Search - Big Country :: Why the Long Face

Why the Long Face - Why haven't you heard it?

Keef | Gaffney, SC USA | 09/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The fact that Big Country continued to make records long after the MTV fave 'In a Big Country' seems to surprise most listeners. I loved BC in the 80s, but even I let them drop off my radar around '89 or so. Anyone that listened to BC way back when and got caught up by the anthemic sounds of their early work should definitely invest in 'Why the Long Face.' The sound isn't quite as majestic as the first LPs, but it's harder, it's louder, and Stuart Adamson's lyrics are - dare I say it? - even better than the old stuff. Once I discovered the CD, it quickly became my favorite."

Unbridled energy, catchy hooks permeate "Why The Long Face"

courtland simmons | Wilmington, NC , U.S.A. | 06/19/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"...Scottish quartet Big Country are another group pigeon- holed with the stigma of being an 80's band, with a single shining moment in time. Of course the year was 1983, the album "The Crossing" and the singles "In A Big Country" and "Fields Of Fire".
From that initial siccess the Glasgow act was given but a small strand of rope from which to cling on to and any opprtunity to build a legion of followers from album to album was a small strand for fans hold onto.
"Why The Long Face" their 1995 release, is proof that the group have never stopped working on projects, and this record, like past Big Country offerings, is action- packed. Though a few a few tracks on "Long Face" are somewhat predictable, the emphasis on song and story by lead singer Stuart Adamson are the building blocks of the album.
The band are at their high- energy best with strong off- note vocal riffs, and a slight blues guitar touch on "Message of Love",a fuller dose of the latter and smooth hi- hat led work by drummer Mark Brzezcki on "I'm Not Ashamed", and a well- desigend E- Bow solo on the little song "Sail Into Nothing" .
The old bagpipe sound and rolling funk bass line propel "You Dreamer" and "Thunder And Lightning",with the latter expoliting Adamson's Scottish brogue creeping into the lyrics and Brzezcki's military inspired beat providing backdrop
"Send You" is a locomotive that builds up steam with a flawless guitar solo with the only drawback being that the song is too short.
Brezezcki shines again making tempo breaks seem routine with Butler aiding and abeiting,plus bright guitar work on Bruce Watson's part on "One In A Million",and more of the same on the albums most explosive track,"God's Great Mistake, which has about four infectious hooks squeezed into the body of the song. Other distinctions to bear include the hi- hat attacks in mid- stride by Brezezcki, muddy and sinister sounding guitar tones from Watson,and Adamsons matching lyrics including the lines, "Guns are the last thing we need. The latest in monsters a word from our sponsors, I wait for the weather map guy. Who dosen't offer much here but he's got a matching tie".
Add to the hi- lites the bright and punchy bass line and bluesy guitar mood of "Take You To The Moon",and there are enough distinctive traits out of the 14 tracks that make "Why The Long Face" a solid if not a perfect piece of work.
The strength of this album's better cuts cover up the basic wounds sufficiently enough for one to be able to stand upright,making it a note-worthy three star album...."

Another great album from a very looked-over band

B. harlan | Houston, TX USA | 03/06/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just recently discovered Big Country and similar to other 80s acts (Crowded House,etc) they were NOT "one hit wonders" despite how jaded music reviewers, Billboard, Rolling Stone labled them. This band was one of the GREAT bands. maybe someday, a future generation will discover them and get them inducted into the Rock and roll hall of fame; though we all know getting in there DOESNT make you a great band.



I love every song on this album. its got fast, slow, up and down dynamics; there isnt a bad one on here!! great Power Pop-Rock for those who appreciate good music, not the shi* that passes for music these days.

I was in 10th grade when this came out and was still in the throes of Grunge ;and never heard of this til 13 years later. better late then never..





buy this CD!!!!!"