release date: 1984 (?)
format: vinyl (1985 reissue) / digital
[album rate: 4,5 / 5] [4,43]
producer: Paul Buchanan and Robert Bell
label: Linn Records - nationality: Scotland, UK
Tracklist: 1. "A Walk Across the Rooftops" (4,5 / 5) - 2. "Tinseltown in the Rain" (5 / 5 ) - 3. "From Rags to Riches" (4 / 5) - 4. "Stay" (5 / 5) - 5. "Easter Parade" (4 / 5) - 6. "Heatwave" (4,5 / 5) - 7. "Automobile Noise" (4 / 5)
Studio album debut by the Scottish band The Blue Nile, which may or may not have been released in late '83 or early '84. I can't remember how I came across this band but I know that I purchased the album about a year after its release. I have played the vinyl issue more than most other albums in my collection. I never understood why they weren't more popular. Critics loved them but they never made it to the huge crowds. After their second album, they were the critics' darlings and also had many fans among other musicians, which led to many collaboration works.
However, guitarist, lead vocalist and main songwriter Paul Buchanan obviously wasn't interested in a glamorous life, and just wanted his ordinary life. The band didn't release albums too often, and after the third studio album they have kept quiet without officially being disbanded.
This album is rightfully enlisted in "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die".
[ allmusic.com, Rolling Stone, Q Magazine 4 / 5, Sounds 5 / 5 stars ]
1984 Favourite releases: 1. U2 The Unforgettable Fire - 2. The Smiths The Smiths - 3. The Blue Nile A Walk Across the Rooftops
