Sea of No Cares

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Great Big Sea's canny blend of Celtic melodies, acoustic-guitar-driven rhythms, and thrilling vocal harmonies have made them bestselling artists in their native Canada. On Sea of No Cares, they tweak their signature acoustic sound by adding drums, electric guitar, Hammond organ, and even trumpet. But they never stray far from their roots, and even when they crank up the volume on the raucous folk song "The Scolding Wife," the droning electric guitar sounds more like an extra-loud set of bagpipes than a rocker's sonic weapon. Each member of the band contributes to the songwriting, and their output tends to be upbeat in both mood and rhythm, as on the joyous odes to love and friendship "Stumbling In" and "One True Way." As the title song "Sea of No Cares" implies, the music of Great Big Sea is generally positive and sunny. But the inclusion of the old Celtic seafaring ballads act as a reminder that although the sun is shining today, a storm is never far away. --Michael Simmons

Sea of No Cares,Great Big Sea,Zoe Records,Celtic,Pop,Popular Music,Rock

Sea of No Cares

Tracks:

Sea Of No Cares
Penelope
Clearest Indication
Scolding Wife
Stumbling In
A Boat Like Gideon Brown
Widow in the Window
French Perfume
Yarmouth Town
Barque In the Harbor
Own True Way
Fortune

Amazon.com

Great Big Sea's canny blend of Celtic melodies, acoustic-guitar-driven rhythms, and thrilling vocal harmonies have made them bestselling artists in their native Canada. On Sea of No Cares, they tweak their signature acoustic sound by adding drums, electric guitar, Hammond organ, and even trumpet. But they never stray far from their roots, and even when they crank up the volume on the raucous folk song "The Scolding Wife," the droning electric guitar sounds more like an extra-loud set of bagpipes than a rocker's sonic weapon. Each member of the band contributes to the songwriting, and their output tends to be upbeat in both mood and rhythm, as on the joyous odes to love and friendship "Stumbling In" and "One True Way." As the title song "Sea of No Cares" implies, the music of Great Big Sea is generally positive and sunny. But the inclusion of the old Celtic seafaring ballads act as a reminder that although the sun is shining today, a storm is never far away. --Michael Simmons

Customer Reviews:

True independent music.......2004-08-20

This cd was my first introduction to this wonderful band from Newfoundland Canada. It is a blend of Celtic and independent rock certain to have you singing along and then wanting more. Alan Doyle's voice is strong and passionate. This is a good start to the music of Great Big Sea before moving on to the more contemporary sounds of "*Something Beautiful" or the more traditional sounds of "Rant and Roar".

Great, but overproduced.......2004-01-31

Having waited so long to for the next GBS album, I couldn't wait to put the CD in. Perhaps I had my hopes up too high. (Yes this band does have a tendancy to develop fervor amongst people who have heard them)
The first track, Sea of No Cares sounded so much like any other garage band effort out there. If you've seen a band play at a local club and bought their CD because you got caught up in the moment, then you already know what I mean. That first track sounded, of all things, amateurish and overproduced. Now, this is one of the most polished bands out there, so It came as an affront to me and tainted my view of the rest of the album. This is also the first time they have included a drumset and a drummer. So I guess they were trying to make a point by opening it with a drum solo. But I was not impressed.
There are some absolutely phenomenal songs on this album. My favorite is "Stumbling In" and the CD is worth it just to hear that. Another jems is "Own true Way" and "Clearest Indication" is a song I've lived more than I care to admit. "Penelope" could have been written by Jimmy Buffet. That sounds like a song he should sing. I found it a little out of place and totally out of character for the boys from Newfoundland. And somehow a little patriotic flare shot up at the apparent disparagement of an American city by these Canadians. (I said I was honest...)

GBS continues to be my favorite band because they produce absolutely fabulous, honest, optimistic music. There are some genuine keepers on this album, but if you want a better introduction to them, try Rant and Roar. If you've already been introduced to GBS, then what are you waiting for? Get this CD and you will be happy you did.

Why did I give it only three stars? Because of the albums I have this is about average. Maybe I have nothing but stellar albums in my collection, but that's my honest review. It takes a lot to get five stars out of me. Only one album has so far and, by the way, that album is Rant and Roar.

A CD for every person!.......2003-12-24

GREAT BIG SEA is a mixture of culture and time. Their songs stretch from classic Irish tunes to modern pop music. But, make no mistake, they are great songs.

This CD incorporates the bands talent for music, with today's desire for pop music. Anybody who appreciates music will love this CD! Their smooth melodies and accentual chords make this a CD constant repeat in your CD player, both in the car and at your dinner parties.

This CD represents a more commerical appeal than their previous CD's (PLAY also had commercial appeal). But, once you learn what Great Big Sea is about, you will be in a must have situation for all of their previous CD's. You can forget the bad language, and the hard electric guitars. We are talking about music in a pure form. Lyrics that hit, instrumental collections that support, and most of all, a feeling of.. well, Greatness.

You would be hard set to find a CD that would be able to be put on repeat and not hated after a day. Great Big Sea does that wiht Sea of No Cares. Your friends will instantly be asking you, "Who are they?!?"

Answer: They've been around for over 10 years, and won five (5) awards at the 2003 East Coast Music Awards (Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Video of the Year, and Pop Group of the Year). Those Left Coast people (like me) are missing out!

GREAT BAND, GREAT CD!.......2003-11-18

I really enjoyed this album as well as all of GBS albums. My kids get a kick out of listening the cd. With all of the new music and pop singers out there, it is nice to have a band out there that plays the "good old stuff" with a new twist. Having worked with the band in NYC in 2001, I have to say, they are the nicest group of men out there, and their music shows their personalities. I recomend this album and all of GBS's albums to anyone who enjoys celtic folksongs with a 21st century beat. You won't be disapointed.

supper mix of traditional and new songs........2003-07-30