After looking at the CD cover of Great Big Sea’s “Sea of No Cares” you might think the huge blurry goldfish represents the band’s artsy style. But don’t let the cover fool you.
The Newfoundland band has a unique sound filled with unusual instruments like fiddles, a mandolin, accordions, and a flamenco guitar. It’s a shame that with all these crazy tools songs like “Sea of No Cares,” “Penelope” and “Clearest Indication” sound boring and simple.
“Sea of No Cares” combines Celtic ballads and adult contemporary songs. Lead singer, Alan Doyle sounds great in the Celtic songs. But his attempts at rock sounds like really bad Jars of Clay.
“Scolding Wife” is a pleasant surprise on the CD. This song has the qualities of a drunken Irish Pub chant. The ballad tells the story of men who would thank the Devil he took their wives to Hell. The funny song seems like it should be in a Celtic Monty Python movie.
Another noteworthy song is “Fortune.” It brings you back to Great Britain during the Renaissance. Fiddles, a flute, and a tambourine fill this wordless tune. Just like Great Big Sea other Celtic songs, “Fortune” showcases the band’s talent with instruments.
According to their Web site, www.greatbigsea.com, in 2002 the band had the best selling album in Canada. They beat out American favorites like Ja Rule, Linkin Park and Enrique Iglesias. Maybe the Canadians just have completely different tastes than us, but Great Big Sea is not very entertaining or musically appealing.
Great Big Sea played at the Varsity with Cowboy Mouth last Friday. The 12-year-old band is currently touring with Hootie and Blowfish as well
{D+}