New Waterboys album (and label)

Waterboys fans will be pleased that the band have signed to West 14, part of Universal Records, who will release the new Waterboys album in Spring 2007.

I, for one, feel that Waterboys product is not as prominent as it should be. There is confusion in the catalogue. The 1980s album re-releases were overpriced. Product of the last five years or so has been weak. As a result, Mike Scott/Waterboys are punching below their weight. They're one of Britain's top bands, but you'd hardly know it.

West 14 is run by John Williams, who worked with the Waterboys during their time at Chrysalis Records, and who also produced a classic mid-1980s radio session for the band, later included on the album 'The Secret Life Of The Waterboys'.

It marks a return to a major label for the Waterboys, whose last two albums, 'Universal Hall' and 'Karma To Burn' were on their own Puck Records. Here's hoping it marks a return to form, too.

Mike Scott and co-producer (and Waterboys manager) Philip Tennant are currently close to finishing the new Waterboys album, which features ten songs, including "Everybody Takes A Tumble" and 'The Crash Of Angel Wings" both of which have featured on the band's recent concert tours. The album is as yet untitled.

Musicians include Steve Wickham, Richard Naiff, drummers Brady Blade and Jeremy Stacey, bassman Mark Smith, electric guitarist Leo Abrahams, long-time Waterboys alumni Roddy Lorimer (trumpet) and Chris Bruce (electric guitar), and members of Vancouver band Great Aunt Ida.


Gerry Smith