving threads of their native Newfoundland into music whose appeal is broadened without being denuded. These songs may not resound throughout North American pubs, but they'll please mainstream rock fans looking for something with a bit of a twist.

Weenie Rock

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Mar 16, 2004

Pros: Upbeat, the Irishy Wind Instrumentals are Different

Cons: No style...very Toad the Wet Sprocket-ish cheeeeese

The other guy's review made me pick it up. Hopefully mine makes everyone else want to put it down. Save yourself the money, or rather spend it on a Barenaked Ladies disc instead if this is the type of music you're looking for. The lyrics on Something Beautiful are hardly that...

"Hey you, you lost your only friend...You can't believe your broken heart will ever mend...every mountain...etc.."

C'mon bro, write some lyrics that don't come out of the Card Catalog of things we've already heard before. Trite words, tired phrases and Dr. Seuss rhymes.

On another note, the lead singer should try out for the part of Roger in Rent (Broadway musical) He sounds just like the soundtrack. But that still doesn't mean you should buy this album. It sucks.

Great

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Mar 12, 2004

Pros: Great Lyrics

Cons: Less Celtic influence

I have listened to the CD 3 times and it just gets better and better each time. I think the best song is the title track "Something Beautiful". I highly recomend this CD.

They did it again!

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Mar 12, 2004

Pros: It's got some new stuff

Cons: They're doing a US tour before a Maritime tour

I've loved the boys since the early 90's and the discovery of the Up album. Their blend of new and traditional music is flawless.
I read on either the streeter messages or the actual website that when they put this album together, they had so many songs that they are actually going to come out with a "part two" which will include the traditional songs they just couldn't add on.
Even though the band lost and original member, the two new boys are great performers on the new album.
Can't wait until they come touring our way in the fall!

Beautiful, indeed!

By Yahoo! Shopping User  Mar 3, 2004 | 2 out of 7 found this Something Beautiful review helpful

Pros: Uplifting, encouraging disc

Cons: Too short!

It's a definite departure from the past albums, but this is one growth spurt I'm enjoying! Definitely pick it up if you want a pick-me-up!