A folk-rock band headed by Scottish singer/songwriter and guitarist Mike Scott, The Waterboys were at their peak musically when this was recorded, and it is amazing how well this music has held up. Proving its timeless quality, it sounds like it was recorded only months ago instead of twelve and a half years. In fact, this album contains tracks taken from their best shows back in '86, including the semi-legendary and much pirated Glastonbury Show, which featured an epic version of "Savage Earth Heart." Most of their own material was from This is the Sea, their current album at the time. It also includes material from all their previous albums starting with the first Waterboys's single ever released, "A Girl Called Johnny," and ending with some tunes from their Fisherman's Blues period which were previously unreleased until now. Wow! How time flies. As with most live albums, things are a bit rough in places, but with Scott's voice this only adds to the charm. While I enjoy the whole album, the Dylan cover "Death is Not the End" is my favorite. This is a must for fans and would make a great introduction to newcomers, especially appealing to fans of Bob Dylan and Bruce Cockburn.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartAt risk of sounding trite, the British Isles have a very rich musical heritage, and it often surprises me that more bands don't draw on it when formulating their own sound. I don't recommend that bands simply retread already traveled folk and folk-rock roads, but those artists who take the time to explore their musical heritage often find themselves the better for it. One band that certainly did…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinBy first hand accounts, The Waterboys played with such emotional resonance that their live shows brought tears to the eye. Shedding virtual tears myself, I lament not ever seeing them in concert and The Live Adventures of The Waterboys further fuels my profound regret. Sadly, The Waterboys are no more, but you don't have to pine any longer. These two discs will take you back home and their…More from The Waterboys
2003Universal Hall
2000A Rock in the Weary Land
1998The Whole of the Moon: The Music of Mike Scott & The Waterboys
